Apple Festival 5K

2026 WPPL-FM 103.9 WALK THE LINE 5K

🎄 DASHING THROUGH THE STATELINE!

In 2026, the Riverwalk Run Series proudly celebrates America's 250th birthday alongside the states of Georgia and Tennessee! As America’s only two-state 5K series, our three-event lineup invites participants to experience three seasons in the geographic and cultural heart of Appalachia.

Join the excitement of this one-of-a-kind series, which includes the Trout Trot 5K every spring, Walk the Line 5K every summer, and the Bigfoot Boogie 5K every fall, with a coveted CHALLENGE ITEM awarded to participants who complete all three.

Walk the Line 5K has always been a rockin’ summer celebration inspired by Johnny Cash’s “I Walk the Line.” This year, we’re turning up the fun with a Christmas-in-July twist! Expect holiday music, festive décor, and cheerful vibes as participants jingle all the way through McCaysville and Copperhill.

Participants will enjoy a scenic 3.1-mile course (with just one hill) that crosses the state line twice between McCaysville, GA and Copperhill, TN. The route winds alongside the picturesque Toccoa River, through two charming downtowns, and is ideal for runners, walkers, strollers, and even four-legged friends.

The lively riverfront atmosphere blends summer fun with holiday magic—many participants return later in the year to experience the real thing.

All three Riverwalk Run Series 5Ks are Official Peachtree Qualifiers for the Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race.

📅 EVENT DETAILS

Date / Time: Saturday, July 18 @ 6:30 PM

Location: McCaysville Visitor Center

Shirt & Bib Pickup:

• Saturday (3:30–6:15 PM) at the McCaysville Visitor Center

Course Map: 3.1 miles, all paved; view more at MapMyRun

Note: Start & finish lines are at different locations; timing is based on “gun to chip” (USATF Rule 245).

🕒 5K TIMELINE

4:30 PM – Race Setup

6:30 PM – Start

7:30 PM – Course Cutoff

7:45 PM – Awards at McCaysville City Park

🏅 AWARDS

• Overall Female & Male

• Age Groups: 0–9, 10–19, 20–29 … up to 80+

• All finishers receive a medal

🎉 MAKE IT A WEEKEND!

• Riverwalk Shops & Blue Ridge dining

• Boutique shopping in McCaysville & Copperhill

• Rafting, hiking, fly fishing, breweries

❓ FAQs

• Free parking across from McCaysville City Park

• Race-day registration available unless sold out

• Water provided at finish; bring your own for on-course

• Rain or shine event

• FB: facebook.com/riverwalkrunseries

Come start your morning with a 5K run at beautiful Meeks Park in Blairsville. This event is a fundraiser for BSA Troop 101. This event will be part of three race series - AAA Health Series, Clover Glove Series, and Black Bag Racing Series. Bring a friend!

Event details and schedule

Registration opens at 7:00 am at Pavillion #3 by the baseball field. Signs will be posted. Race day registration will be available.

Virtual Runners: Times must be to [email protected] before noon on 9/13/25.

Please join us for the 2nd. Annual Running of the “Your Heart Counts 5K” Once again presented by Union General Health System! Saturday Morning – October 3rd. 2026 – 8:00 AM Race Start – Meeks Park – Blairsville, GA! Come enjoy this absolutely beautiful race route that combines the paths of Meeks Park with a beautiful fall morning in the Mountains of North Georgia. All for a great cause to support Cardiac Health through Union General. So Please wear RED in support of this outstanding cause as Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It will be an amazing morning so we hope you’ll plan to join us!

Registration: $30 Pre-Race Registration Fee (Runs until 11:59 PM, Sunday evening, September 27th.) You must register by this date to guarantee your T-shirt size and lock in at the reduced rate!) $40 Race Day Registration Rate.

Race Day Logistics & Schedule of Events:

Race Day Registration / Race Location: Adjacent to Pavilion #3 in Meeks Park located at 490 Meeks Park Rd., Blairsville, GA 30512.

*6:45 AM Race Day Registration

*7:45 AM Race Day Registration Closes

*7:55 AM Pre-Race Announcements

*8:00 AM “Your Heart Counts 5K” Start Time

*9:15 AM Race Awards Presentation

Pre-Race Packet Pick-up for those pre-registered:

Pre-Race Packet Pick-up will be held Friday, October 2nd. from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Union General Wellness Center located at 376 Deep South Farm Rd., Blairsville, GA 30512.

Race Route:

Both the Start and Finish Lines are located adjacent to Pavilion #3 in Meeks Park. Meeks Park is one of the most BEAUTIFUL parks in all of the North Georgia Mountains! The race route itself is a mix of pavement and some hard-pack gravel with gentle rolling hills along a scenic creek!

Race Start-Finish & Race Day Parking:

There is plenty of parking in Meeks Park itself so don’t sweat that! You will follow the main road into the park (stay straight!) and you will see the main parking lots on both your left and right. Parking is free!

Awards:

Awards will be given to the following:

*Top 3 Overall Male and Top 3 Overall Female Winners

*Top Masters Male and Top Masters Female Winners

*Top 3 Male & Female in the following Age Categories: 10-Under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & Over

We do hope you will join for this outstanding year one race in support of Cardiac Health!

Please note, this is a rain or shine event!!