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

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

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!

Registration is limited to the first 2,000 participants. This is a USATF-certified 5K course and therefore an AJC Peachtree Road Race qualifier. The proceeds from the race will 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 Space: There is limited space for participants to warm up or stretch before and after the event.
• Walking Etiquette: 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 an adult who is registered for the race. 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 – ATL’s Tech Campus parking lot, adjacent to Fire Station #33
• 6:00 a.m. | Race # Pickup Closes
• 6:30 a.m. | Official Race Start

Race Rules

Participation in the Mayor’s 5K on the 5th Runway (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 Mayor’s 5K on the 5th Runway. The City of Atlanta ("CITY") reserves the right to exclude or remove any participant from the RACE for failure to comply with any portion of the RACE Rules.

1. Course Regulations: Because the RACE course is an active runway, all participants are required to be off the RACE course by 7:30 a.m.
2. Compliance: All participants agree to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws related to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (AIRPORT).
3. Check-in: All participants must be checked in no later than 6 a.m. on race day to take part in the 5K.
4. Age Restrictions: The RACE is open to members of the public ages 10 and older. No child younger than 10 is permitted on the AIRPORT property.

COVID Protocols (if necessary)

1. Health Screening: Anyone exhibiting signs of COVID-19 will not be allowed to participate in the RACE.
2. Face Masks: Wearing a face mask is optional but may be required if health protocols at AIRPORT change.
3. Social Distancing: Participants are encouraged to use their own judgement regarding social distancing when around people not in their social circle.
4. Post Race Departure: Participants are encouraged to leave the RACE site shortly after the conclusion of the RACE.

Transportation & Parking

• Carpooling: Carpooling is highly recommended.
• No Public Parking: There is NO public parking at the RACE site.
• Shuttle Buses: Shuttle bus service from the GICC site to RACE site begins at 3:30 a.m. and ends at 5:45 a.m.
• Location: Use the address 2000 Convention Center Concourse, College Park, GA, 30337 in your mapping software to access the GICC parking lot.

Awards

• Award Categories: Awards are given for the overall male and female finisher, and top male and female finisher in each age group.
• Award Criteria: Awards winners are based on NET TIME. Only TIMED runners can qualify for awards.

Shoe Donation and Other Sustainability Initiatives

Help our community and the environment.

• Compostable Service Ware: Only compostable service ware will be used.
• Used Shoe Donation: Donate your used shoes at registration. We are partnering with CHaRM to repurpose them in the Atlanta community.
• Waste Recycling: Cardboard and plastic will be separated and diverted from landfills.
• Sustainability Table: Visit our Sustainability table at the Race to learn more about ATL's sustainability initiatives.

Virtual Race

• Participation: The virtual option allows you to run or walk anytime and anywhere.
• Finish at Your Convenience: Complete the 5K on your own time and at your preferred location.
• Submission: You can submit your virtual race results and photos via the race registration website.
• Commemorative Items: You will receive a commemorative T-shirt and medal after the event.

Sponsorship Interest

• Sponsorship Inquiries: For questions about sponsorships or to become a sponsor, please contact Kelli Ross at keross@atlantaga.gov.
• Additional Questions: Email ATL5K@ATL.com or call (404) 382-2369.

Volunteer Interest

• Volunteer Sign Up: Do you know of anyone that would like to volunteer for the 5K Race? Sign up as a volunteer.
• Volunteer Benefits: All volunteers will receive a commemorative T-shirt, breakfast, snacks and have access to the 5K Village Experience!

Note

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

More Information

For more details about the race, visit the official race page at Mayor's 5K on the 5th Runway.