In 78 days · Sat, Aug 29, 2026
When
Saturday, August 29th, 2026
Where
105 N. Bartow St., Cartersville GA
Distances
5K
About this race
TEN YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!
Please Join us for the 10th Annual Running of the “Downtown Cartersville 5K” to benefit Backpack Buddies! Saturday morning August 29th. 2026!!!
EVENT DESCRIPTION:
- Celebration: Get ready to celebrate a milestone!!
- 1K Fun Run: The always-popular 1K Fun Run ('Lap-the-Courthouse') for the little ones, will finish under the banner like the big folks!
- Race Route: This popular 5K will start & finish in historic Downtown Cartersville, with a scenic route that encircles downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods.
- Fun for All: This race promises to produce a good time for all, no matter your age!
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES:
- Post-Race Festivities: Please plan to hang around after the 5K for age group awards presentations.
- Entertainment: Enjoy sponsors' tents and treats and LIVE music!
- Weekend Kickoff: This is an awesome way to start your weekend and support a worthy cause!
- Sponsorship: Sponsorship opportunities are still available! Please contact Lori Shook (lshook@cartersvilleschools.org).
EVENT DETAILS & SCHEDULE
- 6:30 AM: Race Day Registration begins
- 7:30 AM: Race Day Registration ends
- 7:58 AM: Wheelchair Race Start
- 8:00 AM: 5K Run/Walk Start
- 9:00 AM: 1K Fun Run Start
- 9:20 AM: Awards Ceremony
REGISTRATION INFO:
- Pre-Race Registration: Online Registration will be open until 11:00 PM, Sunday, August 23rd, 2026.
- Pre-Race Fees: $35 for the 5K and $25 for the Fun Run. (T-Shirt size is guaranteed only for pre-registrations.)
- Race Day Rates: $45 for the 5K and $30 for the Fun Run.
PACKET PICK UP:
- Date: Pre-Race Packet Pick-Up for those that are pre-registered will be held Friday, August 28th from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
- Location: Big Peach Running Co. - Cartersville Store! Located at 402 E. Church St., Cartersville, GA 30121.
- Avoid Lines: Given the size of this race, please make every effort to pick up your packet on Friday to avoid the lines on Saturday morning!
PARKING:
- Primary Location: Parking is available in the large parking lot between The Bartow County Courthouse and Sam Jones Methodist Church, located at 135 West Cherokee Avenue in downtown Cartersville.
- Additional Options: Additional parking is available in the Tabernacle Baptist Church Parking lot and limited areas surrounding Downtown Cartersville.
- Restrictions: Please note there is NO PARKING available in and around Friendship Plaza on Race Day Morning!
5K COURSE:
- Certification: The 5K is a USATF-CERTIFIED COURSE and a Peachtree Road Race Qualifier. (Certification #GA18034WC)
- Starting Line: Located just west of the intersection(s) of Church Street and Bartow Street, facing East on Church St.
- Finish Line: Located inside Friendship Plaza off of Cherokee Ave.
- Wavier: All 5K runners/5K wheelchair athletes must complete the attached waiver prior to race start.
1K FUN RUN:
- Route: The 1K Fun Run will make one loop, counterclockwise, around the Courthouse Block before finishing at the common finish line.
- Finishing Celebration: Enjoy the cheering of the ROARING CROWD!!!
5K AWARDS:
- Overall Recognition: Top 3 Overall M&F
- Masters Recognition: Top 3 Masters M&F
- Wheelchair Awards: Overall Wheelchair M&F
- Age Categories: Top 3 in various age categories from 10 & under to 70 & Over
RACE RESULTS:
- Post-Race: Results can be found on www.wire2wirerunning.com.
- Awards Tab: Results available under the tab 'RACE RESULTS.'
- Additional Races: Also, check out some of our other great races under the 'CALENDAR' link.
EVENT DATE:
This is a Rain or Shine Event!
PAST WINNERS:
2025 Winners: Simon Schabort 17:43....Grace McLemore 21:44....Wheelchair, Krige Schabort 17:34
2024 Winners: Mario Singer 18:21.....Kelly Ann Sutterfield 18:48.....Wheelchair, Colby Higgins 16:13
2023 Winners: Zach Czerniak 17:19 (Course Record).....Emma Ruffin 21:26....
2022 Winners: Mario Singer 19:25.....Sherry Spinks 21:47....Wheelchair, Colby Higgins 15:06
2021 Winners: Omar Hernandez 18:22…..Sherry Spinks 21:07….Wheelchair, Krige Schabort 14:37 (Course Record)
2020 Winners: Andy Bishop, 18:09.....Sherry Spinks, 19:42....Wheelchair, Brad Smith 17:26
2019 Winners: Alex Rios, 18:48.....Sherry Spinks, 21:34....Wheelchair, Brad Smith 15:01
2018 Winners: Bill Archer, 18:26.....Jill Braley, 18:45 (Course Record)
2017 Winners: Max Florence, 19:10.....Jodi Blackwell, 21:17
REGISTRATION LINK:
For more information and to register, please visit The Downtown Cartersville 5K Registration Page.
Course map
Train with a club
Run clubs near Cartersville to train with before race day.
See all run clubs near Cartersville →
Suggested Races
Organize this race?
Claim it free to manage the listing. Want more signups? Feature it to put it in front of more runners.