5K races near Dawsonville

The Trick or Treat Trot 5K is a morning 5K held in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. Check-in begins at 7:00 AM, with the race starting at 8:00 AM. This event benefits Easterseals North Georgia, providing health and development services for children with disabilities, their families, and the community. The race is a qualifier for the AJC Peachtree Road Race, though it is organized independently of the Atlanta Track Club. The event focuses on a straightforward 5K course, not a complex race structure. Participants, both runners and walkers, contribute to raising funds and awareness for young children with disabilities in Atlanta and North Georgia. Each participant receives a shirt. Awards are presented to the top three overall male and female finishers, as well as to winners in various age groups, from youth categories to senior grand masters.

The Pastry Road Race is a flat road race held in downtown Buford, Georgia, starting at 8:00 a.m. in October. The event embraces its bakery theme, described as a "sweet" race to raise "dough," with participants receiving T-shirts. The morning features music, door prizes, and awards presented in five-year age groups ranging from 10 and under to 75 and up. While listed on Atlanta Track Club's Community Calendar, the race is organized independently, and inquiries should be directed to the event organizer.

The Spooky Spirits 5K is a Halloween-themed 5K race held in Suwanee, Georgia. It begins and ends at Suwanee Town Center Park. This is a timed race and a Peachtree Road Race qualifier, allowing participants to approach it as a serious 5K effort. The event also offers a more relaxed option that combines cocktails and costumes, with ticket choices for a continuous run or a course featuring stops for drinks. The spirits version features five stations along the race path, each offering a different cocktail sample and theme. Additionally, a 12-ounce cocktail is provided at the finish line. The event accommodates competitive runners, casual walkers, groups in costumes, and friends who enjoy cocktails. The race is organized by the same team responsible for the Beer Chaser 5K and Suwanee Wine Fest. Individual results and race videos will be accessible after the event.

The NOA 5K Run to End Domestic Violence is a fall 5 km run held at Rock Creek Park in Dawsonville, Georgia. The race begins at 445 Martin Road, offering local runners a short, direct course linked to a specific cause: raising funds for domestic violence support. The event also provides a virtual 5K option, allowing participation for those unable to travel to Dawsonville. Race merchandise includes a T-shirt. The format is straightforward: a community 5K in a north Georgia park, focused on fundraising rather than a large festival or elite competition.

The Apple Festival 5K takes place in Ellijay, Georgia, on the morning of the Georgia Apple Festival. It includes a 5K, a one-mile fun run, and a virtual 5K option. The Ellijay Lions Club organizes this event, which is one of Georgia's longest-running 5Ks. The race details reflect a local event rather than a large-scale production. BT Race Timing manages the results, but chip timing is not used; finishers submit a card with their name, age, bib number, and gender. Awards are given to overall winners, masters, grand masters, and in five-year age groups from 10-and-under up to 80-and-over. Refreshments are available post-race, and free parking is offered around Ellijay Elementary School before festival road closures commence.

Tina's Cat Run is an October benefit road race in Ball Ground, Georgia, offering a 5K, a 1 Mile Fun Run, and a virtual option. The race starts at Ball Ground City Park on Old Canton Road, near Main Street behind the Burger Bus. Cat Run Inc. organizes it as a charitable nonprofit event, with proceeds benefiting the Cherokee Family Violence Center and North Georgia shelter initiatives. The morning follows a small-town schedule: packet pickup and race-day registration open early at the park. The National Anthem and a prayer are offered at the start line before the 5K begins. The Fun Run follows, with medals presented as finishers cross the line, and Tina speaks before the awards ceremony. The race raises funds for local shelters and highlights domestic violence awareness, functioning as a community benefit day rather than a standard timed 5K.

The Running Scared 5K/13K is a Halloween-themed race held at Rock Creek Park in Dawsonville, Georgia. Costumes are encouraged but not required. The 5K begins at 8:00 AM and the 13K starts at 8:30 AM, allowing participants to choose a shorter morning race or a longer one on the same day. All participants receive a long-sleeve race shirt and a custom finisher medal, complementing the autumn setting and costume-friendly atmosphere. The Deadly Double offers an additional challenge, where runners complete both the 5K and the 13K for separate recognition. The event embraces its Halloween theme with treats, music, and activities in the start and finish area. Awards are presented to overall male and female winners, Masters, Grand Masters, Senior Masters, five-year age groups, and the top Deadly Double finishers. The race is listed on the Atlanta Track Club Community Calendar but is organized independently.

The WineSTEM 5K is a professionally timed 5K run/walk in New Hope, Pennsylvania, followed by a wine festival. It is part of the Run Now Wine Later series, featuring a simple format: complete the course, receive an official time if desired, and then enjoy the post-race gathering. The course is set in New Hope, a small river town in Bucks County. The race welcomes both runners and walkers, not exclusively competitive 5K racers. Registration provides a finisher medal, a race shirt available in unisex and women's sizes, entry to the post-race gathering, and a complimentary glass of wine from Olde Stone or Greenhouse.

The Halloween Howl Fun Run is a free, costume-friendly youth run in Burlington, Vermont, part of the Halloween Howl at Oakledge. RunVermont hosts the run; Burlington Parks, Recreation and Waterfront manages the Oakledge celebration. Youth can select a half-mile or one-mile course. Check-in is at 1:00 PM, with the run beginning at 1:30 PM. Youth runners must register online or in person. Accompanying parents or guardians do not need to register. The event centers on Halloween activities for families, making costumes a key element. Participants receive free donuts from Cold Hollow Cider Mill. Organizers note that Vermont weather may necessitate cancellation, so families should monitor email and social media for updates.

The Boo Dash 5K is a Halloween fun run hosted at the Clear Lake Recreation and Community Center on Diana Lane in Houston, located near El Camino and Bay Area Boulevard. The Kids K begins the events, followed by the 5K for adults and teens, which starts near sunset, lending the race a Halloween-evening atmosphere without being frightening. Participants are welcome to wear family-friendly costumes, and the event features a costume contest, treats, and finisher medals. Well-behaved pets are also permitted, resulting in a diverse field of runners, children, parents, costumes, and dogs, distinct from a typical road race crowd. The course winds through the adjacent neighborhood and Exploration Green before concluding back at the rec center. This race is part of the CLCCA Monster 3 Event Bash, encouraging many attendees to remain for the Fall Festival. The festival includes a petting zoo, train rides, pumpkins, popcorn, inflatables, trunk-or-treating, a haunted house, crafts, games, food trucks, local vendors, and seasonal treats. After dark, the Glow the Green event illuminates the Exploration Green path with over 300 luminary lights and includes interactive stations for children. Running Alliance Sport manages the race, with proceeds benefiting the INEOS ICAN Foundation.

The Alpharetta Women’s Half Marathon & 5K begins and ends at Avalon in Alpharetta, Georgia. Held in November, it offers participants a USATF-certified half marathon or a 5K, with HOKA as the presenting sponsor. The course is based around Avalon, returning runners to the mixed-use district where the event is headquartered. Participants who register in advance will receive a race shirt, finisher medal, goodie bag, food and drinks, and admission to the post-race gathering.