Follow the Sign

🎉 Race Announcement

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.

🌟 Mission and Goals

“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.

• Fundraising Goal: GCDHH is seeking donors to help us reach our goal of $50,000.
• Impact: Sponsoring organizations and individuals will make a significant impact on our community by supporting this annual event.
• Donor Acknowledgment: Donations will be acknowledged with advertisements throughout the event and in our monthly newsletters.
• Participation: In addition to walking, running, or hiking, everyone can help make a difference.

🏁 Race Information

• Participation Perks: All in-person participants receive a race T-shirt and race # at check-in and a medal upon completion of the race.
• Walker Guidelines: Walkers are encouraged to walk to the right, allowing runners to pass on the left.
• Age Limit: Participants must be ages 10 and older. Participants younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult who is registered for the race.
• Guide Participants: 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
• 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. | Vendors / Education Booths

📜 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. Minors do not need to provide a photo ID upon check-in when accompanied by a registered adult with a proper government-issued photo ID.
2. Eligibility: The RACE is open to members of the public ages 10 and older. Children younger than 10 must be accompanied by a registered runner/walker. Each child between the ages of 10 and 17 must be accompanied by a registered adult who will be participating with the child during the RACE.
3. Registration Policy: Registrations are nontransferable and nonrefundable.
4. Race Bibs: RACE bibs may not be sold, given away or used by any person other than the registered individual. Your Government ID must match the name of the registered participant to pick up a race number the morning of the race.

😷 COVID-19 Protocols

1. Health Screening: Anyone exhibiting signs of COVID-19 such as feeling sick, recently testing positive for COVID-19 and/or being exposed to anyone showing signs or recently testing positive for COVID-19 will not be allowed to participate in the RACE.
2. Face Masks: At the present time, wearing a face mask is optional. The RACE reserves the right to require face masks if health protocols at AIRPORT change. Face masks are not required while running/walking the 5K route.
3. Social Distancing: Participants are encouraged to use their own judgement regarding social distancing when around people not in their social circle. The RACE may start in waves with a start grid to promote social distancing if necessary.
4. Hand Sanitizing: RACE participants are encouraged to hand sanitize often throughout the event.

🚗 Parking Information

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

Marta Users: Take the MARTA rail to the Dunwoody Station (Red Line): This station is conveniently located near Perimeter Mall and several Dunwoody restaurants. From Dunwoody Station, use a connecting bus route: MARTA's bus route 103, "Peeler Road," operates between Chamblee Station and Peeler Rd & Winters Chapel Rd, running along N Peachtree Rd, N Shallowford Rd, and Peeler Rd. You can use this bus to get closer to Brook Run Park, also known as Liane Levetan Park at Brook Run.

🏆 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, at your own convenience. Complete the 5K on your own time and at your preferred location. 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 Opportunities

For questions about sponsorships and any other question, 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

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 Note

NOTE: Staff will not be available via phone or e-mail on the morning of the RACE to answer questions. Please resolve any issues or questions you have before race day. Please contact