HICKORY, N.C. (WHKY) — Runners can start Halloween with a race through northeast Hickory as the city wraps up its 2026 Hickory 5K Series.  The annual Trick or Trot 5K is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, beginning at 9 a.m. at Highland Recreation Center in Stanford Park.

The Halloween-themed event, hosted by the Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department, will follow a route through northeast Hickory before returning to the park.  Food trucks, vendors and face painting will also be available.

Registration costs $30, with the fee increasing to $35 after October 18.  Online registration remains open until 8:30 a.m. on race day at runsignup.com/Race/NC/Hickory/HickoryKSeries.  The city encourages early registration to secure the lower price and a custom race T-shirt.

Participants can pick up their T-shirts and race bibs at Highland Recreation Center on Thursday, October 29, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., or Friday, October 30, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Race-day pickup will be available from 8 to 8:30 a.m.

Awards for both the Trick or Trot 5K and the overall Hickory 5K Series will be presented after the race.  Agape Timing Company will handle race timing.

The series is presented by Frye Regional Medical Center and OS1st.

Stanford Park and Highland Recreation Center are located at 1451 Eighth Street Drive NE in Hickory.

For more information, contact Lance Riddile at 828-322-7046, extension 7254, or lriddile@hickorync.gov.