footrace logoHickory – The Thirteenth Annual EmergeOrtho Oktoberfest 5K Footrace and Fun Run will take place on Saturday, October 14, at 8:00 am in downtown Hickory as part of Downtown Hickory’s Oktoberfest.

The Fun Run (1 city block) will begin at 8:00 am with the 5K starting at 8:30 am near the corner of Main Avenue NW and Center Street. The 5K begins on Main Avenue and guides runners through Union Square and downtown Hickory.  The route takes runners past Lenoir Rhyne and finishes back on Center Street.  For a complete map of the 5K course visit RacingToes.com and click on the race link. The 5K course is USATF certified.

Proceeds from the EmergeOrtho Oktoberfest Footrace will be split equally between the four Hospices in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba Counties. Using a holistic approach, Hospice serves the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the terminally ill and their family members. EmergeOrtho believes in supporting their local communities and the organizations, such as Hospice, that continue to serve patients and their families during one of life’s most difficult phases.

Registration is available online at RacingToes.com through October 11, 2017.  The 5K registration fee is $20 plus a $2.50 signup fee and the Fun Run is $10.00 plus a $2.50 signup fee.  Participants under the age of 18 and seniors (70+) may take advantage of a reduced registration fee of $10.00 plus a $2.50 signup fee.  Paper registration forms may be picked up and turned in at EmergeOrtho offices and at Fleet Feet in Hickory until October 11, 2017.  Race day registration is available on site from 7:00 am to 7:45 am in the parking lot across from City Hall.

Race packets may be picked up on Friday, October 13 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Oktoberfest Main Stage area next to the VIP tent in the parking lot across from City Hall.  Five minute parking will be available for race packet pick-up on Center Street across from City Hall.  Race packets will also be available for pick-up on race day, Saturday, October 14, from 7:00 am until 7:45 am at the registration site.

The top three overall male and female runners and top three male and female masters will receive a plaque.  Overall winners will not be eligible for age group awards. The top three male and female finishers in the following age groups will receive an award.  Age groups are: 14 & under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.

Parking for the event is located between City Hall and the railroad tracks at the southeast corner of Main Avenue NW and North Center Street.

To sign up or for more information visit: http://www.racingtoes.com/2017-events/

For more information on Oktoberfest 2017, applications and guidelines or sponsorship information please visit the website www.hickoryoktoberfest.com  and click on vendor applications or email [email protected].