Follow the Sign

Race Overview

The Georgia Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (GCDHH) is thrilled to announce the return of the Follow the Sign 5K, now in person for the first time! This Walk/Run event will take place on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody, Georgia, as part of the International Week of the Deaf celebrations from Monday, September 22, to Sunday, September 28, 2025.

“Follow the Sign” was created by a team of Deaf and Hard of Hearing members to showcase our language and cultural diversity. We are committed to raising funds to improve the lives of Deaf, DeafBlind, and hard-of-hearing individuals. The "Follow the Sign Campaign" highlights the uniqueness of sign language, communication, and accessibility.

Goals and Participation

• Fundraising Goal: GCDHH is seeking donors to help us reach our goal of $20,000.
• Sponsoring Support: Sponsoring organizations and individuals will make a significant impact on our community by supporting this annual event.
• Participation: In addition to walking, running, or hiking, donations will be acknowledged with advertisements throughout the event and in our monthly newsletters.
• USATF Certification: This is a USATF-certified 5K course and therefore an AJC Peachtree Road Race qualifier.

Spectators welcomed!

Contact Information

For questions please contact followthesign5k@gcdhh.org.

Race Information

• Participant Gear: All in-person participants receive a race T-shirt and race # at check-in and a medal upon completion of the race.
• Walking Etiquette: Walkers are encouraged to walk to the right, allowing runners to pass on the left.
• Age Requirement: Participants must be ages 5 and older. Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is registered for the race.
• Transportation Needs: For participants requiring a "guide" or “push-assist” runner, the "guide" or “push-assist” runner MUST register for the race as a "timed" or "untimed" participant.

Race Day Schedule

• 7:30 a.m. | Check-in, race # pickups
• 8:20 a.m. | Race # Pickup Closes
• 8:20 a.m. | Welcome, Greetings, and Honor of Community Activist
• 8:45 a.m. | Official Race Start
• 10:45 a.m. | Finish of Race
• 9:30 a.m. | Awards

Race Rules

Participation in the Follow the Sign 5K (RACE) is contingent upon each participant complying with these RACE Rules. By agreeing to participate in this RACE, you hereby agree to be bound by all RACE Rules for the Follow the Sign 5K. Georgia Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing reserves the right to exclude or remove any participant from the RACE for failure to comply with any portion of the RACE Rules.

1. Check-in: Check-in and mandatory race-day number pickup opens to participants starting at 7:30 a.m. All participants must show a government-issued photo ID that matches the registered participant’s name upon check-in.
2. Public Participation: The RACE is open to members of the public ages 5 and older. Each child under the age of 17 must be accompanied by a registered adult who will be participating with the child during the RACE.
3. No Transfer: Registrations are nontransferable and nonrefundable.
4. Use of Bibs: RACE bibs may not be sold, given away or used by any person other than the registered individual.
5. Course Compliance: All RACE participants must stay on the officially designated 5K course at all times, unless detoured by law enforcement or other official personnel along the route.
6. Safety Regulations: No guns or weapons of any kind are allowed on the park property.
7. No Vehicles: No bikes, skateboards or other non-motorized or motorized vehicles are permitted on the 5K course.
8. No Pets: No pets are permitted on 5K course except for officially designated service animals.
9. Personal Items: Items left in any location in the park during the 5K event are left at the participant’s own risk.
10. COVID-19 Protocols: All participants, observers, and spectators will agree to any COVID-19 PROTOCOLS that currently are or may be put in place in the future for the Follow the Sign 5K event.

COVID-19 Protocols

1. Health Screening: Anyone exhibiting signs of COVID-19 will not be allowed to participate in the RACE.
2. Face Masks: Wearing a face mask is optional at this time.
3. Social Distancing: Participants are encouraged to use their own judgement regarding social distancing when around people not in their social circle.
4. Hygiene: RACE participants are encouraged to hand sanitize often throughout the event.
5. Post-Race Departure: Participants are encouraged to leave the RACE site shortly after the conclusion of the event.
6. Vulnerable Individuals: Individuals with compromised immune systems should consider this event a risky environment.

Parking

Park in the Lot across from the Amphitheater. Rideshare users should use the address: 4770 N. Peachtree Rd. Dunwoody, GA 30338.

MARTA Directions

Take the MARTA rail to the Dunwoody Station (Red Line), conveniently located near Perimeter Mall. Use a connecting bus route: MARTA's bus route 103 operates to get closer to Brook Run Park.

Awards

Awards are given for the overall male and female finisher, and top male and female finisher in each age group as follows: under 18: 19-29: 30-39: 40-49: 50-59: 60+. Awards winners are based on NET TIME. Only TIMED runners can qualify for awards.

Virtual Race Option

For those unable to participate in the Follow the Sign in person, the virtual option allows you to run or walk anytime and anywhere, even indoors on a treadmill. You can submit your virtual race results via the race registration website. You will receive a commemorative T-shirt and medal mailed to your preferred address.

Sponsorship Interest

For questions about sponsorships and any other inquiry, please contact followthesign5k@gcdhh.org.

Volunteer Opportunities

Do you know of anyone that would like to volunteer for the 5K Race? Sign up as a volunteer - registration details upcoming. Volunteers that sign-up by August 31, 2025 will receive a volunteer race T-shirt.

In-Kind Donations Interest

Help us make the 4th Annual Follow The Sign 5K a success! Your in-kind donations—whether snacks, race gear, or raffle prizes—fuel the fun and support our community. Use link: Follow The Sign 5K: In-kind Donations to contribute and be part of something meaningful!

Important Notes

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