Lake Norman Half Marathon Wildman 2026: Fast, Flat, and Philanthropic
The 4th Annual Lake Norman Half Marathon Wildman returns to Mooresville, NC, on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Known for its wide-open asphalt roads and high-speed potential, this event is a favorite for runners seeking a personal best. It serves as the opening race for the 2026 Lake Norman Half Marathon Series and offers a professional, high-energy environment for athletes of all levels. Beyond the finish line, the event partners with the Human Health Project to support local food shelters; all participants are kindly asked to bring a non-perishable food item to the registration area.
| Race Distance | Start Time | Awards Ceremony | Key Swag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half Marathon | 7:30 AM | 9:45 AM | Hooded Sweatshirt |
| 10K Run | 7:40 AM | 9:15 AM | Short Sleeve Tech Tee |
| 5K Run / Walk | 7:45 AM | 8:45 AM | Short Sleeve Tech Tee |
| 5K Ruck | 7:45 AM | 8:45 AM | Patch/Coin (Time Based) |
The Wildman Ruck Challenge
For those looking for a heavier challenge, the 5K Ruck requires participants to carry weighted packs. Men must carry 20 lbs, and women must carry 10 lbs (checked at the start line). In addition to the finisher medal, ruckers can earn exclusive rewards based on their pace: those finishing under 35 minutes receive the Wildman Ruck Patch and a Challenge Coin, while those finishing under 45 minutes receive the Ruck Patch.
Swag and Awards
Every participant who crosses the finish line receives what is often called the "best finisher medal in North Carolina." Half Marathon runners are rewarded with a premium hooded sweatshirt, while 10K, 5K, and Ruck participants receive a high-quality short-sleeve tech t-shirt (size guaranteed if registered by March 1st). Awards are presented to the Top 3 Overall Men and Women, as well as the Top 3 in each age group for the running distances.
Logistics and Policies
The race begins and ends at 126 Exmore Dr., Mooresville, NC. Packet pick-up is held on Friday, March 27, at the Charlotte Running Company from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, and on race morning starting at 6:30 AM. Due to traffic congestion, the Half Marathon course has a 3.5-hour time limit and will close strictly at 11:00 AM. Please be aware that Epic Sports Marketing maintains a strict no-refund policy, and pets, firearms, or alcohol are not permitted at the venue.
Mar 28, 2026
Distance — 13.1 Miles
Type — Running
07:30
$65.00
Mar 28, 2026
Distance — 10K
Type — Running
07:40
$45.00
Mar 28, 2026
Distance — 5K
Type — Running
07:45
$20.00
Mar 28, 2026
Distance — 3.1 Miles
Type — Running
07:45
$20.00
Mar 28, 2026
Distance — Virtual Run
Type — Running
08:05
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for March in Mooresville.
Learn more about the host city, Mooresville.
Mooresville, North Carolina is located 20 minutes north of uptown Charlotte, and is also known as "Race City, USA." Mooresville is home to a multitude of NASCAR race shops, as well as home to some of NASCAR's elite drivers.
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
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