Rocktoberfest 10K & 5K

The Rocktoberfest 10K and 5K is a running event that takes place in Rock Hill, South Carolina. It is a fun-filled event that combines running with music and beer. The event includes an 10K and a 5K race, both of which take place at Winthrop Lake

To keep the runners motivated, there is a rock band performing live music near the start/finish line. After the race, participants can enjoy an Octoberfest beer garden where they can celebrate their achievements with friends and family. The beer garden will feature a variety of beers, including some of the best local brews.

This event is not just about the race; it's a full-day celebration of fitness, music, and good times. Whether you are a seasoned runner or a beginner, the Rocktoberfest 10K and 5K is an excellent opportunity to have fun and experience the unique atmosphere of Rock Hill.  It's beautiful!!!

The Rocktoberfest Half 10K & 5K will be capped for the 2026 event.  There will be NO RACE DAY Registration so be sure to sign up early!  ALL registration ends October 10th, 2026 unless we sell out before hand.

If you're a runner, this is the one to run!  ROCK ON!!!

RACE START TIMES:

The Rocktoberfest 10K & 5K, starts and finishes at Winthrop Lake

Saturday, October 24th, 2026

8:00 AM – 10K & 5K

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM AWARDS CEREMONY 

LOCATION:

1162 Eden Terrace, Rock Hill, SC 29730

What do I get for participating?

Besides running in one of the most beautiful courses;

• Short Sleeve Runner Shirt 
• Incredible Finisher Medals 
• Rock Music
• Beer Garden Ticket

PACKET PICK UP:

Friday, October 23rd, 2026; 2:00PM – 7:00PM

Charlotte Running Company
652 Herrons Ferry Rd, # 101
Rock Hill, South Carolina 29730

For more information on Packet Pick Up, click HERE

WILL CALL PACKET PICK UP (for those who purchased it only)

Race Day - 7:00am-7:45am

COURSE:

Get ready for a scenic and spectator-friendly Rocktoberfest experience at Winthrop!

Both races will start and finish near the Winthrop Coliseum, taking runners onto a beautiful loop course that winds around the picturesque Winthrop Lake.

The course showcases some of the best of Winthrop’s campus, circling alongside the rolling greens of the Winthrop Golf Course and weaving past the renowned Winthrop University Disc Golf Course—home to national-level competitions.

5K runners will complete one full loop
10K runners will take on two loops of the course
With the looped design, runners will enjoy constant energy from spectators, while friends and family will have multiple chances to cheer you on throughout the race. Expect a fun, lively atmosphere with great views, smooth running surfaces, and a course that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

Whether you're chasing a PR or just soaking in the experience, this course delivers a perfect mix of scenery, energy, and accessibility.

COURSE MAP

PACERS:

We are excited to have the Charlotte Running Club Pace Team.  Pace groups will be 1:35, 1:45, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45, and 3:00.  You do not need to sign up for a group, just show up to the start line and look for the pacer signs.  If you would like to become a Pacer please email [email protected]

TIMING:

We have partnered with Start 2 Finish. All 10K and 5K participants will be timed and will receive their disposable timing tag during packet pick up.  If you have questions with results, please email [email protected]

T-SHIRTS:

Every participant will be guaranteed a runners tech shirt that signed up before September 20th. You will have a choice between a Unisex Short sleeve shirt. Shirts are ordered based on the sizes indicated during online registration.
NO SWITCHING SIZES – NO EXCEPTIONS!

VIRTUAL RUNNER:

Couldn’t get into the race this year or you couldn’t make it to the race?  Maybe the time limit for the course closure is an issue for you.  We have you covered…VIRTUAL RUNNER!  See Details HERE

DIVISIONS:

Overall, Masters, 12 and under, 13-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+.

AWARDS:

We want to support the local businesses for awards.  Thank you to the Charlotte Running Company for the gift certificates. Top 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Males and Females Overall and 1st in all divisions will receive awards. 

Claiming Awards:

Awards will be given and called out during the awards ceremony around 10:30am.  We do NOT ship unclaimed awards.

NOTE: Sisu Events reserves the right to add/delete categories and awards prior to race based on participation.

REFUNDS AND TRANSFERS:

Registration fees are non-refundable. Event registrations are non-transferable between individuals, events, or years.  There will be no deferrals.   You will be able to transfer into the Virtual Event up until Friday, October 5th, 2024.

DOGS AND STROLLERS:

While we LOVE dogs and LOVE kids, for your safety Dogs and Strollers will NOT be allowed for this event.

MEDICAL/FIRST AID:

Should you need medical attention at the finish line, let a volunteer know and you’ll be escorted to the ambulance located very close to the finish line. Announcements can always be made at the DJ booth as well. Any life threatening problems should call 911.

WATER STOPS/PORTOS:

There will be one water stop for the 5K and 2 water stops for the 10K.

We will provide a water bottle at the finish line AFTER the race. DO NOT get a water bottle before the race or there will not be any available to the rest of the runners.

There will be restrooms at the baseball facility near the start/finish area.

WEATHER POLICY:

Races are held, rain or shine, unless Sisu Events determines that conditions are too dangerous. This will be based on a prudent decision made on race weekend or race day by Sisu Events and local law enforcement officials. If the race is canceled due to inclement weather, there will be neither refunds nor transfers. This position is consistent with USA Track & Field recommendations and with the protocol of sharing the risks associated with the sport of running. In the event of inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances, Sisu Events reserves the right to alter, cancel or eliminate any/all portions of the race.

PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION:

This race is convenient for people in town and out of town...it's right off I77.

• 25 Minutes from Downtown Charlotte
• 40 Minutes from Huntersville, NC
• 1hr 10 minutes from Downtown Columbia, SC
• 1hr 45 minutes from Downtown Greenville, SC
• 1hr 45 minutes from Downtown Greensboro, NC

There are a large amount of parking spaces at Winthrop Coliseum.  We of course encourage you to carpool. 

POST RACE EXPO:

DO NOT STOP AT FINISH LINE - Keep moving off the track and into the Beer Garden

Finish Festival will be from 7:30 AM to 12:00 noon.  Join us for entertainment, vendors, food (pre-packaged food for sanitary purposes), refreshments and fun to be had by all!

ID's will be required to enter the beer garden and receive a donated beer.

ENTERTAINMENT:

We are excited to have LIVE ROCK music at the Start and Finish line from Rock Onyx to energize the runners and maintain the fun!