articles

Join On The 14th Annual Downtown Greenway Run & Block Party

The Downtown Greenway Run & Block Party is a long-standing, family-friendly event

By Informational September 23, 2023

Downtown Greenway Run & Block Party (runsignup.com)

LoFi Park on the Downtown Greenway
500 North Eugene Street
Greensboro, NC US 27401


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! This year's 14th annual event is being organized by Greensboro Parks and Recreation, in conjunction with the Greensboro Parks Foundation, Junction 311 Endurance Sports, and our valued sponsors.

Registration

Choose the 1-mile fun run/walk/stroll or the 5K timed event and stay for a fabulous block party to follow! The 5K and 1-mile will follow a down-and-back route along parts of the Downtown Greenway - specifically along the Greenway's Northern Passage and Eastern Way sections. All registered participants will receive:

  • Custom bib and t-shirt for this year's event - sizes guaranteed for registrations through September 13
  • Two drink vouchers for soda, juice, or beer (age 21+) from sponsor, Joymongers Brewing Co.
  • Post-run snacks from sponsor, Deep Roots Market
  • Free stretch session on-site with Stretch Zone
  • Pre-run warm-up with the YMCA of Greensboro


Packet Pick-Up

Participant packet pick-up will be on Friday, September 22 from 4-6 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! Alternatively, packets may be collected prior to the event on Saturday, September 23, beginning at 3:30 pm.


Schedule

The full event takes place between 4-7 pm, and the schedule is packed full of fun! Our official event welcome will start at 3 pm. We will have our first group warm-up at 4:15 p.m. before the 1-mile fun run/walk/stroll begins at 4:30 p.m. There will be another group warm-up at 4:45 pm before the 5K timed event begins at 5:00 p.m. Stick around until 7 pm and enjoy the block party fun afterwards!


Block Party

The block party extends from LoFi Park, along N. Eugene Street, and into Joymongers' parking lot and Deep Roots' parking lot. There will be delicious food to purchase from several local food trucks, DJ Dez spinning good tunes and dance vibes, and beer available from Joymongers. The fun continues with tailgate-style games to play, children's activities, 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 for registered participants and block party attendees will be available in the Guilford County Schools Administration parking lot, located at 785 N. Eugene Street, Greensboro NC 27401. Additional parking may be available in on-street spots, or in the parking deck at 215 N. Eugene Street. Please do NOT park in any nearby business parking lots, out of respect for our local neighbors and their customers.

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, fitness and wellness programming, youth activities, art classes, 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 planned 4-mile paved multi-use urban trail that is enhancing and defining downtown Greensboro. Approximately 3 miles of greenway sections are currently open, with the final western mile set to be complete in 2025. This project 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.