The starting pistol is about to go off for the annual Run the Quay! Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the race offers 5K and 10K, and even virtual, course options — as well as the 15-Quay Challenge Event, which invites participants to run the 5K and 10K courses back-to-back — at an event produced by the Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce, which has become a fixture on the community calendar.
Runners of all ages are welcome to dart through Historic Downtown Fuquay-Varina in the family-friendly event, with a 7 a.m. start time for the 10K, followed by the 5K course at 8:30 a.m. The Kids Fun Run at 9:30 a.m. (sponsored by Fuquay-Varina Lions Club) on the Fuquay-Varina Middle School football field follows awards presentations and offers both a 100-yard dash and 1-mile race.
Registration for all races closes May 31. Runners can pick up their race packets starting at 6 a.m. on race day, but onsite registration will not be available.
Presented by John Hiester Chevrolet of Fuquay-Varina, and with Downtown Fuquay-Varina Rotary Club as the 2024 charity partner, local businesses and community groups will be present for what organizers expect to be the biggest race in its two-decade history.
According to Race Director and Committee Chair Lisa Schreiner, “Newcomers can expect enthusiastic volunteers and community support. We have a vendor village for participants and their families to interact with local business owners who support the event. We have a DJ and music that make for a party-like atmosphere at the finish line. Race day is always hot, humid, hilly, and FUN!”
With an afterparty hosted by the Mason Jar Lager Company — which will provide all over-21 participants, sponsors, and volunteers with a free 16 oz. beer, Kooldown Kolsch, which was specially brewed in honor of the event and named by public votes — and food trucks present all day, the fun doesn’t have to end when the pounding of pavement stops.
Saturday, June 1. Start time at 7 a.m. for 10K, 8:30 a.m. start time for 5K, Kids Fun Run at 9:30 a.m. $35 for 5K, $45 for 10K, $55 for 15K. Fuquay-Varina Presbyterian Church, 309 N. Ennis Street. https://fuquay-varina.com/run-the-quay/
