Follow the Sign

Race Overview

The Georgia Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (GCDHH) is thrilled to announce the return of the Follow the Sign 5K! This Walk/Run event will take place on Sunday, September 27, 2026, as part of the National Deaf Awareness Week celebrations from Monday, September 21, to Sunday, September 27, 2026.

Follow the Sign 5K was created by a team of Deaf and Hard of Hearing members to showcase our language and cultural diversity. We are committed to raising funds to improve the lives of Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard-of-hearing individuals. This Follow the Sign Campaign highlights the uniqueness of sign language, communication, and accessibility.

Participation and Donations

• Event Type: In addition to participating by walking, running, or hiking.
• Fundraising Goal: GCDHH is seeking donors to help us reach our goal of $50,000.
• Impact: Sponsoring organizations and individuals will make a significant impact on our community by supporting this annual event.
• Donor Recognition: Donations will be acknowledged with advertisements throughout the event and in our monthly newsletters.

Race Course Information

This is a USATF-certified 5K course and therefore an AJC Peachtree Road Race qualifier. Spectators welcome!

Contact Information

For questions please contact followthesign5k@gcdhh.org.

Race Information

• Race Packet: All in-person participants receive a race T-shirt and race # at check-in and a medal upon completion of the race.
• Walker Etiquette: Walkers are encouraged to walk to the right, allowing runners to pass on the left.
• Age Requirement: Participants must be ages 5 and older. Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is registered for the race.
• Guides: For participants requiring a "guide" or “push-assist” runner, the "guide" or “push-assist” runner MUST register for the race as a "timed" or "untimed" participant.

Race Day Schedule

• 8:30 a.m. - Check-in, race # pickups
• 9:20 a.m. - Race # Pickup Closes
• 9:20 a.m. - Welcome, Greetings, Booths/Vendors
• 10:00 a.m. - Official Race Start
• 11:00 a.m. - Finish of Race
• 11:15 a.m. - Awards

Race Rules

Participation in the Follow the Sign 5K (RACE) is contingent upon each participant complying with these RACE Rules. By agreeing to participate in this RACE, you hereby agree to be bound by all RACE Rules for the Follow the Sign 5K. Georgia Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing reserves the right to exclude or remove any participant from the RACE for failure to comply with any portion of the RACE Rules.

1. Check-in: Check-in and mandatory race-day number pickup opens to participants starting at 8:30 a.m. All participants must show a government-issued photo ID that matches the registered participant’s name upon check-in. Minors do not need to provide a photo ID upon check-in when accompanied by a registered adult with a proper government-issued photo ID.
2. Age Policy: The RACE is open to members of the public ages 5 and older. Each child under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a registered adult who will be participating with the child during the RACE.
3. Registration: Registrations are nontransferable and nonrefundable.
4. Bib Policy: RACE bibs may not be sold, given away, or used by any person other than the registered individual. Your Government ID must match the name of the registered participant to pick up a race number the morning of the race.
5. Course Compliance: All RACE participants must stay on the officially designated 5K course at all times, unless detoured by law enforcement or other official personnel along the route. RACE participants acknowledge agree to follow the designated path for participants on the 5K course.
6. Participant Access: Only registered RACE participants will be allowed on the designated 5K course.
7. Prohibited Items: No guns or weapons of any kind (including but not limited to knives, mace, pepper spray, stun guns, etc.) are allowed on the park property.
8. Vehicles: No bikes, skateboards, or other non-motorized or motorized vehicles are permitted on the 5K course, other than equipment necessary for a person with a disability as required by an ADA participant.
9. Pets: No pets are permitted on the 5K course except for officially designated service animals as required by an ADA participant.
10. Risk Acknowledgment: All participants acknowledge that items left in any location in the park during the 5K event are left at the participant’s own risk.
11. Compliance Enforcement: Georgia Center of the Deaf and Hard or Hearing reserves the right to exclude or remove any participant from the RACE for failure to comply with any portion of the RACE rules.
12. COVID-19 Protocols: All participants, observers, and spectators will agree to any COVID-19 PROTOCOLS that currently are or may be put in place in the future for the Follow the Sign 5K event.

COVID-19 Protocols

1. Health Screening: Anyone exhibiting signs of COVID-19 such as feeling sick, recently testing positive for COVID-19, and/or being exposed to anyone showing signs or recently testing positive for COVID-19 will not be allowed to participate in the RACE.
2. Face Masks: At the present time, wearing a face mask is optional. The RACE reserves the right to require face masks if health protocols change. Face masks are not required while running/walking the 5K route.
3. Social Distancing: Participants are encouraged to use their own judgment regarding social distancing when around people not in their social circle. The RACE may start in waves with a start grid to promote social distancing if necessary.
4. Hand Sanitizing: RACE participants are encouraged to hand sanitize often throughout the event.
5. Post-event Departure: Participants are encouraged to leave the RACE site shortly after the conclusion of the RACE.
6. High Risk Individuals: Individuals with compromised immune systems, individuals meeting other vulnerable criteria, and anyone responsible for the care of someone in the at-risk population should possibly consider this event a risky environment. We recommend these individuals participate as a "Virtual Runner."
7. Protocol Adjustments: Any or all of these protocols may be adjusted if the health environment on RACE day indicates changes are necessary.

Parking Information

Parking: TBD

Participants, Rideshare, Vendors, and Volunteers: TBD

Marta Users: TBD

Awards

Awards are given for the overall male and female finisher, and top male and female finisher in each age group as follows: under 18: 19-29: 30-39: 40-49: 50-59: 60+. Awards winners are based on NET TIME. Only TIMED runners can qualify for awards.

Virtual Race Option

For those unable to participate in the Follow the Sign in person, the virtual option allows you to run or walk anytime and anywhere, even indoors on a treadmill, at your own convenience. Complete the 5K on