There is no shortage of 5K races in the Atlanta metropolitan area. Atlanta has many 5K and 10K races within a 25 mile radius to keep most runners busy until Fall.
To get Spring off to a running start, this article will be mentioning a few 5K races in Atlanta that provide lots of fun as well as benefiting worthy causes.
2011 O’Highlands Jig & Jog 5K
When: Saturday, March 12, 2011
Race Start Time: 8:00 AM
Where: Doc Chey’s Noodle House, 1424 N. Highland Avenue, Atlanta, GA
Deadline to Registration: March 2, 2011 (Registration will close once it reaches its limit of 500 participants) Registration Fee: $22 (until 2/10); $27 (after 2/10)
Website: http://www.running4fitness.com
This fun and festive 5K race takes place in the historic Virginia Highlands neighborhood. The participant who wears the best Irish costume will win $25. This family-friendly event welcomes walkers, strollers and dogs on leashes.
7th Annual ShamRock ‘N Roll Road Race
When: Sunday, March 13, 2011
Race Start Time: 9:00 AM (For 5K and 10K)
Where: Atlantic Station, Pinnacle Lot off 20th Street (downhill from Target-across from Pad 12)
Deadline to Register: March 10, 2011
Registration Fee: $25 (until 2/28); $30 (3/1-3/10); $35 at Race Packet pickup; $45 on race day.
Website: http://www.jlatlanta.org/?nd=shamrock_n_roll
Grab your kilt and running shoes and head over to the 7th annual ShamRock ‘n Roll Road Race benefiting the volunteer efforts of the Junior League of Atlanta.
This is a USATF certified course as well as a Peachtree Road Race qualifier. Runners and walkers are encouraged to wear kilts to either the 5K or 10K race. In fact the first male and female finisher wearing a kilt in either race will win a $250 Belk gift certificate.
Dogs and strollers are welcome and will be lined up behind all the other runners and walkers in the race.
There will be a post race festival that will featured plenty of family-friendly entertainment from both bands and Irish dancers, children’s activities, and even a play area for dogs.
Radiant Systems Sprint for Cancer 5K/10K
When: Saturday, April 16, 2011
Race Start Time: 8:00 AM
Where: Perimeter Place Shopping Center, Target Parking Lot
Deadline to Register: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 8:00 PM
Registration Fee: $25
Website: http://www.sprintforcancer.com/
This 9th annual race will have both a 5K and 10K benefiting the Aflac Cancer Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, one of the top children’s hospitals in the country.
This family-friendly event has a flat course and is good for all ages and all levels of runners and walkers.
SweetWater 420 5K
When: Saturday, April 16, 2011
Race Start Time: 11:00 AM
Where: Candler Park, 1561 McLendon, Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA
Deadline to Register: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at 9:00 PM
Registration Fee: $28 (before 4/5); $38 (after 4/5)
Website: http://www.candlerpark.org/420
Held during the 7th annual Sweetwater420 Festival, this popular road race benefits the Candler Park neighborhood organization. Because the race is limited to 2000 entrants, this race fills up early so it’s suggested to register early to insure that you get a racing number.
All registrants will receive a t-shirt, timing chip (must have pre-registered), wristband for entire festival all weekend, and a complementary beer. You must be 21+ and have a valid ID to get a wristband and beer ticket. See website for race packet pick up times.
Since parking is at a premium, race participants are encouraged to take Marta to the race.
New Balance Girls on the Run 5K
When: Saturday, April 30, 2011
Race Start Time: 8:00 AM (Event opens at 7:00 am; Tot Trot starts at 9:00 AM)
Where: WestStride Shopping Center (I-75 at W. Paces Ferry Road), 3517 Northside Pkwy., Atlanta, GA
Deadline to Register: Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 9:00 PM
Registration Fee: $25
Website: http://girlsontherunatlanta.org/
Benefiting the Atlanta Council of Girls on the Run, this USATF sanctioned race is a family friendly event. Not just a road race, this event is also open to walkers and those with strollers. There will also be food vendors, music and fun for the entire family.
6th Annual Big Peach 5K Run/Walk
When: Saturday, April 30, 2011
Race Start Time: 8:00 AM
Where: Brookhaven/Oglethorpe Marta Station, 4047 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, GA
Deadline to Register: Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at 3:00 PM
Registration Fee: $25-timed/$20-untimed (until 4/19); $30-timed/$25-untimed (4/20-4/30)
Website: http://www.bigpeachrunningco.com/
Benefiting the Georgia chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, this race takes placed in Brookhaven neighborhood adjacent to the Buckhead area of Atlanta.
The post-race party will feature plenty of food, raffles and more. Also, since parking is at a premium on race day, make sure to take either Marta or park at the Marta parking lot at the Brookhaven/Oglethorpe Marta station.
Sources:
http://www.active.com/
http://running4fitness.com/
