Which would you rather run for, a dozen roses or a dozen donuts? No matter your preference, our February running guide has the race for you! This month, we are highlighting two iconic Raleigh traditions, the legendary Krispy Kreme Challenge (Sat. 2/7) and the 45th Annual Run for the Roses 5K (Sun. 2/15), which complement an exciting docket of local races.
- Race Spotlight: Krispy Kreme Challenge
- Race Spotlight: Run for the Roses 5K
- Local Race Calendar
- Looking Ahead
Race Spotlight: The Krispy Kreme Challenge
Our February running guide wouldn’t be complete without the Krispy Kreme Challenge, where you can run for glory, donuts, and a great cause. The fun starts this Saturday, February 7th, at 8 AM.
2400 calories, 12 doughnuts, 5 miles, 1 hour. The Krispy Kreme Challenge mantra outlines both one of Raleigh’s favorite racing traditions and the epicness behind this fun, student-run event that brings out competitive and causal runners alike, all in support of the North Carolina Children’s Hospital.
The race begins at NC State University’s Memorial Belltower and weaves 2.5 miles towards downtown Raleigh’s Krispy Kreme location at the end of Peace Street. Along the way, you’ll run by historic buildings and meet some of the most spirited members of the NC State student body. You may see some of the classic banana and hot dog costumes or a group taking on a theme – some of our personal favorites have been a Mario Kart crew and Jurassic Park. This event is just as much a spectacle as a race, and the return trip has even more energy as you close in on the finish.
Want to join the fun? You can still register for the 2026 race here.
Quick Facts
Start Time: 8 AM, Saturday 2/7
Start Location: NCSU Memorial Belltower
Number of 2025 Finishers:
3970 (Including 1573 Challengers)
2025 Challenge Winners:
Nickolas Scudder – 30:55 (M)
Beatrice Werdel – 45:20 (F)
Race Spotlight: Run for the Roses 5K
One of Raleigh’s oldest races, where every female finisher receives a rose. The 45th edition of the Run for the Roses 5K kicks off at Walnut Creek Softball Complex on Sunday, February 15th at 2 PM.
Quick Facts
Start Time: 2 PM, Sunday 2/15
Location:
Walnut Creek Softball Complex
1201 Sunnybrook Rd
Raleigh, NC 27610
Number of 2025 Finishers: 191
2025 Individual Winners:
Alex Domiano – 17:01 (M)
Brigid Brennan – 18:14 (F)
2025 Couple’s Competition Winners:
Amanda & Matt Lopiccolo – 19:11 & 19:29
Local Races
Punxsutawney Phil may be predicting six more weeks of winter, but Raleigh’s race calendar is warming up with a fun mix of Valentine’s Day road races, trail races, and relays! In addition to sanctioned race events, we are excited to include the NCRC Snoopy’s Social Run, returning for its 15th year of food, fun, and fellowship.
For more information on these events and our recommended “out-of-town” races, check out the Raleigh Running Hub race calendar!
Looking Ahead
A few tips and reminders for the weeks ahead:
- Be mindful of winter weather and trail conditions. While this usually isn’t an issue in the Triangle, this year has already had more adverse weather events than most. We will update our webpage as any races are rescheduled. Have fun and stay safe!
- Registration alert! The Tobacco Road Half Marathon usually sells out in February. If you plan to run this race on March 15th, be sure to register here. The marathon distance is often open until race week, so you still have some time to decide, but for either distance, the price will increase after Tuesday, February 3rd.
- Stay tuned for updates. We’ll be sharing more information on this month’s feature, as well as general announcements about our website soon.