Looking for a meaningful Raleigh race this spring? One that suits your desire to walk, jog, or sprint — and one you can enjoy solo or with friends, new and old?
Reach, Rally & Run (formerly Fostering Footsteps) is more than just another 5K or 10K in Raleigh. It’s a purpose-driven run in Raleigh that directly supports students at Wake Tech Community College and strengthens our entire community in the process.
Held at Wake Tech’s Scott Northern Campus on April 17, 2027, Reach, Rally & Run offers a Fun mile, 5K, and 10K, making it one of the most inclusive and family-friendly races in Raleigh, NC.
The race is hosted by the Wake Tech Foundation, produced by Fit & Able, and presented by Rodgers Builders.
Looking to sponsor a good cause for 2027? Reach Rally Run sponsors receive great exposure through the event, while supporting Wake Tech’s Care Centers, who provide emergency assistance to students in need. I can make the connection for you to Kim Raynor on the Wake Foundation team. Just email [email protected]
What Makes Reach, Rally & Run Special?
Reach, Rally & Run is more than a race, it’s a full-on community experience.
Wake Tech brings the energy of your favorite tailgate to race day. Expect sponsor activations, vendor stations, physical therapists to help you stretch and recover, a live DJ keeping the atmosphere lively, and Wake Tech Brewing ready for your post-race cheers. The buzz comes from friends, families, community partners, coworkers, and students all showing up together.
At the heart of it all:
- The students your participation supports
- The faculty and staff working behind the scenes
- The community partners helping make it possible
It’s high-energy, deeply community-focused, and rooted in purpose — Raleigh coming together to remove barriers for Wake Tech students right here in Raleigh and helping the Wake Tech Foundation and Care Center receive vital funds they need to do this. This is the Raleigh we love to celebrate and support.
Noor ul-aien describes her experience of assisting students in the Care Center:
“I’ve been able to send students to get groceries to the Nest Food Pantry, get tuition for books, or find friends to talk to, Wake Tech has all these resources right in the Care Center.”
Why This Raleigh Charity Race Matters
There are plenty of spring races in Raleigh. What sets Reach, Rally & Run apart is its impact. Every dollar raised supports emergency aid for Wake Tech students.
The Wake Tech Foundation cultivates and manages resources critical to the college’s success. Emergency aid provides rapid financial assistance when unexpected hardships threaten a student’s ability to stay enrolled.
These are the types of challenges that can derail education overnight:
- A sudden car repair that prevents getting to class
- A medical bill that wipes out savings
- Housing instability
- Food insecurity
- Technology needs for coursework
Sometimes, just a few hundred dollars determines whether a student continues their education or must step away. This Raleigh 5K and community run helps bridge that gap.
When students stay enrolled, graduate, and enter the local workforce, Raleigh benefits. Your participation supports Wake Tech’s mission of changing lives through education — and strengthens our region’s economic future.
Wake Tech student David Hanna experienced this when his brakes blew out on his truck…
“That was a pretty big service bill .. the financial aid at Wake Tech was able to help cover my costs so I could get to my classes on time.”
Who Reach, Rally & Run Helps
Adults from all walks of life attend Wake Tech for affordable, accessible, high-quality education and training. Wake Tech serves tens of thousands of students — most residing in Wake County — many of whom balance:
- Full-time or part-time jobs
- Parenting responsibilities
- Military service
- Career transitions
- First-generation college journeys
Emergency aid ensures temporary setbacks don’t become permanent roadblocks.
When you participate in this charity race in Raleigh, you’re helping:
- A nursing student complete clinical hours
- A trades student earn certification
- A working parent increase earning potential
- A first-generation college student stay on track
This isn’t a distant cause. It’s local. It’s Raleigh.
Wake Tech graduates become the healthcare workers, skilled trades professionals, entrepreneurs, IT specialists, and public servants who power our local economy. Supporting them strengthens Raleigh’s future workforce.
Race Details: Choose Your Distance
Searching for a Raleigh 5K, 10K, or a relaxed community walk? This event offers options for all levels.
📍 Location: Scott Northern Campus
📅 Date: Saturday, April 17, 2027
🕖 Check-in begins at 7:00 AM
🏃 Race time: 9:00–10:30 AM
Distances Available:
- Fun Mile (ideal for families and beginners)
- 5K (approximately 3.1 miles)
- 10K (approximately 6.2 miles)
Pricing:
Registration pricing changes as we move closer to the event! Early birds catch those worms!
- Fun Mile: $35
- 5K: $45
- 10K: $55
- Kids in Strollers: $5
- Virtual runners: $35
Early Bird Pricing: Save $10 (runners only) through February 20.
A finisher’s medal and gift are included with 5K and 10K registrations through April 5. Event t-shirts are available for $15 through April 5.
