Princeton’s Feel the Burn 5K & 10K Returns October 10

Runners, walkers and supporters will gather in Princeton on Saturday, October 10, for the 17th Annual Feel the Burn 5K & 10K, an evening road race that helps support the Princeton Volunteer Fire Department.

The event is one of the department’s biggest fundraisers of the year, and every registration helps a 100% volunteer fire crew continue serving the community.

For local residents, that makes Feel the Burn more than another race on the calendar—it is a chance to get moving while backing neighbors who answer calls when Princeton needs them.

Race Day Starts at the Fire Station

Both the 5K and 10K begin at 6:00 p.m., with registration and check-in opening at 4:30 p.m.

The start and finish are at 501 Dr. Donnie Jones Jr. Blvd West in Princeton, home of the Princeton Volunteer Fire Department.

The 5K course is USATF certified, while runners choosing the 10K complete the 5K course twice.

Because this is an evening race, participants should come prepared for changing light conditions as the race progresses.

Organizers use light towers in darker areas and have provided glow sticks and reflective gear to help runners stay visible.

Registration Is Still Open

Anyone who has not signed up can still register online for the Feel the Burn 5K or 10K.

From October 1 through race day, registration is $30 for the 5K and $35 for the 10K, before any processing fees.

The deadline for a guaranteed race shirt was September 30, so runners registering now should not assume a shirt will be available.

Awards are planned for first- and second-place male and female finishers in both distances across several age groups, from younger runners through the 60-plus division.

A Community Race With a Purpose

The race has room for serious competitors, recreational runners and people simply looking for a memorable local challenge.

Friendly dogs are allowed at the owner’s risk, and strollers are permitted, but participants should remember that parts of the course remain open to vehicle traffic.

Parking is available behind the fire station, with overflow parking across Barden Street behind the church.

Fire apparatus and firefighters are positioned along portions of the course to assist with lighting, traffic control and directions.

That community involvement is part of what gives Feel the Burn its small-town character.

Instead of traveling to a large race somewhere else, Johnston County residents can spend a Saturday evening close to home, challenge themselves and directly support Princeton’s volunteer firefighters.

Before You Head to Princeton

Participants should arrive with enough time to park, check in and get ready before the 6:00 p.m. start.

Comfortable running gear and added reflective or visibility equipment are smart choices for an evening road event.

Race information can change, so runners should check the official Feel the Burn registration page for the latest details before leaving home.

Whether you are chasing a personal best, trying your first 5K or simply cheering from the sidelines, Feel the Burn offers Princeton a lively way to come together for a cause that matters.