7Th Annual Lean30 Lake Norman Half Marathon 2026
The 7th Annual Lean30 Lake Norman Half Marathon Forest Run takes place on June 6, 2026, in Statesville, North Carolina, with activities centered at the Lake Norman Picnic Ground inside Lake Norman State Park. Participants can expect a weekend of running on asphalt roads that wind and undulate under a lush green canopy of trees, featuring a scenic start and finish at the Lake Norman waterfront. June in the Statesville area typically brings warm to hot summer temperatures with varying humidity, so runners should prepare for summer weather conditions during their races.
What are the race distances and start times?
- →Half Marathon (13.1 miles): Saturday, June 6, at 7:30 AM
- →10K (6.2 miles): Sunday, June 7, at 7:39 AM
- →5K (3.1 miles): Sunday, June 7, at 7:45 AM
- →5K Ruck (3.1 miles): Sunday, June 7, at 7:45 AM
What is the format of the 5K Ruck?
The 5K Ruck is a specialized category where participants carry weight:
- →Men are required to wear a 20# ruck plate, vest, or backpack.
- →Women are required to wear a 10# ruck plate, vest, or backpack.
What type of course should runners expect?
The courses consist of asphalt roads that wind and undulate through a forest setting. Although the event is held in a state park, this is a road race rather than a trail race.
When and where can I pick up my race packet?
- →Friday, June 5: Packet pickup opens at Charlotte Running Company in Mooresville.
- →Race Day: Packet pickup opens at the Lake Norman State Park beach parking lot (note: this is at the Lake Norman Picnic Ground/beach area, not the visitors center).
What swag is included with registration?
Participants who register by the April 30, 2026, deadline are eligible for the following:
- →Half Marathon runners: A hoodie.
- →5K runners: A short-sleeve T-shirt.
Who will receive awards?
Awards are presented to the following categories:
- →Half Marathon: Top overall finishers and age-group finishers.
- →10K, 5K, and 5K Ruck: Overall finishers.
What is the beneficiary of this event?
The race benefits the Human Health Project. In support of this cause, athletes are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to the event.