The Daily Gamecock

PHOTOS: Fifth annual Cocky Trot 5K attracts runners of all stripes

Over 3,000 people gathered at the fifth annual Cocky Trot 5K at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds on April 25, 2026. Participants were diverse both in age and athletic ability.

Cocky hypes up runners just before the fifth annual Cocky Trot 5K at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds on April 25, 2026. The event, run yearly by Gamecock Athletics, is open to all, not just students.
Cocky hypes up runners just before the fifth annual Cocky Trot 5K at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds on April 25, 2026. The event, run yearly by Gamecock Athletics, is open to all, not just students.
Volunteers check people in at the fifth annual Cocky Trot 5K at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds on April 25, 2026. Every registered runner received a T-shirt along with a medal after they completed the race.
Volunteers check people in at the fifth annual Cocky Trot 5K at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds on April 25, 2026. Every registered runner received a T-shirt along with a medal after they completed the race.
Runners take a selfie at the start of the fifth annual Cocky Trot 5K at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds on April 25, 2026. Many people ran in groups, focusing less on athletics and more on socializing.
Runners take a selfie at the start of the fifth annual Cocky Trot 5K at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds on April 25, 2026. Many people ran in groups, focusing less on athletics and more on socializing.
The first runners start the fifth annual Cocky Trot 5K at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds on April 25, 2026. A total of 3,276 people signed up to participate.
The first runners start the fifth annual Cocky Trot 5K at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds on April 25, 2026. A total of 3,276 people signed up to participate.
A runner records a video selfie at the start of the fifth annual Cocky Trot 5K at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds on April 25, 2026. The race featured professional runners and people who jogged the course.
A runner records a video selfie at the start of the fifth annual Cocky Trot 5K at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds on April 25, 2026. The race featured professional runners and people who jogged the course.
Cocky spurs up in the back of a golf cart ahead of runners in the fifth annual Cocky Trot 5K at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds on April 25, 2026. Cocky rode ahead of participants to encourage them but did not trot himself.
Cocky spurs up in the back of a golf cart ahead of runners in the fifth annual Cocky Trot 5K at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds on April 25, 2026. Cocky rode ahead of participants to encourage them but did not trot himself.
A police officer watches as participants of the fifth annual Cocky Trot 5K run in both directions on Key Road on April 25, 2026. Officers and volunteers were stationed all along the route and encouraged runners often by clapping or shouting.
A police officer watches as participants of the fifth annual Cocky Trot 5K run in both directions on Key Road on April 25, 2026. Officers and volunteers were stationed all along the route and encouraged runners often by clapping or shouting.
Participants of the fifth annual Cocky Trot 5K run in front of Williams-Brice Stadium on April 25, 2026. The stadium, currently closed during construction, is usually the starting location of the Cocky Trot 5K.
Participants of the fifth annual Cocky Trot 5K run in front of Williams-Brice Stadium on April 25, 2026. The stadium, currently closed during construction, is usually the starting location of the Cocky Trot 5K.
A volunteer watches as runners race to the final turn of the fifth annual Cocky Trot 5K on April 25, 2026. Along with guiding and encouraging runners, volunteers handed out refreshments after the race.
A volunteer watches as runners race to the final turn of the fifth annual Cocky Trot 5K on April 25, 2026. Along with guiding and encouraging runners, volunteers handed out refreshments after the race.
Two children sprint to the finish line of the fifth annual Cocky Trot 5K at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds on April 25, 2026. The race featured participants of all ages, from elderly people to babies pushed in strollers.
Two children sprint to the finish line of the fifth annual Cocky Trot 5K at the South Carolina State Fairgrounds on April 25, 2026. The race featured participants of all ages, from elderly people to babies pushed in strollers.