Competitive runners will appreciate over $4,000 in in-person and virtual prizes provided by Fleet Feet Raleigh/Morrisville and Fit & Able Productions, including:
- Overall Top 3 (Male/Female)
- Age Group Top 3 (Male/Female)
- Picking Up the Pace awards
- New Course Record awards
The Course
The course runs along paved roads, parking decks, sidewalks, and trails throughout the Scott Northern Campus. (Note: The course is not USATF certified.)
Whether you want to walk, jog, or race competitively, you’ll find encouragement, volunteers, and community spirit from start to finish.
Parking
Good news — parking is free, plentiful, and stress-free. Yes, we know that matters for Raleigh events!
A Raleigh Race with Real Community Energy
One thing we love? This event doesn’t feel intimidating. Some races lean hyper-competitive — great if that’s your goal. But Reach, Rally & Run strikes a welcoming balance. You’ll see:
- Runners chasing PRs
- Families pushing strollers
- Friends walking and catching up
- Students rallying behind their peers
It’s one of those family-friendly runs in Raleigh where everyone belongs. And once you cross the finish line, the celebration continues.
The Runner’s Village Experience
After the race, participants gather in Runner’s Village — a post-race celebration that transforms the event into more than just a workout.
Expect:
- Community atmosphere
- Sponsor engagement
- Music and energy
- Wake Tech Brewing beer
- That well-earned post-run glow
Whether you ran your fastest 10K or walked your first mile in years, Runner’s Village is about celebrating participation and impact. It’s the rally part of Reach, Rally & Run.
Looking for Spring Races in Raleigh? Make This One Count
If you’re searching for:
- Raleigh 5K events
- Spring races in Raleigh
- A charity run in Raleigh
- A meaningful community race
- Family-friendly races in Raleigh NC
Put Reach, Rally & Run at the top of your list.
It offers:
✔ Movement
✔ Purpose
✔ Community
✔ Local impact
And instead of just earning a medal, you’ll be helping ensure a student stays in school.
Why Supporting Wake Tech Strengthens Raleigh
We often talk about supporting local businesses — but supporting local students matters just as much. Wake Tech is the largest college in North Carolina, serving more than 75,000 students annually — most right here in Wake County.
Its students are future:
- Healthcare professionals
- Skilled trades workers
- Technology specialists
- Entrepreneurs
- Public servants
When we invest in their success, we invest in Raleigh’s long-term economic resilience. Participating in this Raleigh race is a simple, tangible way to contribute.
Ready to Reach, Rally & Run?
Here’s how to get involved:
1️⃣ Register for the 1-mile, 5K, or 10K
2️⃣ Select THIS IS RALEIGH as your team during registration
3️⃣ Invite a friend
4️⃣ Show up ready to move and make a difference
Listen to Noor ul-aien share about the Wake Tech Care Center and how it supports Wake Tech students…
Let’s show up for Wake Tech students. Let’s reach, rally, and run — together. We’ll see you at the starting line.
Reach, Rally & Run: Raleigh 5K & Charity Run FAQ
What is Reach, Rally & Run?
Reach, Rally & Run is a Raleigh race and purpose-driven run held each April at Wake Tech’s Scott Northern Campus. Participants can choose a 1-mile walk, 5K, or 10K, and all proceeds support emergency aid for Wake Tech students.
Is this a charity run in Raleigh?
Yes. This Raleigh charity run raises funds to help Wake Tech students facing unexpected financial hardships so they can stay enrolled and complete their education.
What distances are available?
This Raleigh run event offers a 1-mile walk (Fun Mile), 5K, and 10K. It’s designed for walkers, beginners, families, and competitive runners.
Can I walk the 5K?
Absolutely. You can walk or run the 5K. It’s a welcoming, community-focused Raleigh 5K — not just a competitive race.
Who benefits from the event?
Funds support Wake Tech students through emergency aid, helping with urgent needs like transportation repairs, medical bills, housing instability, and food insecurity.
What is Runner’s Village?
Runner’s Village is the post-race celebration area where participants gather to connect, celebrate, and enjoy the community atmosphere.
How do I join the This Is Raleigh team?
During registration, select THIS IS RALEIGH as your team (or use the team link provided). We’re participating in the 5K and welcome both walkers and runners.
Do I need to race competitively?
Not at all. You can race if you’d like, but many participants join simply to move their bodies, connect with others, and support a meaningful cause in Raleigh.
Can I sponsor Reach, Rally, & Run?
For specific questions about the race or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kim Raynor at [email protected]
We believe Raleigh is strongest when we show up for each other. Reach, Rally & Run is one of those mornings where movement meets meaning — and every step helps remove a barrier for someone working toward their future. Come walk it, jog it, or race it with us… and let’s move Raleigh forward together.
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