Mad Dash 2026

Mad Dash is a May race day at Treetop Adventures, an outdoor adventure park on Lake Hickory in Conover, North Carolina. The main Mad Dash Challenge includes a 300m lake swim, a seven-obstacle course, and a 5K run. The event also offers a standalone 5K and a free Kids Fun Run. The Challenge is for teens and adults, and the Kids Fun Run gives younger children their own event. Treetop Adventures hosts it with North Carolina Boys Academy, a boarding school focused on character and leadership development for adolescent boys. Ticket proceeds support that mission and help fund Camp David on Barrett Mountain. The post-race setup includes live music, food, and Jammin J's Authentic Jamaican Eats by the lake.