Discover One of Winston-Salem’s Most Unique 5K Courses

The Cook Medical Beat the Heat 5K begins and ends at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, taking runners on a fast, spectator-friendly course through the heart of the Whitaker Park area. Along the way, participants will experience a blend of local history, community landmarks, public art, and modern innovation that showcases a side of Winston-Salem many have never seen.

After leaving the fairgrounds through the East Gate, runners head north on Shorefair Drive before turning onto Reynolds Boulevard. The course travels through the historic Whitaker Park district, passing landmarks such as the iconic Reynolds Building mural, the University Corporate Center, and the headquarters of Cook Medical. Two turnaround points create an exciting out-and-back format that allows runners to see fellow participants throughout the race while providing excellent spectator viewing opportunities.

The course is predominantly flat with gentle rolling terrain and wide roadways that support both competitive racing and first-time 5K participants. Mile markers are clearly posted throughout the course.

To help runners stay cool and hydrated during the summer evening event, a water station will be located at the intersection of Shorefair Drive and Reynolds Boulevard. Participants will pass this station three times, at approximately miles 0.7, 1.4, and 2.4.

After returning through the East Gate, runners complete the final stretch inside the fairgrounds before crossing the finish line and enjoying the post-race celebration.

Whether you're racing for a personal best, participating in the RRCA National Championship 5K, supporting one of our charity partners, or simply enjoying a summer evening run with friends, the Cook Medical Beat the Heat 5K course offers a memorable tour of Winston-Salem's past, present, and future.

Read the complete course guide below to learn more about the landmarks, history, and unique features you'll encounter along the route.

The certified 5K course is USATF Certified Course NC16005DF.  (Note that the Elite 5K is a different course and can be found below.)

The Elite 5K race will be run as a separate event immediately following the regular Beat the Heat 5K race.  The Elite 5K course is modified layout with 3.6 laps on the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, utilizing the same finish line, but different start line as the regular 5K.  The course is USATF Certified Course NC22011DF.  Click on the link below to download a copy of the course map.

The Elite 5K course begins with a full circle on the fairground's midway (a loop of approx. 1/2 mile).  Runners then turn right and run a route through the finish line and around the perimeter of the fairgrounds.  Runners pass through through the finish line 3 times and finish on the 4th pass.

This is a spectator friendly course and is run on a flat surface with very minor incline.

NEW FUN RUN COURSE BEGINNING IN 2026!  The Fun Run course is a single loop all within the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds.  The distance is approximately 0.85 miles, starting and finishing at the same location in front of the Education Building.  This course follows the same loop that the elite 5K runners will run on later in the evening. Click on the link below to download a copy of the course map.

Note that the Fun Run is a relaxed, untimed event. A clock at the finish line will allow participants to see and note their completion time. No awards will be presented for the top finishers of the Fun Run.