Run to Empower Entrepreneurs 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run

Saturday, November 7, 2026 · 9:00 AM · Frank Liske Park (Hartsell Shelter), 4001 Stough Rd, Concord, NC 28027.

Presented by Freedom In Me Business Showers. Registration and checkout are processed securely through RunSignup — visit 5k.businessshowers.org to register for the 5K Run/Walk, 1-Mile Fun Run, create or join a team, add an optional event shirt, or make a donation.

Event Overview

The Run to Empower Entrepreneurs 5K is a family-friendly community run/walk that supports Freedom In Me Business Showers — a nonprofit helping entrepreneurs start, grow, and sustain successful businesses through training, coaching, resources, community connections, cash awards, and access to funding and capital. Every mile you run, walk, or cheer for fuels a founder.

Event Options

Registration Pricing (via RunSignup)

5K Run/Walk

1-Mile Fun Run

Event shirts are optional. Youth sizes through Adult XL are an additional $12. Adult 2XL and Adult 3XL are an additional $14 (includes the $2 plus-size charge). Shirts are guaranteed for registrations completed by October 16, 2026. Sizes and availability are not guaranteed after this date.

Awards & Medals

Custom 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals are awarded to the top finishers in the 5K. Last year's 2025 podium (Bibs #227, #221, #213) stood alongside our Executive Director.

Vendor Opportunities

Small businesses, food vendors, resource partners, and community organizations are invited to apply for a booth in the Vendor Village. High foot traffic from runners, walkers, families, and supporters. Table and power options available.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Champion ($5,000+), Empower ($2,500), Community ($1,000), Friend ($500), and custom sponsorship levels are available. Benefits include logo placement, vendor table, social media recognition, event-day visibility, and complimentary race entries.

Wellness Partners

Wellness Partners are gyms, fitness studios, personal trainers, yoga studios, pilates studios, fitness instructors, boot camps, wellness brands, health coaches, chiropractors, nutrition partners, and health partners in Concord NC, Cabarrus County, and the greater Charlotte NC region.

As a Wellness Partner you can: lead the warm-up before the race, bring a gym team or fitness studio team, sponsor a cheer zone on the course, donate a raffle item (class packs, memberships, gear, gift cards), or host a wellness table in the Vendor Village with sample sessions, giveaways, stretch demos, and health tips.

Local gyms and fitness studios interested in becoming Wellness Partners for the Run to Empower Entrepreneurs 5K should contact hello@businessshowers.org or apply through the sponsorship form on this page.

Fuel Partners & Fuel Station Sponsors

Fuel Partners (also called Fuel Station Sponsors and hydration sponsors) help provide race-day fuel for runners, walkers, youth participants, and volunteers. We accept water donations, snack donations, fruit donations, granola bar donations, juice box donations, breakfast bite donations, and hydration support.

Fuel Partners can donate: bottled water, cases of water, sports drinks, hydration mix, apples, bananas, oranges, fruit cups, granola bars, protein bars, energy bars, juice boxes, breakfast bites, muffins, bagels, coffee, and post-race snacks.

Fuel Partner benefits include: logo placement on the official Fuel Station banner and race-day signage, social media shoutout ("Powered by [Your Brand]"), vendor table option at the Fuel Station on race day, and recognition as an official hydration sponsor of the Run to Empower Entrepreneurs 5K.

Local grocery stores, beverage companies, health food brands, snack companies, cafés, bakeries, and hydration sponsors interested in becoming Fuel Partners can contact hello@businessshowers.org.

Volunteer

Volunteers help make race day amazing. Sign up for setup, check-in, water stations, 1-Mile Fun Run support, vendor support, guest support, and breakdown crews.

Donations

Can't attend? Support entrepreneurs anyway. Donations fund training, coaching, cash awards, and capital access for small business owners in the community. Give $25, $50, $100, $250, or a custom amount — anonymously if you prefer.

Family-Friendly Experience

The event is welcoming to all ages and fitness levels: 1-Mile Fun Run, family walking option, youth participation, Bubble & Family Fun Zone, vendor area, community resources, music and energy, small business support, and a positive vibe from start to finish. Run. Walk. Bubble. Empower.

Event Day Details

Highlights from Last Year (2025)

Community runners, family walkers, youth participants, volunteers, vendors, and sponsors gathered at Frank Liske Park for a memorable 2025 5K. Alumni highlights include Ebony Finch (2024 Top Winner), Tonja Lindsay (2025 Finalist and 5K Vendor), Josiah Williams Rutledge (youth Bib #235), and the volunteer crew who powered the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk instead of run?
Yes. The 5K is a run/walk with no pace requirement, and the 1-Mile Fun Run is perfect for walkers, strollers, and beginners.
Can children participate?
Yes. Kids of all ages can join the 1-Mile Fun Run with a parent or guardian, and older youth are welcome in the 5K.
Do I have to buy a shirt?
No, shirts are optional. Register without one at a lower price.
Is there an extra charge for 2XL and larger?
Yes, +$2.00 for 2XL and above.
When is the shirt order deadline?
October 28, 2026 — 10 days before race day.
Are there medals for winners?
Yes — custom 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals for top 5K finishers.
Can businesses be vendors?
Yes. Apply through the vendor section.
Can companies sponsor?
Yes. Champion, Empower, Community, Friend, and custom tiers available.
Where is the event located?
Frank Liske Park (Hartsell Shelter), 4001 Stough Rd, Concord, NC 28027.
What time should I arrive?
Check-in opens at 7:30 AM. Plan to arrive 7:30–8:45 AM.
What happens if it rains?
Event is rain or shine. Severe weather updates via email and social media.