'70s Disco Inferno Meets High Ground!
Downtown Rocks and Runs Pivots to Flood-Safe Greenway Route -
The historic August 2 flooding can’t stop the groove as Mount Airy’s favorite retro race shifts to elevated trails for the United Fund of Surry kickoff
Mother Nature tried to rain on the parade, but Mount Airy’s annual Downtown Rocks and Runs is turning up the classic rock and taking the party to higher ground.
Following heavy rainfall and localized flooding on Aug. 2, race organizers hit the rewind button and rerouted the 1970s-themed 5K and 10K onto a flood-free, elevated greenway route. The event serves as the official, high-energy campaign kickoff for the United Fund of Surry.
"We aren't letting a little water stop the groove," event organizers said, encouraging runners to dust off their disco attire, pull on those tube socks, and lace up their running shoes for a totally far-out morning.
The revised course will take place along the Mount Airy Greenway, starting at 1334 Carter Street (beside Big Lots). Parking for all participants and spectators is available in the former "PART" parking - now Mount Airy Parks and Recreation parking lot.
Course Features & Hydration
Both distance courses have been shifted to scenic high-ground stretches to keep the pace fast and the vibes groovy. To keep the trail flowing smoothly and avoid retro traffic jams, hydration stations are strategically set up along the path:
5K Pit Stops: A dedicated water station sits 20 to 30 feet before the turnaround cone, giving runners a seamless grab-and-go hydration boost without clogging the turn.
10K Double Feature: 10K runners get a double dose of hydration, passing the main water station twice on their out-and-back leg, plus an extra water stop positioned right before the 10K turnaround point.
Peace, Love, and Course Marshals: Volunteers decked out in full 1970s gear will man key turnarounds to keep runners on track and cheer them across the finish line.
Participants are strongly encouraged to rock their best bell-bottoms, sweatbands, and vintage running gear for the costume contest, enjoy the classic '70s soundtrack, and stick around for post-race awards.
All donations to the United Fund of Surry are tax-deductible.
Race Date: August 15th, 2026
Registration Fees
- 5K Individual and Corporate Participation Challenge
- Early Registration through 7/12: $35
- Standard Registration 7/13-8/15: $40
- 10K Individual and Corporate Participation Challenge
- Early Registration through 7/12: $40
- Standard Registration 7/13-8/15: $45
- Fun Run: FREE for Kids 12 and under (no t-shirt); $10 with w/shirt purchase.
Online registration runs through 7:30 AM race morning.
All finishers will receive a finishers' medal!
Runners registered by July 31, 2026, are assured an awesome event t-shirt and the best goodie bag around! Run/walk individually or be part of a team --5K or 10K Individual
Run the 5K or 10K and be eligible for individual awards, or join one of our 5K Team challenges below.*Walkers and strollers are welcome in the 5K.*Corporate Participation Challenge
Show your company's pride and commitment to health and fitness. The organization with the highest number of Downtown Rocks and Runs 5K or 10K run/walk participants will receive a Corporate Participation Challenge trophy.
Course Maps5K - https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/675728210410K - https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6757282104Recovery
An assortment of breakfast foods, fruit, and water will be available for the runners at the finish line.
Awards
- Overall Top Male and Female in the 5K and 10K win $250!
- 5K and 10K Individual Awards: Overall 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place Male/Female and Top 3 Male/Female Age Divisions: 13 and under, 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+; based on gun time
- Corporate Participation Challenge: Team trophy for the company with the highest number of Ararat River Run participants in the 5K and 10K combined.
- Fun Run (Kids 12 and under): All Fun Runners will receive a participation ribbon.
The 5K and 10K races will have a gun start and chip-timed finish. This means that all participants will have the same start time, and the finish time will be recorded as each runner crosses the finish line by reading the chip on the back of your numbered bib. Timing services will be provided by Go! Sports Timing and Events.The Fun Run will have a clock at the finish line, but individual times are not recorded for this event.
Early Packet PickupFriday, August 1412:00 AM - 6:00 PM
United Fund Office
232 North Main Street, Suite 200
Mount Airy
Race Day Registration and Packet PickupSaturday, August 157:00 - 7:45 AM1334 Carter Street (Behind Big Lots)
Mount Airy10K Start - 7:45 AM5K Start - 8:00 AMKid's Fun Run - 9:00 AMRace Awards - 9:15 AM
