ATL COMMUNITY EVENT

Mayor's 5K on the 5th Runway

The annual Mayor’s 5K on the 5th Runway is back! Hosted by Mayor Andre Dickens, the race welcomes runners and walkers ages 10 and up, of all abilities.

Lace up and experience the exclusive opportunity to race on Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s 5th runway on Saturday, October 10, 2026, one of the flattest and fastest courses in metro Atlanta.

AT A GLANCE

Event highlights

Date

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Location

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Certified Course

USATF-certified 5K and an AJC Peachtree Road Race qualifier.

Who Can Participate

Runners and walkers ages 10 and up, of all abilities.

Beneficiary

Proceeds benefit the Mayor’s Youth Scholarship Program.

Free Event Parking

Georgia International Convention Center, with complimentary shuttle service.

PLAN YOUR MORNING

Event schedule

The detailed 2026 event schedule has not yet been announced. Please check back for updates.

SECURITY CHECKLIST

What to bring

Bring

Government-issued ID
Keys
Cellphone in a fanny pack or arm band
Small fanny packs at 5″ × 7″ × 1″ will be allowed.

Fanny packs and cellphone arm bands are subject to inspection.

Do not bring

Bags are strictly prohibited, including backpacks, shoulder bags and sling bags
No water bottles or hydration packs are allowed; water will be provided

Government-issued ID is required: Registrant name must match submitted government-issued ID. Those without ID and/or who cannot be screened will NOT participate.

Race number pick-up

Race numbers (bibs) are issued upon check-in and are non-transferable.

GETTING TO THE RACE

Parking, transportation and ride share

GICC parking

There is NO public parking at the race site, Atlanta Fire Station #33.

Parking is available at the Georgia International Convention Center (GICC):
2000 Convention Center Concourse
College Park, GA 30337

There is no charge for parking.

Complimentary shuttles

Shuttle buses transport participants to and from the race site.

Outbound service begins at 3:30 a.m. and ends at 5:45 a.m. Return service is available after the race; the last shuttle departs Fire Station #33 at 9 a.m.

There are no shuttles from airport paid lots.

Parking and accessibility

The GICC parking lot is the only parking option for race participants. For special assistance with parking or other ADA accessibility needs, email ATL5K@ATL.com.

Ride sharing directions

Use the GICC address for your drop-off and pickup location. Have your driver drop you off in the parking lot, then proceed to the shuttle buses to reach the race site.

RECOGNITION

Awards

Awards are given to the overall male and female finishers and the top male and female finisher in each age group: 10–16; 17–24; 25–29; 30–34; 35–39; 40–44; 45–49; 50–54; 55–59; 60–64; 65–69; and 70+.

Award winners are based on NET TIME. Only timed runners qualify for awards.

Teams require at least five members and may include men and women. Awards go to the Top Team, based on the fastest combined overall score, and the Largest Team.

IMPORTANT RACE RULES

Requirements every participant should know

5K participants have one hour to complete the race.
The runway must be clear of race participants by 7:30 a.m.
Runners and walkers must maintain a pace of 18 minutes, 30 seconds per mile. Participants unable to maintain this pace will be diverted to a shorter route so the event can finish on time. There are no exceptions because this is a Federal Aviation Administration requirement.
Chip timing will be used.
All participants receive a commemorative T-shirt and medal upon completion.
Warm-up and stretching space is limited.
Walkers should keep right so runners can pass on the left.
Participants must be ages 10 and up. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Spectators are not permitted.

COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENT

Mayor's 5K sustainability initiatives

Helping our community and the environment.

Alternative transportation

Participants are encouraged to carpool and use rideshare to reduce carbon emissions.

Reduce impact

Only compostable service ware will be available to reduce the event’s waste impact.

Reuse items

On race day, collection bins will be available for all types of shoes for donation or recycling.

Recycle waste

Waste will be separated on-site, collected by CHaRM (the Center for Hard to Recycle Materials) and diverted from landfills.

JOIN FROM ANYWHERE

Virtual race

If you cannot attend in person, choose the virtual race option during registration. Complete the 5K on your own time and at your preferred location. Virtual participants receive a commemorative T-shirt and medal.

PARTNER WITH THE EVENT