Hickory – The Hickory Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department is proud to announce the inaugural HKY 100, a 100 mile ultramarathon debuting this October at Winkler Park.

Runners are invited to take on this premier endurance challenge either solo or as part of a relay team. The race will begin at 8 a.m. with staggered start times on Saturday, Oct. 17, at Winkler Park. The cut-off time for completing the race is 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 18.

Course Details

The HKY 100 features a 4 mile loop combining double track farm trails, single track hiking paths, nature trails, and the newly created Aviation Walk. Participants will complete the race with a unique finish at the Hickory Crawdads stadium.

The course is approximately 70% trail and 30% paved, with more than 17,950 feet of total elevation gain (718 feet of elevation gain per 4-mile lap). Runners will encounter short, steep climbs, two sustained ascents of roughly 0.65 miles each, descents, tight turns, roots, rocks, and other trail-type features.

The route will be clearly marked with cones, directional signage, and reflective tape to support nighttime running.

Aid stations will be located at the start/finish area and near the halfway point on the course itself. Participants may also set up their own support tents using 10’ x 10’ canopies.

Runners may complete all 100 miles individually or race as part of a relay team of 2-10 people.

Full course details, rules, and regulations are available at runsignup.com/Race/NC/Hickory/HKY100.

Registration

Registration for the HKY 100 is open at runsignup.com/Race/NC/Hickory/HKY100 through Sunday, Oct. 4.

The $125 registration fee includes an HKY 100 hoodie sweatshirt, goodie bag, and a custom finisher’s award.

Packet Pick-Up

A Packet Pick Up Party will be held Friday, Oct. 16, from 5:30–9 p.m. at Winkler Activity Center at Winkler Park. Runners may pick up their bibs and race materials at this event or at Highland Recreation Center from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15. Packets will also be available on race morning from 7-7:30 a.m. at the start line.

Awards

Awards will be presented to the top three finishers overall (male and female), solo runners in each age bracket, and team categories. All runners who complete the full 100 miles will receive a custom finisher’s award.

Highland Recreation Center is located at 1451 8th St Dr NE in Hickory.

Winkler Park is located at 2500 Clement Blvd NW in Hickory.

For additional running opportunities and races in Hickory, visit www.runhky.com.

For more information about the HKY 100, contact Lance Riddile at 828-261-2254 or lriddile@hickorync.gov.