Stars, Stripes, & Strides - Cary, NC

Stars, Stripes, & Strides - Cary, NC is held in Cary, North Carolina, on November 14, 2026, over Veterans Day weekend. Organized by Fit & Able, the event supports the US Veterans Corps and its community service projects. Four distances all start at 9:00 AM: a 15K (9.3 miles), a 10K (6.2 miles), a 5K (3.1 miles), and a Fun Mile. You can take part in person or run a virtual version. Every registrant receives a T-shirt and a medal, and top performers are recognized.

The 15K is the interesting option here: long enough to require a real build but short enough to race hard, and a natural stepping stone between a 10K and a half marathon. Eight to ten weeks with a weekly long run of 8 to 10 miles will do it. The 10K and 5K suit runners who want a tune-up or a PR attempt on the road, and the Fun Mile lets kids and beginners join the same morning. With all starts at the same time, plan your warm-up so you are ready when the gun goes.