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McCoy Strong Challenge

Join us on Saturday, August 8, 2026, for the McCoy Strong Challenge, a community-wide fundraising event dedicated to supporting 4 year old McCoy Paulk and his family during his courageous fight against brain cancer.

The event features three exciting ways to participate:

• McCoy Strong 5K Obstacle Challenge – A 5K course featuring approximately 25 obstacles designed to challenge participants of all fitness levels.

• Strong Mile Obstacle Course – A one-mile course with 10 fun and challenging obstacles, perfect for those looking for a shorter race.

• Lil McCoy Strong Kids Course – A quarter-mile course with five kid-friendly obstacles for children ages 12 and under. Every child will receive a finisher medal.

Awards will be presented to the top male and female finishers in both the McCoy Strong 5K Obstacle Challenge and the Strong Mile Obstacle Course.

Whether you're racing competitively or simply participating to support an incredible family, you'll experience a fun-filled morning featuring obstacle challenges, community spirit, sponsor booths, food, and a silent auction.

All proceeds from registrations, sponsorships, donations, and event activities will go directly to the Paulk family to help with medical expenses and ongoing needs during McCoy's treatment.

Come get a little dirty, challenge yourself, and make a lasting impact in the life of a local family!

Three Challenges. One Purpose. McCoy Strong.

Event details and schedule

Event Details

The McCoy Strong Challenge is a community-wide fundraising event benefiting the Paulk family during McCoy's courageous fight against cancer.

Event Schedule

• 7:30 AM – Registration & Check-In Opens

• 8:15 AM – McCoy Strong 5K Obstacle Challenge

• 9:00 AM – Strong Mile Obstacle Course

• 10:00 AM – Lil McCoy Strong Kids Course

• 11:00 AM – Awards Ceremony

Courses

• McCoy Strong 5K Obstacle Challenge: Approximately 3.1 miles with 20 obstacles. Designed for all fitness levels to walk, jog, or run at your own pace.

• Strong Mile Obstacle Course: Approximately 1 mile with 10 obstacles. Designed for all fitness levels to walk, jog, or run at your own pace.

• Lil McCoy Strong Kids Course: Approximately ¼ mile with 5 kid-friendly obstacles for ages 12 and under.

Race Categories

• Race Participants – Eligible for official placement and awards after completing all required obstacles.

• Finishers – Completed the event but are not part of the competitive race if they bypassed one or more obstacles.

Awards

Awards will be presented to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place male and female finishers in both the McCoy Strong 5K Obstacle Challenge and the Strong Mile Obstacle Course. Every child participating in the Lil McCoy Strong Kids Course will receive a finisher medal.

Arrival & Parking

Please arrive 30–45 minutes before your race. Free parking will be available, and parking attendants will direct you upon arrival. A detailed parking map and additional event information will be emailed approximately one week before race day.

What to Bring

• Closed-toe athletic shoes

• Comfortable clothing you don't mind getting dirty

• Water bottle

• Cash, card, or mobile payment for the silent auction and optional obstacle bypass donations

Important Information

All participants must complete a waiver before participating. Participants under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian sign the waiver.

All proceeds from registrations, sponsorships, donations, and event activities directly benefit the Paulk family to help with medical expenses and ongoing needs during McCoy's treatment.

Enjoy a run through the largest muscadine vineyard in the world, then reward yourself with a complimentary glass of wine or wine slushy (non-alcoholic slushees also available)!

Event details and schedule

Packets may be picked up on September 4, 6pm-8pm, or at check-in the day of the race. Registration and check-in will begin at 7:30am. 1-Mile FunRun will begin at 8:00am. 5K will begin at 8:30am, or as soon as FunRun is over.

Race course will be across the road from Paulk Vineyards Tasting Room. Please park in the festival parking area (large field next to our manufacturing facility), then walk across the road to the starting line. Any questions, please email Jorjanne at [email protected].

Join us for the 4th Annual ArtFest Half Marathon! Support The Arts Center programming by participating in the | 10K | 5K| Fun Run & Walk!

ArtFest race courses are now USATF-certified!

• Half Marathon Route & Certification

• 10K Route & Certification

• 5K Route & Certification

The Arts Center - Moultrie, GA is a creative cultural resource that makes quality visual and performing art available to a diverse population in Colquitt and surrounding counties. The Arts Center provides engaging arts education for children and adults including instruction in dance, theater, music, art, fiber arts, jewelry making, stained glass and more. The Arts Center acts as a steward of permanent collections, and maintains a landmark facility that enriches the whole community. The Arts Center has a long history of pride in our community that begins with the building. The old Moultrie High School has been a familiar and well-loved landmark in this area since it was erected in 1928. The building holds a treasured place in the hearts of thousands of locals that received their education here.

• PACKET PICKUP will be onsite race morning starting at 7:00 a.m.

• ALL participants will receive a race t-shirt with the ArtFest logo / sponsors.

• For each of the 5k, 10k, and half marathon we will have:

Age group winners: (10 per race x 3 races = 30 age group winners)

Under 18 Male

Under 18 Female

19-29 Male

19-29 Female

30-39 Male

30-39 Female

40-49 Male

40-49 Female

50+ Male

50+ Female

Overall Winners: (6 per race x 3 races = 18 Overall Winners)

1st Place Male

1st Place Female

2nd Place Male

2nd Place Female

3rd Place Male

3rd Place Female