Downtown Greenway Run & Block Party (Draft)

17th Annual Downtown Greenway Run & Block Party

Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 4-8 pm

Morehead Park - 475 Spring Garden Street

The Downtown Greenway Run & Block Party is a long-standing, family-friendly event that centers around bringing the Greensboro community together, and highlighting our prized Downtown Greenway! Organized by Greensboro Parks and Recreation, this year's 17th annual event is again part of the 2026-2027 Triad Race Series, in conjunction with Fleet Feet, Junction 311, and our valued sponsors. 

Registration

Choose to walk or run the 1-mile untimed or 4-mile timed event, and stay for a fabulous block party to follow! The 1-mile will follow a down-and-back route along the new Western Branch section of the Downtown Greenway, while the 4-mile route will follow the complete loop! All registered participants will receive:

• Custom bib and t-shirt for this year's event - sizes guaranteed for registrations through September 13
• Drink voucher for beer (age 21+) or soda
• Pre-run warm-up with the YMCA of Greensboro
• Post-run snacks
• Free prize drawing entry for a chance to win some amazing goodies

Registration fees will increase on July 1, August 1, September 1, and event day on September 26. Be sure to sign-up early for the best possible rates! Special discounts are automatically applied for all youth ages 4-17 years old (children age 3 and under are free, but will not receive a t-shirt with their registration).

Packet Pick-Up

Participant packet pick-up will be on Friday, September 25 from 3-6 pm (Fleet Feet Greensboro). All registrants who pick-up on Friday afternoon will be entered to win a special prize, courtesy of our generous sponsors! Alternately, packets may be collected prior to the event on Saturday, September 26, beginning at 3:30 pm.

Schedule

The full event takes place between 4-8 pm, and the schedule is packed full of fun! Our official event welcome will start at 4 pm. We will have our first group warm-up at 4:15 pm, before the 1-mile fun run/walk/stroll begins at 4:30 pm. There will be another group warm-up at 4:45 pm, before the 4-mile timed event begins at 5:00 pm. Then stick around until 8 pm and enjoy the block party fun afterwards!

Block Party

The block party is centered around the Morehead Park Trailhead and extends along Spring Garden Street. There will be delicious food to purchase from several local food trucks, live music, and beer available for purchase. The fun continues with tailgate-style games to play, children's activities, face painting, sponsor tents with giveaways, local vendor booths to visit, prize drawings and more! Don't miss the fun and register for the run - we'll see you on the Downtown Greenway with your friends, family, kids, or dogs.

Parking

Event parking details will be shared closer to the date.

Event Proceeds

As our main fundraiser annually, proceeds will help support the free community programming offered year-round along the Downtown Greenway! Programs offered include workshops and activities related to environmental education, health and wellness, youth activities, arts and culture, social gathering, guided tours, and other community engagement opportunities. Thank you for supporting our efforts to provide unique and quality programs for the Greensboro community!

About the Downtown Greenway

The Downtown Greenway is a 4-mile paved multi-use urban trail that encircles and defines downtown Greensboro. All 4 miles are now complete and open for use, as of May 16, 2026 at the Grand Opening & Ribbon-Cutting. The Downtown Greenway enhances the urban landscape with green space that encourages economic development, promotes health and well-being, inspires sustainable transportation, and provides connections between Greensboro neighborhood residents around the city.