Donate Life NC Hero Run 2026

Hero costumes are part of the point at Donate Life Hero Run East, a Sunday morning September 5K Run/Walk/Roll in Durham, North Carolina. The event starts and finishes at Herndon Park and uses the American Tobacco Trail, so runners, walkers, and wheelchair participants share a simple out-and-back route rather than a complicated city course. There is also a 1-mile fun run for people who want a shorter distance, plus a Sleep In Superhero option for supporters who want the shirt without lining up early. The race raises money for Donate Life NC outreach and education about organ, eye, and tissue donation across the state. The 5K includes chip timing, a shirt, post-race refreshments, and awards for overall winners plus age-group finishers, while the 1-mile entry includes a bib and access to the post-race party. Parking is at Herndon Park on Scott King Road, and shirt availability depends on registering by the early-September cutoff.