Things to do in East Forest

Saturday, Oct 17

Strides for Shelter 5k and Fun Run

McAlpine Creek Park

Join us for the 10th Anniversary of the Strides for Shelter 5K and Fun Run on October 17, 2026, at McAlpine Creek Park in Charlotte, NC! This family-friendly event will feature a chip-timed 5K race, a fun run for kids, and activities for all ages, with proceeds benefiting the Crisis Assistance Ministry to support families in financial crisis. Enjoy a race t-shirt, swag bag, post-race refreshments, and the chance to make a positive impact in your community!

Saturday, Nov 7

Charlotte Empower Walk & 5K Run

McAlpine Creek Park

The Autism Speaks Empower Walk + 5K Run is an uplifting celebration of community and progress, combining the spirit of the traditional Walk with the energy of a 5K run! Whether you’re walking, running, or cheering from the sidelines, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Join us as we take bold steps toward a world where all people with autism can reach their full potential. Come for the cause, stay for the community — and leave empowered. To register prior to November 5 , or for more information, please visit our official Empower Walk & 5K Run site . Event Schedule: 8-8:45 a.m. - 5K Run registration 9 a.m. - Timed 5K Run start 9:30 a.m. - Walk registration/kids' activities begin 10:30 a.m. - Superhero Sprint 10:45 a.m. - Opening Ceremonies and Walk 1 p.m. - Event concludes

Saturday, Nov 28

Brooks South XC Championships

8711 Monroe Rd

South Championships Race Date: Saturday November 28, 2026 Welcome to the Brooks South XC Championships Presented by Fleet Feet! Witness the toughest high school runners put it all on the line for a shot at qualifying for the Brooks XC National Championships in San Diego. Four Brooks XC Regional Championships will be held across the country, and this is your opportunity to compete for a spot representing the South Region. The top 10 boys and girls in the Championship Race will earn the chance to race for the title of toughest in the nation at Balboa Park. Teams/Group Pricing: We are offering discounted pricing for groups/teams of 10+ at $40/registration E-mail us at XCchampionships@eventusexp.com to get started Registrations must be pre-paid for by one person, comp codes will then be created and shared to distribute with each individual registrant (we are not able to retroactively apply this discount, you must e-mail us prior to registering) View Other Regional Championships Shop Merch Event Information Course Maps Results Photos Contact

Thursday, Dec 31

NOON Year's Eve 5K 2026

8711 Monroe Rd

Run in the New Year with us at the 4th annual NOON Year's Eve 5K presented by Patterson Heating & Air Conditioning! This popular holiday 5K sold out the first three years, so we're expecting a full house again in 2026. The 5K kicks off with a traditional New Year's Eve countdown at NOON! All paces are welcome. Runners (and walkers!) will enjoy a certified cross country course with scenic views of the lake and surrounding parkland. SWAG If you love swag, we've got you covered! 5K participants will receive a long sleeve, branded race shirt, a finisher medal and post-race lunch/beverages. Make sure you sign up early to secure your swag though, as we do expect another sellout. If you prefer to keep it simple, we offer a "Go Green" option where runners can opt out of a shirt and medal (but you still get to enjoy the post-race sustenance!). RACE COURSES The 5K course begins and ends in McAlpine Creek Park. This is a certified 5K course consisting of crushed gravel surface - perfect for pushing yourself for a new PR! The Noon Year's Eve Kids Dash course is ~ 0.20 mile, flat sprint perfect for nearly all ages. The kiddos will start at the 5K start line and cut across a crushed gravel path to take a "shortcut" to the finish line. Parents are welcome to accompany their kids on this fun run! Visit our courses page for more details, including MapMyRun links! AWARDS Visit our awards page for details on overall and age group awards, including our exclusive awards for the fastest LAST MILE of 2026! KIDS DASH The NOON Year's Eve Kids Dash starts at 12:45 pm. The little ones dash 0.25 miles from the start to finish line and receive their own branded finisher medal.

Saturday, Mar 6

Stride for Pride 5K & Relay

McAlpine Creek Park

Join us on Saturday, March 6th, 2027, for the Stride for Pride 5K & Relay, a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community, health, wellness and inclusivity! It is open to participants of all fitness levels--awards to all levels! Whether you’re running, walking or cheering on your friends and family, we’ll celebrate together with pride. We will have queer owned businesses and vendors, music and more! Our Goal: To celebrate inclusivity, empower the LGBTQIA+ community, and promote health and wellness. This event is not only about running but about creating visibility and creating spaces where everyone can feel safe, supported and celebrated. Let's come together and amplify the conversation around inclusivity, pride and community. Post-Race Celebration After the race, join us for a Post-Race Celebration! We’ll have music, vendor booths, drag, aerial silks, live music, and a chance to mingle with fellow runners. We encourage participants to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the day with friends and family. Vendors: If you would like to be a vendor at our event please reach out to info@harebandits.org and share a little bit about what you do and what you'd like to have at the event! (open to local business owners, queer biz owners, nonprofits, artists, and more) Performances/Music/Art: If you would like to be a performer at our event please reach out to info@harebandits.org and share a little bit about what you do (open to dancers, artists, musicians, djs, drag queens, and more) Photography: Stay tuned! Awards & Prizes Finisher Medals for all 5K Relay and 5K participants! Top 3 Male, Female, and Non-Binary finishers in the 5K will receive awards in the following age divisions: Overall, 1-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65+ Top 3 Male, Female, and Open Gender teams in the 5K Relay will receive awards. Relay Divisions: Overall Top 3 Additional surprise awards that having nothing to do with how fast you run! Registration Policies Event is rain or s...

Saturday, May 1

Teal Diva 5k for Gynecologic Cancers

McAlpine Creek Park

Welcome to Charlotte’s Only Gynecologic Cancer 5K Saturday, May 1, 2027 · McAlpine Park · In-Person + Virtual Options Race Day Schedule: 7:45 a.m.: Registration and Vendors open 8:40 a.m.: Survivor Photo 8:45 a.m.: Program Starts/ Opening Prayer 9:00 a.m.: 5k Race Begins 10:00 am: Inflatable Invitational 100 Yard Dash Begins 10:45 am: Awards presentation of top 3 male and female runners for select age groups + top fundraisers and largest teams If you’re unable to stay for the awards ceremony, you may pick up your award at the Awards Tent. Please note that all awards must be collected on race day. For alcohol consumption, please bring picture license identification for age validation.