Half Marathon Near Charlotte: Run the Forest Run at Lake Norman State Park
Charlotte has plenty of halfs. Very few of them come with this much shade in June. The 8th Annual Lean30 Lake Norman Half Marathon Forest Run & 5K runs entirely inside Lake Norman State Park on Saturday, June 5, 2027, about 47 minutes up I-77 from uptown.
What makes it different from a city half
Trees, not city streets
No stoplights, no downtown blocks. The whole race runs on park roads winding under the canopy.
Trail views, road shoes
Every mile is asphalt. You get the forest without the roots and rocks.
A race you can get into
Half $65 and 5K $30 through February 28. Prices go up March 1.
Make a morning of it
Start and finish at the picnic ground on the water. Bring the family for the 5K, then hang out at the lake.
Getting there from Charlotte
From uptown, take I-77 North about 31 miles to Exit 42 (US-21 / NC-115). Then Clontz Hill Rd and Perth Rd to State Park Rd. About 39 miles and 47 minutes without the express lanes. Inside the park, follow signs to the beach parking lot, not the visitor center.
Timing tip: half marathoners, leave uptown by about 6:00 AM. That gets you parked with time for a bib and a bathroom before 7:30.
Pick your distance
| Half marathon | 5K | Virtual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start | 7:30 AM | 7:35 AM | Any time, any place |
| Price through Feb 28 | $65 | $30 | $79 |
| Swag | Medal + hoodie | Medal + t-shirt | Medal, t-shirt and swag, shipped |
| Awards | Top 3 men & women overall and per age group | Top 10 men & women overall | Participation medal |
Prices go up March 1, 2027. RunSignUp adds a signup fee at checkout. Half marathoners need to finish by 11:00 AM.
Questions
How far is the Forest Run from Charlotte?
About 39 miles and 47 minutes from uptown, up I-77 North to Exit 42. The race is at Lake Norman State Park, 759 State Park Rd, Troutman.
Is there a half marathon near Charlotte in June?
Yes. The Forest Run half marathon starts at 7:30 AM on Saturday, June 5, 2027, at Lake Norman State Park. See our June half marathons near Charlotte guide for the others.
When is packet pickup?
Friday before the race, 12–2 PM at Charlotte Running Company in Mooresville, or race morning from 6:30 AM at the park's beach parking lot.
What if I can't make it after I register?
There are no refunds, but you can transfer your entry to someone else or defer it. Both links are on the race page.