What began years ago on the quiet back roads behind New Hanover United Methodist Church (now New Ridge Fellowship) has grown into one of our favorite yearly traditions. The Annual H2bH 5K Run/Walk and 1-Mile Fun Run takes place every second Saturday in August, rain or shine. From our very first race to our upcoming event, the heart of this morning has remained entirely unchanged: empowering families to safely care for their chronically ill children at home. Come run the beautiful countryside roads of New Hanover Township, enjoy the camaraderie, and help us continue changing lives, one project at a time.
Schedule: Check-in and walk-up registration open at 7:30 AM, with the 5K starting promptly at 8:30 AM and the 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk following right after at 8:35 AM.
Register Today!
The Ultimate Runner’s Course: Scenic, Shaded, and Built for PRs
When you are deciding where to lace up your racing shoes, the course makes all the difference. You want a route that keeps you engaged, treats your eyes to beautiful views, and gives you the perfect environment to lock into your stride. That is exactly what makes this race a standout choice.
Winding through the beautiful countryside of New Hanover Township, this event offers an idyllic escape from the standard, blistering highway loops and repetitive park paths. Instead, you will find yourself immersed in a classic rolling landscape that highlights the very best of the local countryside.
Why Runners (and Walkers) Love This Route
- Natural Shade Canopy: We all know how punishing a summer race can be when you are baking under the open sun. This course features a mostly shaded route, with mature trees providing a natural canopy that keeps the ambient temperature cooler. This built-in sun protection means you can push your pace without overheating, making it an ideal choice for runners looking to maintain a high tempo from the starting pistol to the final stretch.
- A Scenic Countryside Escape: There is nothing quite like breathing in fresh country air as you crush your miles. The course takes you past open green vistas, beautiful local scenery, and tranquil stretches that let you truly connect with your run. The visual variety keeps your mind off the miles and focused on the beauty around you, making the race fly by.
- The Perfect Blend of Flat and Fast: Built to accommodate both aggressive competitors and casual weekend warriors, the layout delivers clean sightlines and a highly runner-friendly surface. If you are hunting for a personal record, the smooth stretches allow you to establish a powerful rhythm. If you are joining the 1-Mile Fun Run or walking with family, the gentle terrain ensures an accessible, highly enjoyable morning on your feet.
- Unmatched Community Energy: While the backdrop is peaceful countryside, the atmosphere is pure electric energy. The start and finish lines are packed with supportive spectators, great music, and a community of fellow athletes cheering you on.
Choose an Unforgettable Morning
Ultimately, runners choose races that offer an exceptional experience. This event combines a professionally timed, accurately marked course with a scenic route that you simply cannot find on an everyday training run. It is a fantastic opportunity to test your speed on a fast layout, enjoy a shaded sanctuary away from the summer heat, and share the morning with a vibrant community of local runners.
Whether you are sprinting for a podium finish in the 5K, looking to secure an age-group medal, or taking a scenic stroll through the countryside for the 1-Mile Fun Run, this route delivers. Don’t just run another race—experience a premier course that rewards your hard training. Secure your spot on the starting line today!
