Half Marathon Near Huntersville, Cornelius & Davidson: The Forest Run, 30 Minutes Up I-77
South end of the lake, this is your summer half. The 8th Annual Lean30 Lake Norman Half Marathon Forest Run & 5K is at Lake Norman State Park on Saturday, June 5, 2027. It's a straight shot up I-77, and the course is shaded, paved and a lot prettier than your usual greenway loop.
Why it's worth the drive north
A June half with shade
Plenty of summer halfs around here run on greenways and city streets. This one runs under a canopy of trees for most of the way.
Early start, early finish
The half goes at 7:30 AM and the course closes at 11:00. You're back on I-77 before lunch.
Small-race feel
Start and finish at the picnic ground by the water, awards three deep in every age group for the half.
Part of a series
It's one of the Lake Norman Half Marathon Series races, with no extra series fee.
Getting there
Take I-77 North to Exit 42 (US-21 / NC-115), then Clontz Hill Rd and Perth Rd to State Park Rd. Inside the park, follow signs to the beach parking lot, not the visitor center.
Google Maps: Davidson about 20 miles / 28 min · Cornelius about 21 miles / 30 min · Huntersville about 26 miles / 32 min.
Timing tip: half marathoners, leave by about 6:15 AM. 5K runners, about 6:30.
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.
Questions
How far is the Forest Run from Huntersville?
About 26 miles and 32 minutes up I-77 North. From Cornelius it's about 30 minutes, and from Davidson about 28.
Is there packet pickup closer to me?
The Friday pickup is in Mooresville, noon to 2 PM at Charlotte Running Company, 146 Mooresville Commons Way. Or grab your packet race morning at the park from 6:30 AM.
Is the course hard?
It rolls the whole way. We call it beautiful and a little brutal. It's all pavement, so there's nothing technical.
Can I run it virtually instead?
Yes. Run any distance, anywhere, and your medal, t-shirt and swag ship the Monday after the race.