Race for the Planet 5K

The 5K Race for the Planet welcomes racers of all skill levels. Serious runners take advantage of the flat course for a fast pace. First-timers appreciate the on-course encouragement. The fun, no-pressure atmosphere makes it a great choice for families and walkers. The seaside portions of the course offer sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean for all. The 5K Race for the Planet starts and ends at the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher. This flat, mostly asphalt course runs through scenic Fort Fisher with amazing views of the ocean, maritime forest and historic Fort Fisher Civil War site.

New for 2020, we are hosting our first ever 1-Mile Fun Run for the kiddos!  Why should Mom and Dad have all the fun? Join us along with some very special Aquarium favorites in the Aquarium Race Village as we cheer on the youngest racers during this exciting event.

At the Race for the Planet, we can take a step for a healthy ocean and environment, together. Race registration benefits the Aquarium's green initiatives. A recycling drive at the race gives you the opportunity to drop off old electronics and unwanted paint to be disposed of properly through New Hanover County’s Hazardous Household Waste program, In addition, you can responsibly rid your closet and our landfills of old athletic shoes by recycling them onsite with the help of Nike’s shoe recycling initiative. Through this program your old shoes are given new life as playground surfaces and insulation.

Skip the T shirt option

Have enough T shirts to last a lifetime? Check the NO SHIRT option under Tshirt size and donate $10 of your registration fee to the Aquarium. Your thoughtful action helps us take greater action for the planet, reducing the carbon footprint of the event and expand programs for single-use plastic, hard-to-recycle materials, and organic waste composting.