The tradition continues in 2026 as the Five Dollar 5K ($5K) Race Series returns for another exciting season of affordable, low-key, and competitive racing—hosted by Twin City Track Club.
Designed for runners of all levels, the $5K offers something special: a well-organized event without the high price tag. Whether you’re looking for a tune-up race before a goal event, a welcoming first race experience, or simply a chance to test yourself each month without breaking the bank, this series delivers. The event has always been about creating an affordable, consistent, and community-focused race experience.
2026 Race Schedule
All races begin at 6:30 p.m.:
- Tuesday, April 14, 2026
- Tuesday, May 12, 2026
- Tuesday, June 9, 2026
- Tuesday, July 14, 2026
- Tuesday, August 11, 2026
- Tuesday, September 8, 2026
Registration opens March 1 for all six races.
Note: There will be six races this year instead of seven. The October race has been discontinued to avoid past issues with limited daylight later in the season.
Series Scoring – Flexible and Competitive
The $5K Series is perfect for runners who enjoy friendly competition. Participants earn points at each race using age group scoring. First place (overall and age group) earns 100 points, second place earns 99, third earns 98, and so on. Scores will be updated by the next day and posted on the series webpage.
New for 2026: Only your fastest 4 of 6 races will count toward your final series score. This change, based on runner feedback, provides flexibility if you need to miss a race while still rewarding consistency and performance. If you run all six races, you’ll have extra opportunities to improve your standing.
Awards will include:
- Top 3 Male Series Participants
- Top 3 Female Series Participants
- Top 25 Overall Series Participants
(Runners must complete at least four races to be eligible for series awards.)
A Race with History
The $5K began in 2017 under the leadership of founder Jim Wade. The first race, held on June 13, 2017, had just 11 finishers and almost didn’t happen due to a passing rainstorm. (Watch the post race video below!) By 2018, the series expanded to seven races and welcomed 330 total finishers. Participation continued to grow, reaching 768 finishers in 2019 and consistently drawing strong numbers in the years since.
The race is primarily run along the Muddy Creek Greenway. To limit congestion on the 10-foot-wide out-and-back paved path, each race is capped at 150 participants—helping preserve the safe, community feel that runners appreciate.
Even during the challenges of 2020–2021, the series continued with appropriate adjustments, demonstrating the strength and resilience of our club community.
Jim’s original vision was simple: promote running and make racing affordable. Inspired by parkrun-style events held around the world, he believed the club could offer something similar right here in Winston-Salem—and the success of the series proves he was right.
A New Race Director for 2026
Stepping into the role of race director this year is Russ Newland, who now takes the baton from the most recent race director, Terry Wilmoth, and continues the tradition originally started by Jim Wade.
Russ has served on the board of Twin City Track Club and is eager to build on the strong foundation established over the past nine years.
“This has always been a way to run an affordable, well-organized event,” Russ shared. “As the new race director, there is no intention to change the core meaning of the race. This will be what you are used to – consistent and reliable.”
He adds, “For someone who has never run it before, it is a low-key race experience that feels more like a run club get together. It is casual, with people of all levels out there.”
Participants can also look forward to random monthly door prize drawings throughout the series.
Join Us in 2026
The $5K is more than a race series—it’s a community tradition. It’s friendly competition, personal challenge, and a reminder that racing can still be simple, welcoming, and affordable.
