Get ready for fall’s most ‘spirited’ event!
Drop Dead 5K | November 1, 2025 @ 9 AM
Lace up for a one-of-a-kind race through history! The Drop Dead 5K returns this fall with our unique course winding through the peaceful, scenic paths of Charlotte’s Historic Elmwood Pinewood Cemetery. Covering 70+ acres, this resting place is home to some of the city’s most notable names.
In addition to the 5K, the event features a food truck, DJ, an award ceremony, and a guided tour after the race.
Your registration fee includes:
- Official race shirt
- Custom race bib
- Finisher medal
Please note that pricing is now all-inclusive of fees.
Bring your crew and run as a team! Cheer each other on, celebrate those finish-line victories, and make the 5K a 'spirited' shared adventure!
Kids Fun Run! We are excited to bring back our 1 Mile Kids Fun Run! The race will take place at 10 a.m. This is FREE for kids (registration is required) and includes a fun run finisher medal.
Proceeds: All proceeds help support the 501(c)3 nonprofit, Historic Elmwood Pinewood, Inc. (HEPI). Help us support the cemetery’s restoration and preservation while getting some exercise and enjoying some history! Can’t make the race but still want to support? Register as a "Sleep In Supporter" and get the official 2025 race shirt.
Help us reach our fundraising goal! Help us reach our fundraising goal of $1,500 so we can continue our work of restoring, preserving, and sharing the stories of these historical cemeteries.
Interested in sponsoring? Email DropDead5K@historicelmwoodpinewood.org.
Parking: Parking is available at the Gateway Village Parking Deck and at Irwin Academy Center. See maps.
Join us for the 5K Awards Ceremony at 9:45 AM. Awards will be given out to:
Top 3 Males/Females Overall
Top 1 Male/Female in the following Age Groups:
9 & Under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
About Historic Elmwood Pinewood Inc. (HEPI)
Once divided by a fence, the white Elmwood and Black Pinewood Cemeteries are now treasures of the past and present in Uptown Charlotte. Before there was a Department of Park and Recreation, these cemeteries were purposely designed with a “park-like” atmosphere, allowing for dual-use. Easter and Halloween parades were conducted in Elmwood. Families had picnics, and children played in the green space. We at HEPI believe that we, in concert with the City, can provide both a safe, friendly, and serene environment for those interred, those visiting loved ones, and those wanting to learn about our past or just take a break from the hubbub.
Countdown to event
Registration fees
Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees
5K
Price changes in 1 month 11 days-
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Register for 5K$39.44Now registering Jun 28 – Sep 21
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$44.79Sep 22 – Oct 14
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$50.14Oct 15 – Nov 1
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Kids 1 Mile Fun Run
Price changes in 1 month 11 days-
Kids 1 Mile Fun Run includes a finisher medal! Event shirts are not included. This is untimed.
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Register for Kids 1 Mile Fun RunFreeNow registering Jun 28 – Sep 21
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FreeSep 22 – Oct 14
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FreeOct 15 – Nov 1
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Sleep In Supporter
Price changes in 1 month 11 days-
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Register for Sleep In Supporter$39.44Now registering Jun 28 – Sep 21
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$44.79Sep 22 – Oct 14
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$50.14Oct 15 – Nov 1
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Registration Policies
- There are NO refunds for this race if you did not purchase the Refund Protection Program. Click here for transfer instructions.
- Race Management reserves the right to cancel or modify the event due to unfavorable conditions
- Registration fees are not refundable in the event of cancellation due to "Acts of God".
Contact information
- Event contact
- Start 2 Finish
Sponsors
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Sponsored By
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