The "Downtown Cartersville 5K" (and a 1K Fun Run) to support Backpack Buddies

🏃‍♂️ Join Us for the 9th Annual Downtown Cartersville 5K

Please Join us for the 9th Annual Running of the “Downtown Cartersville 5K” to benefit Backpack Buddies! Saturday morning August 23rd. 2025!

📅 Event Description

• Get Ready: Get ready for the 9th-Annual Downtown Cartersville 5K to benefit the Backpack Buddies Program!
• Fun Run: The always-popular 1K Fun Run ('Lap-the-Courthouse') for the little ones will finish under the banner like the big folks!
• Scenic Route: This race promises to produce a good time for all, no matter your age!
• Qualification: As a USATF-CERTIFIED 5K COURSE (Certification #GA18034WC), it is a Peachtree Road Race Qualifier!

🎉 Post-Race Activities

• Awards Presentation: Please plan to hang around after the 5K for age group awards presentations.
• Enjoy: Enjoy sponsors' tents and treats and LIVE music!
• Weekend Kickoff: This is an awesome way to start your weekend and support a worthy cause!

🕔 Event Details & Schedule

• 6:30am: Race Day Registration begins
• 7:30am: Race Day Registration ends
• 7:58am: Wheelchair Race Start
• 8:00am: 5K Run/Walk Start
• 9:00am: 1K Fun Run Start
• 9:20am: Awards Ceremony

💰 Registration Info

• Pre-Race Registration: Open until 11:00pm, Sunday, August 17th, 2025.
• Fees: $30 for the 5K and $20 for the Fun Run (Note: We cannot guarantee your T-Shirt Size if you register on Race Day).
• Race Day Rates: $40 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 22nd from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
• Location: Big Peach Running Co. - Cartersville Store, 402 E. Church St., Cartersville, GA 30121.
• Note: Please make every effort to pick up your packet on Friday to avoid lines on Saturday morning!

🅿️ Parking

• Location: Available in the large parking lot between The Bartow County Courthouse and Sam Jones Methodist Church, located at 135 West Cherokee Avenue.
• Additional Parking: Available in the Tabernacle Baptist Church Parking lot and surrounding areas.
• Reminder: 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.
• Finish Line: Located inside Friendship Plaza off of Cherokee Ave.
• Note: All 5K runners/5K wheelchair athletes must complete the attached waiver prior to race start.

🏆 5K Awards

• Overall Awards: Top 3 Overall M&F
• Masters Awards: Top 3 Masters M&F
• Grandmaster Award: Top Grandmaster M&F
• Age Categories: Top 3 in each age category 10 & under through 70 & Over.

📊 Race Results

Post Race, Results can be found on www.wire2wirerunning.com after the race under the tab 'RACE RESULTS.' Also, check out some of our other great races you may wish to enter under the 'CALENDAR' link.

☔ Rain or Shine

This is a Rain or Shine Event!

🏅 Past Winners

2024 Winners: Mario Singer 18:21.....Kelly Ann Sutterfield 18:48.....Wheelchair, Colby Higgins 16:13
2023 Winners: Zach Czerniak 17:19.....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
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
2017 Winners: Max Florence, 19:10.....Jodi Blackwell, 21:17

For more information, please visit the official race page: Downtown Cartersville 5K.