Follow the Sign

Event Overview

The Georgia Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (GCDHH) is thrilled to announce the return of the Follow the Sign 5K! This Walk/Run event will take place on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody, Georgia. Join us in honoring the vibrancy, resilience, and creativity of the Deaf community. This is a time to raise awareness, celebrate diversity, and recognize the invaluable contributions Deaf individuals make to our world every day.

Follow the Sign 5K 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. Deaf culture is rich with history, language, art, and connection centered around the power of visual communication and shared experiences. This Follow the Sign 5K Campaign highlights the uniqueness of sign language, communication, and accessibility.

Participation and Donations

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

Race Information

• Race Participation: All in-person participants receive a race T-shirt and race number at check-in, and a medal upon completion of the race.
• Walking Guidelines: 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.
• Guide Runner Registration: 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

• 8:30 a.m.: Check-in, race number pickups
• 9:20 a.m.: Race number pickup closes
• 9:20 a.m.: Welcome, greetings, booths/vendors
• 10:00 a.m.: Official race start
• 11:00 a.m.: Finish of race
• 11:15 a.m.: Awards

Race Rules

1. Check-In: All participants must show a government-issued photo ID that matches the registered participant’s name upon check-in.
2. Age Requirement: 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 participate with the child during the race.
3. Registration Policy: Registrations are nontransferable and nonrefundable.
4. Course Designation: All participants must stay on the officially designated 5K course at all times.
5. Participant Conduct: Only registered participants will be allowed on the designated 5K course.
6. Prohibited Items: No guns or weapons of any kind are allowed on the park property.
7. Transportation Restrictions: No bikes, skateboards, or other vehicles are permitted on the 5K course, except for equipment necessary for a person with a disability.
8. Animal Policy: No pets are permitted on the 5K course except for officially designated service animals.
9. Liability: All participants acknowledge that items left in any location during the event are left at their own risk.
10. COVID-19 Compliance: All participants, observers, and spectators will agree to any COVID-19 protocols in place for the event.

COVID-19 Protocols

1. Health Assessment: Anyone exhibiting signs of COVID-19 will not be allowed to participate in the race.
2. Face Mask Policy: Wearing a face mask is currently optional.
3. Social Distancing: Participants are encouraged to use their own judgement regarding social distancing when around others not in their social circle.
4. Sanitizing: Participants are encouraged to hand sanitize often throughout the event.
5. Early Departure: Participants are encouraged to leave the race site shortly after the conclusion of the event.
6. Virtual Option: Individuals with compromised immune systems should consider participating as a "Virtual Runner."

Parking Information

Entrance: 2341 Peeler Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338

Parking: Participants, rideshare, vendors, and volunteers can park in the lot located on Dekalb Drive across from the Amphitheater.

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 Interest

For questions about corporate sponsorships and any other inquiries, please contact followthesign5k@:gcdhh.org.

Volunteer Opportunities

Would you or do you know of anyone that would like to volunteer for the 5K Race? Click this link Race Day Volunteer Sign Up to sign up as a race day volunteer. Volunteers that sign up by July 1, 2026, will receive a volunteer race T-shirt.

In-Kind Donations

Help us make the 5th 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 to contribute and be part of something meaningful! 🎽 Follow The Sign 5K: In-kind Donations 🎽

Important 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 by emailing followthesign5k@:gcdhh.org.

Race URL

For more information, visit the race page: Follow the Sign 5K.