About This Race
The Common Rush Trail Run offers runners a chance to explore Harris Lake County Park, one of North Carolina's Triangle region's most scenic venues. Set in the southwest corner of Wake County, this mid-summer event showcases the area's natural beauty through its well-designed course options. The race features both 5-mile and 10-mile distances, allowing runners of varying experience levels to enjoy the park's diverse terrain. The course combines outstanding lake views with mellow single-track trails and scenic open field sections, creating a balanced and accessible trail running experience. Harris Lake County Park provides an ideal setting for runners seeking a summer trail adventure without extreme technical challenges. The race typically attracts around 500 participants, making it a well-attended but not overwhelming event in the regional trail running calendar.
The course utilizes Harris Lake County Park's trail system, offering runners a mix of terrain that includes lakeside single-track with water views, open field running, and forested sections. The relatively flat profile makes it accessible to runners transitioning from road to trail running, while still providing the natural beauty and varied footing that trail runners seek.
Both distance options share portions of the same trail network, with the 10-mile course extending the experience through additional sections of the park. The mellow single-track and scenic lake views provide consistent highlights throughout both courses.
Practical Info
Mid-July in North Carolina typically brings warm, humid conditions with temperatures in the 80s-90s°F and possible afternoon thunderstorms.
RDU - Raleigh-Durham International Airport
The Triangle region offers numerous lodging options in nearby Raleigh, Durham, and Cary, all within reasonable driving distance of the race venue.
Best For
Notable Features
Harris Lake County Park provides one of the Triangle region's most beautiful trail running settings, combining lake views with diverse terrain. The race's mid-summer timing and accessible course design make it an ideal introduction to trail running for those new to the sport, while the scenic beauty and well-maintained trails offer plenty to appreciate for experienced runners.