Farm Fresh 5K

The Farm Fresh 5K is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Waynesville, NC. Now in its fourth year, the event has moved to the Bethel area of Haywood County, returning road racing to a region with a deep running tradition. All proceeds support Haywood Christian Ministries in their mission to combat hunger and poverty through food access and economic stability programs. In Haywood County, these efforts address significant needs; as of recent census data, approximately 13.5% of the county population lives below the poverty line, with food insecurity affecting nearly 1 in 8 residents.

The race starts and finishes at the Haywood Christian Ministries headquarters (5095 Old River Road). Packet pickup and late on-site registration will be available on the morning of the race from 7:00 AM to 8:45 AM. The course features a water station at the halfway point, with police and volunteers stationed at key intersections to ensure safety. Runners are provided with a custom race shirt and a "farm fresh" themed item, though participants must register by April 8th to guarantee their preferred shirt size. Post-race water and snacks will be served near the finish line.

The awards ceremony is set for 10:15 AM in the grass area near the picnic shelter. Top awards will be presented to the top three male and female finishers across several age divisions, ranging from 14 & under to 70 & over. The event utilizes chip timing, with sensors attached to the race bibs for accurate results. Parking is available directly on the headquarters grounds, and participants are asked to follow the directions of local volunteers upon arrival.

Registration is currently open at $44.79 for adults and $34.09 for youth (inclusive of all fees). These rates are active through April 16th, though on-site registration will be available on race morning until 15 minutes before the start. Please note the organization maintains a strict no-refund and no-deferral policy. For specific inquiries regarding the upcoming course map or dog policies, event contact Greg Duff can be reached via the official website.