2025 Veterans Day 5K Hosted by the Cherry Blossom Festival

Event Overview

Macon, Georgia’s International Cherry Blossom Festival is proud to host the second annual Veterans Day 5K on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Georgia Premier Cross Country Course at Middle Georgia State University as part of a weekend of events honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans across Middle Georgia. A portion of proceeds from the Veterans Day weekend will benefit the Georgia Department of Veterans Service Foundation, an organization committed to helping Middle Georgia veterans remain in their homes through support with utilities, rent or mortgage assistance, and critical home repairs.

Additional Events

The Veterans Day 5K is one of three events taking place over Veterans Day weekend to honor, raise awareness, and financially benefit veterans in Macon-Bibb and Middle Georgia. Events taking place during Veterans Day Weekend, November 9-10, 2025, include:

• 5K and Fun Run: Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Middle Georgia State University
• Veterans Day Parade: Sunday, November 9, 2025, in Downtown Macon
• Golf Tournament: Monday, November 10, 2025, at River North Country Club

Day of 5K Schedule

• 7:00am: Registration and Packet Pick Up
• 8:25am: National Anthem
• 8:30am: 5K Begins
• 9:30am approx: Awards Ceremony

Location and Parking

• Location: Georgia Premier Cross Country Course at Middle Georgia State University - 3450 Fulton Mill Road, Macon, Ga, 31206
• Parking: Parking for the 5K will be located at Georgia Premier Cross Country Course.

Registration

• Online Registration: Ends Friday, November 7, 2025, at 5:00pm.
• Same Day Registration: Onsite only.

Refund Policy

• Policy: No refunds will be given.

Service Animals

• Policy: Service animals are welcomed and allowed.

Weather Policy

• Event Status: The Veterans Day 5K is rain or shine. In the case of inclement weather, race officials may cancel or delay the event in consideration of public safety. Registration fees are non-refundable.

Awards

• Top Finishers: Top three male, top three female, and top three Veterans overall finishers of the Veterans Day 5K.
• Age Brackets: Top two men and top two women for each age bracket.
• Brackets: 10 and under, 11-14, 15-19, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and 80+.
• Best Outfit: Best Red, White and Blue, patriotic outfit.

Shirts

• Registration Deadline: Participants who register by October 24, 2025, will receive their shirt on race day. Participants who register after this date are not guaranteed a shirt or the size requested.

Packet Pickup

• Timing: Packet pickup for in-person participants will take place the morning of the race starting at 7:00am at the Georgia Premier Cross Country Course at Middle Georgia State University.

Bathrooms

• Location: Bathrooms are located onsite.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

• Presenting Sponsor: Smith, Brown & Groover, Inc.
• Supporting Sponsor: R.A. Bowen Trust
• Hydration Sponsor: Anderson, Walker & Reichert, LLP
• Mile Marker Sponsors: Raffield Tire Master, Advanced Dental Arts, and D. Lance Souther, Inc.
• Community Sponsors: Middle Georgia State University and Apparel Authority
• Media Sponsors: 41 WMGT and Cumulus Media

More Information

For more information about the race, please visit the official race page: Veterans Day 5K Hosted by the Cherry Blossom Festival.