53 Market St, McCaysville GA
Saturday, July 18th, 2026
2026 WPPL-FM 103.9 WALK THE LINE 5K
🎄 DASHING THROUGH THE STATELINE!
In 2026, the Riverwalk Run Series proudly celebrates America's 250th birthday alongside the states of Georgia and Tennessee! As America’s only two-state 5K series, our three-event lineup invites participants to experience three seasons in the geographic and cultural heart of Appalachia.
Join the excitement of this one-of-a-kind series, which includes the Trout Trot 5K every spring, Walk the Line 5K every summer, and the Bigfoot Boogie 5K every fall, with a coveted CHALLENGE ITEM awarded to participants who complete all three.
Walk the Line 5K has always been a rockin’ summer celebration inspired by Johnny Cash’s “I Walk the Line.” This year, we’re turning up the fun with a Christmas-in-July twist! Expect holiday music, festive décor, and cheerful vibes as participants jingle all the way through McCaysville and Copperhill.
Participants will enjoy a scenic 3.1-mile course (with just one hill) that crosses the state line twice between McCaysville, GA and Copperhill, TN. The route winds alongside the picturesque Toccoa River, through two charming downtowns, and is ideal for runners, walkers, strollers, and even four-legged friends.
The lively riverfront atmosphere blends summer fun with holiday magic—many participants return later in the year to experience the real thing.
All three Riverwalk Run Series 5Ks are Official Peachtree Qualifiers for the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race.
📅 EVENT DETAILS
Date / Time: Saturday, July 18 @ 6:30 PM
Location: McCaysville Visitor Center
Shirt & Bib Pickup:
• Saturday (3:30–6:15 PM) at the McCaysville Visitor Center
Course Map: 3.1 miles, all paved; view more at MapMyRun
Note: Start & finish lines are at different locations; timing is based on “gun to chip” (USATF Rule 245).
🕒 5K TIMELINE
4:30 PM – Race Setup
6:30 PM – Start
7:30 PM – Course Cutoff
7:45 PM – Awards at McCaysville City Park
🏅 AWARDS
• Overall Female & Male
• Age Groups: 0–9, 10–19, 20–29 … up to 80+
• All finishers receive a medal
🎉 MAKE IT A WEEKEND!
• Riverwalk Shops & Blue Ridge dining
• Boutique shopping in McCaysville & Copperhill
• Rafting, hiking, fly fishing, breweries
❓ FAQs
• Free parking across from McCaysville City Park
• Race-day registration available unless sold out
• Water provided at finish; bring your own for on-course
• Rain or shine event
• FB: facebook.com/riverwalkrunseries
