Hey Queen City, ready to run? Charlotte’s sixth annual Around the Crown 10K or ATC10K returns to Uptown on Sunday, Sept. 1. This year marks the event’s largest attendance and likely the largest amount of funds raised for its charity partners.
Online registration is still open before closing at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31.
Race day timeline
All race events take place at Truist Field on Sunday, Sept. 1.
- 7:15 a.m. - Race day registration closes ($70) + corrals close
- 7:25 a.m. - Wheelchair and stroller start
- 7:30 a.m. - Around the Crown 10K Together with Truist starts
- 8:30 a.m. - Awards ceremony
- 10:00 a.m. - Post-race media briefing
- 10:00 a.m. - After party, NoDa Brewing North End
Editor’s note: The highlight for most runners is crossing I-277. The inner loop will be temporarily closed during the race.
“There’s nothing like it that brings more people into the community and the sport of running,” said Mindy Smith, Senior Account Executive of Darby Communications.
The story behind the race
ATC10K founder and director Brian Mister was once caught in gridlock traffic on I-277. He thought he could run faster to his destination than waiting in the car. An idea formed: close down the interstate and design a course, showing the best of Charlotte from a different vantage point.
Mister leaned on contacts with Charlotte-Mecklenburg and other jurisdictions like NCDOT. From there, he built a budget to create an event where all of Charlotte could be involved. Mister has helped ATC10K become North Carolina’s largest 10K.
“It’s incredible to see how this event has grown year over year with participants, partners, volunteers, programs, and overall community enthusiasm.”