New Years Day 5k & Half Marathon

New Year's Day 5K &: Half Marathon

It's never too early to start thinking ahead! We're starting 2027 the only way we know how, with a race! After you ring in the New Year, take a nap then come out, and join us and RUN (or walk) into the New Year! We're putting on the New Year's Day 5K and New Year's Day Half Marathon.

We thought it would be appropriate to kiss 2026 goodbye, and are offering the New Year's Day 5K or New Year's Day Half Marathon for just $27! We'll have the same great course, music and an awesome Finisher Medal! We'll have shirts as an additional purchase for $25.

We will be starting at 9:00 am at North Forsyth Middle School in Cumming, GA.

If you're not ready to be out and about, join us for the virtual 5K or virtual Half Marathon & we will ship you your swag (continental US only: lower 48 states)! Virtual participants will receive a Finisher Medal. Purchase your commemorative NYD 2027 shirt for just $25.

We’ll also be presenting overall and age-group awards for each distance in the usual 5-year categories starting at 10 & under.

Event Details and Schedule

Course, Timing, Awards, &: Event Cap

• Course Details: The course is pretty flat and pretty fast! It's a Certified Course!
• Timing: We'll be chip timing the start & finish.
• Awards: Top 3 Overall M/F, Top 3 Masters M/F, Top Grand Master M/F, Top Senior Master M/F, Top 3 in all the usual age groups 10 & Under - 75+
• Event Cap: Currently the event is capped at 500 participants...so register early!

Course Navigation Tips

• Signage: If a sign isn't marked with a specific distance, it applies to everyone.
• Be Cautious: Listen or follow other participants with care: they could be going the wrong way.
• Follow the Signs: Don't follow the pack: follow the signs.
• Review Course: Check the course before the race if you're unfamiliar with the area.

Water Stations

We will have Self-Serve water stations approximately every 1.5 miles. If you are wanting to run fast and not stop, you might want to bring your own personal hydration.

Virtual Running - How it Works

Can't make it out to the event site on race day? Missed the event cap, but still want to participate or support the cause, and have a shot at an award? Then, the virtual race is for you!

• Step 1: Get excited, grab friends and register for the New Year's Day Virtual 5K!
• Step 2: Download your Custom Digital Bib and hydrate!
• Step 3: Get out to run or walk anywhere you want. Please remember to social distance!
• Step 4: HAVE FUN! Share your experience using the hashtags #NYD5K #fivestarntp.

Groups &: Teams

Grab your friends, family, co-workers, or anyone else, and bring in the New Year together.

Put together a group of 10 or more, and save $2.00!

Five Star Turkey Trot &: Championships

This is the 1st chance you'll have to earn your (1) FREE entry into one of our Famous Turkey Trots for 2026. See the event website for more details.

This will also be the 1st chance to earn a qualifying spot for the 2026 5K/10K/Half Marathon Championships. See the event website for more details.

Event Courtesy &: Refund Policy

Our events are designed to be fun for the entire family. Any unsportsmanlike conduct or interference will lead to disqualification with no refunds.

• Registrations: All registrations are final. No refunds, deferments, or transfers.
• Weather Policy: Event will take place rain or shine. Extreme weather may lead to cancellation, with no refunds.
• No Show: Participants that do not show up to race/event forfeit their right to any swag.
• COVID-19 Refunds: No refunds due to unforeseen COVID-19 circumstances: the event will transition to 100% Virtual.

Race Website

Additional race information can be found at https://www.fivestarntp.com/races/New-Year's-Day-5K.

Event Schedule

• December 19: Last day to register to guarantee your shirt size.
• December 31: Early Race # and Swag Pick-up from 4:00 - 6:00 pm at North Forsyth Middle School - Bus Parking Lot (Race Site).
• January 1:
  • 8:00 am - Race Day Registration & Packet Pickup Opens
  • 8:50 am - Half Marathon Starts
  • 9:00 am - 5K Starts

Packet Pickup

We always do packet pickup on race morning starting one hour prior to the start of the race. If we have an early pickup available, it will be added here.