Mayor's 5K on the 5th Runway - 12th Annual

Race Overview

The Mayor’s 5K on the 5th Runway celebrates its 12th anniversary this year. Hosted by Mayor Andre Dickens, the race welcomes runners as young as 10 years old and of all abilities. Get ready to lace up your shoes and run or walk the 5th runway at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Saturday, October 10th, 2026. Experience this exclusive opportunity to race on one of the flattest – and fastest – courses in metro Atlanta!

• Eligibility: Runners as young as 10 years old are welcome.
• Limit: Registration is limited to the first 2,000 participants.
• Certification: This is a USATF-certified 5K course and an AJC Peachtree Road Race qualifier.
• Purpose: Proceeds benefit the Mayor’s Youth Scholarship Program and United Way of Greater Atlanta.

Race Information

• Commemorative Items: All participants receive a commemorative T-shirt and medal upon completion of the race.
• Warm Up: Limited space for participants to warm up or stretch before and after the event.
• Walking Rules: Walkers are encouraged to walk to the right, allowing runners to pass on the left.
• Age Requirement: Participants must be ages 10 and older. Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Spectators are not permitted.

Race Day Schedule

• 3:30 a.m. | Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) Parking Lot Opens
• 4:00 a.m. | Race # Pickup Begins at ATL’s Tech Campus parking lot, adjacent to Fire Station #33
• 6:00 a.m. | Race # Pickup Closes
• 6:15 a.m. | Race Participants stage adjacent to the 5th runway for the start of the race

Mandatory race number pick-up begins at 4:00 a.m. on race day. ALL participants MUST show a government-issued photo ID to pick up their race number. Minors who are registered do not need ID but must be accompanied by a registered adult. All participants MUST be checked in by 6:00 a.m. to participate.

Race Rules

Participation in the Mayor’s 5K on the 5th Runway is contingent upon complying with the following rules:

• Pace Requirement: All participants are required to be off the race course by 7:30 a.m. Participants must maintain approximately a 17-minute pace.
• Legal Compliance: All participants agree to comply with federal, state, and local laws related to the airport.
• Check-in: Must be completed by 6:00 a.m. on race day.
• Age Limit: Open to ages 10 and older: no one younger than 10 is permitted on airport property.

COVID Protocols

• Health Checks: Anyone exhibiting signs of COVID-19 will not be allowed to participate.
• Face Masks: Wearing a face mask is currently optional.
• Social Distancing: Participants are encouraged to use their personal judgment regarding social distancing.
• Hand Sanitization: Participants are encouraged to hand sanitize often throughout the event.

Transportation & Parking

• Carpooling: Highly recommended.
• Parking Location: NO public parking at the Race site: parking is at the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC).
• Shuttle Service: Shuttle bus service to the race site begins at 3:30 a.m.
• Return Shuttles: Last shuttle departs from Fire Station #33 at 9:00 a.m.

Awards

• Overall Awards: Awards are given for the overall male and female finisher.
• Age Group Awards: Top male and female finishers in each age group will also receive awards.

Shoe Donation and Sustainability Initiatives

• Compromise Impact: Only compostable service ware will be used.
• Shoe Donation: Donate your used shoes at registration to be repurposed in the Atlanta community.
• Recycling: Cardboard and plastic will be separated and diverted from landfills.
• Sustainability Table: Visit our Sustainability table to learn more about ATL's sustainability initiatives.

Virtual Race

• Options: For those unable to participate in person, you can run or walk anytime and anywhere.
• Report Results: Submit your virtual race results via the race registration website.
• Commemorative Items: You will receive a commemorative T-shirt and medal after the event.

Contact Information

• Sponsorships: Questions about sponsorships can be directed to Kelli Ross at keross@atlantaga.gov.
• Volunteering: For volunteering information, details will be available soon.

For more information or inquiries, please visit the official race page: Mayor's 5K on the 5th Runway.

Note: Staff will not be available via phone or e-mail on the morning of the race. Please resolve any issues or questions you have before race day.