Key Highlights
- The 2026 Cook Medical Beat the Heat 5K has been designated the RRCA (Road Runners Club of America) national championship race for the region — expected to draw participants from across North Carolina and beyond.
- Now in its 36th year, Beat the Heat is one of North Carolina’s most popular summer running events, selected multiple times by Endurance Magazine as the best 5K in Triad NC and featured in Running Journal magazine as the #1 “Under the Radar” race in the South.
- Cook Medical is the title sponsor for the ninth consecutive year. Since the partnership began, the event has raised $67k for local charities.
- 2026 charity partners: Community Care Center and Ainsley’s Angels Triad chapter.
About the Race
The Cook Medical Beat the Heat 5K is a summer evening race that promotes health, wellness, and community in the Winston-Salem area. Beat the Heat is proudly hosted by the Twin City Track Club (TCTC) — a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting running and fitness in the Winston-Salem, North Carolina area. Founded in 1977, TCTC is Winston-Salem’s oldest running club and one of the largest in North Carolina, welcoming runners and walkers of all abilities.
The event is open to participants of all ages and abilities, including first-time runners, competitive racers, walkers, and families.
Race Day Schedule — July 18, 2026
- 5:00 p.m. — Packet Pickup Opens (Winston-Salem Fairgrounds)
- 6:00 p.m. — Fun Run & Kids’ Events (~1 mile; finishing times not recorded; $10 entry)
- 6:30 p.m. — Beat the Heat 5K Race (USATF-certified course; open to all runners and walkers; $40 entry)
- 7:45 p.m. — Elite 5K Race (entry standard of 17:00 for men and 19:20 for women; $40 entry)
- ~8:15 p.m. — Awards Ceremony
Events & Who They’re For
- Beat the Heat 5K Race — The main event. USATF-certified, RRCA championship-designated. Open to runners of all speeds, from sub-20-minute racers to 55+ minutes, plus walkers.
- Elite 5K Race — A separate race for competitive runners meeting entry standards (17:00 men / 19:20 women).
- Family Fun Run — Approximately one mile; no finishing times recorded. Ideal for families and first-time participants.
- Kids’ Events — Special activities for young participants.
All registered participants receive a commemorative 2026 Beat the Heat race shirt and finisher medal.
Charity Partners & Community Impact
The Cook Medical Beat the Heat 5K exists to promote fitness, health, and an improved quality of life for individuals and families throughout the community. Each year, two nonprofit charity partners are selected to share in the event’s proceeds. Partners are chosen for their direct impact on community health and fitness, with special consideration given to organizations serving youth and disadvantaged populations.
2026 Charity Partners:
- Community Care Center — provides compassionate, high-quality healthcare services to uninsured and underserved individuals throughout the local community.
- Ainsley’s Angels Triad Chapter — promotes inclusion in endurance events by providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to participate in races and active lifestyles alongside volunteer runners.
A new “charity runner” option allows participants to raise funds for either partner or a charity of their choice during registration.
Since Cook Medical became title sponsor nine years ago, the event has raised $67k for local organizations.
What Organizers & Sponsors Are Saying
Er Ralston, Race Director: “We’re excited to welcome everyone back to the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds for another memorable Beat the Heat. Thanks to the continued support of Cook Medical, we’re able to provide a fun, safe, and impactful event that brings our community together. Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, we hope you’ll join us on July 18.”
Tamisha Clark, Vice President and General Manager, Cook Medical Winston-Salem: “Cook Medical is proud to support Beat the Heat, an event that celebrates wellness and community. We’re committed to fostering healthy communities, and this event is a way to encourage wellness while giving back. We look forward to seeing familiar faces and new participants at the starting line.”
How to Register
- Beat the Heat 5K Race — $40 — Registration closes July 18, 2026, at 6:29 p.m. ET
- Elite 5K Race — $40 — Registration closes July 18, 2026, at 7:45 p.m. ET
- Family Fun Run — $10 — Registration closes July 18, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. ET
Register for all events at: runsignup.com/Race/NC/WinstonSalem/BeattheHeat5K
FAQs
What is the Cook Medical Beat the Heat 5K?
The Beat the Heat 5K is an annual summer evening race held at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds in Winston-Salem, NC. Now in its 36th year, it features a USATF-certified 5K, an Elite 5K, a family fun run, and kids’ events. Cook Medical has been the title sponsor for nine consecutive years.
When and where is the 2026 Beat the Heat 5K?
Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds, 410 Deacon Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27105. The 5K race begins at 6:30 p.m. ET.
What makes the 2026 race special?
The 2026 Beat the Heat 5K has been designated the RRCA (Road Runners Club of America) national championship race for the region — a distinction expected to draw additional participants from across North Carolina and beyond.
Who are the 2026 charity partners?
Community Care Center and Ainsley’s Angels Triad chapter. Participants can also raise funds for a charity of their choice through a new “charity runner” registration option.
How do I register?
Visit runsignup.com/Race/NC/WinstonSalem/BeattheHeat5K to register for the 5K Race ($40), Elite 5K ($40), or Family Fun Run ($10).
About Cook Medical
At Cook Medical, we are passionate about making unique, quality medical devices and connecting with people to improve lives. Founded on inventing, manufacturing, and delivering medical devices, we provide healthcare professionals with the tools they need to help their patients return to living.
With headquarters in Bloomington, Indiana, and manufacturing facilities and offices in various global locations, we challenge ourselves to maintain a global perspective while focusing on local impact. Cook Medical’s Winston-Salem facility is an important part of the company’s operations and its connection to the North Carolina community.