Costumed kids’ dashes, turkey trots, and jingle bell runs are all part of family fitness this fall
For so many Atlanta families fall is all about picking apples in the North Georgia mountains, carving pumpkins, and taking advantage of the last vestiges of summer. For others, it’s about getting outside and enjoying fall’s beautiful weather. What better way to enjoy the changing seasons than with a run? Fall race season is in full swing, and a family-friendly walk or run is ready for your crew to enjoy. Whether you want to exercise as a family or support a local charity, we’ve rounded up the best family races in Atlanta between now and the winter holidays. So grab your tennis shoes and carve out time to train with the kids. These local races should be on your fall bucket list.
Sign up now for these October 5K races Atlanta families can run
Trick or Trot 5K Race & Fall Festival
Get ready for the most fun run around where you and your crew can enjoy games, prizes, raffles, snow cones, face painting, and more. Sign up for the 5K run/walk or the free Spooky Sprint for kids ages 9 and younger. Hosted by Easterseals North Georgia, the race supports its mission to strengthen the health and development of children with disabilities, their families, and the greater community.
Date: Oct. 15, 2022
Thrasher Park
93 Park Dr.
Norcross, GA
Online: atlantatrackclub.org
100 Black Men Health & Wellness 5K & 1 Mile Run/Walk
Give back to support the mission to improve the quality of life within our communities and enhance educational and economic opportunities for all African Americans. Runners, joggers, and walkers enjoy a healthy, fun-filled event while supporting a worthy cause. Strollers are welcome on the course, so bring yours along. The easy mile-long course is great starting point for kids of all ages.
Date: Oct. 15, 2022
400 Ernest Barrett Pkwy.
Kennesaw, GA
Online: towncenteratcobb.com
Spooktacular Chase 5K and 8K
Register today for this annual Halloween-themed run through Historic Downtown Powder Springs. Come dressed in costumes and ready to enjoy the scenic routes of the surrounding area and Silver Comet Trail. Plus, you'll run for a great cause. All race proceeds support the life-changing services provided by Vision Rehabilitation Services of Georgia to individuals of all ages who are blind or visually impaired across 31 counties of North Georgia. Costumed or not, this will be a great family event.
Date: Oct. 22, 2022
Cobb Park
Powder Springs St. S.E. & Sanford Pl.
Powder Spring, GA
Online: raceroster.com
Related: Scare Up Fun! 15 Halloween Happenings around Atlanta
Fantastic 5K races & family runs to get you through November
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Atlanta Lab Rescue 5K
Lace up for the 8th Annual Atlanta Lab Rescue 5K at Still Family Farm in Powder Springs, GA. The 5K race begins and ends at the farm. It's a dog-friendly flat trail race, and everyone gets to go home with a long sleeve race t-shirt. The top three finishing dogs participating in the timed race get a prize, too. After the race, stick around for the Fall Festival featuring food, drinks, live music, activities for kids, and some fantastic local vendors with unique handcrafted items. A great way to spend the day!
Date: Nov. 12, 2022
5682 Macland Rd.
Powder Springs, GA
Online: atlantalabrescue.com
Cobb County Public Safety Foundation 5K
It's the inaugural year of this new race where athletes of all abilities can run, walk, or jog this 5K course. The CCPSF will be offered both in-person or virtual this year, and it's a fantastic race for young and old alike. Head to The Battery for the big event and a chance to support the Cobb County First Responders. But the best part of this race, at least according to your kids, has got to be the first responder vehicles, displays, and a fun kids' dash with The Atlanta Braves' Blooper. It doesn't get much better than that!
Date: Nov. 19
The Battery
800 Battery Ave. S.E.
Atlanta
Online: raceplace.com
Gobble Jog
Hundreds of local families will come to Marietta Square on Thanksgiving morning to participate in the 20th Annual Gobble Jog, benefiting MUST Ministries. The local charity is experiencing its greatest food need in 50 years, so sign up to give back to local families and have fun with yours in the process. Runners and walkers choose between a 10K, 5K, 1K or Tot Trot (50 yards). After registering your crew, help raise money by letting family, friends, and co-workers know how they can donate and give back. It's a great way to spend Thanksgiving morning and the excuse you need to go ahead and indulge in a slice of pumpkin pie.
Date: Nov. 24
99 S. Park Square N.E.
Marietta, GA
Online: must.enmotive.com
Related: 15 Fantastic Festivals & Fairs to Put on Your Fall Calendar
End the year on the right foot with this December run
Jingle Bell Jog
It's time to celebrate all things winter with a 5K and one-mile run to kickstart the holiday season. We're talking jingle bells, Santa, mistletoe, egg nog, reindeer, and elves. The fun starts with the jingle bells racers get to tie on their shoes and it ends with a Santa suit costume you get to take home (race shirts are so last year). After you cross the finish line, don't forget to collect the holiday-themed medal for finishers. Plus, the fun run is just the right speed for tots to give racing a try.
Date: Dec. 11
Piedmont Park, Charles Allen entrance off 10th St.
Atlanta
Online: jinglebelljog.net
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