1st Annual Back the Blue 5K & 1 Mile

Join us on race day, August 14th, 2026 for The Peoples Bank Midnight Flight 1 mile at 8:15pm and 5k at 9pm.

Packet Pick-Up:

Packet pick-up will be held August 14th from noon until 15 minutes prior to each race starting. Packet pick-up will be held at the Anderson Area YMCA at the front of the building under the awning, and is a drive thru format until 5pm. After 5pm, driving through our parking lot becomes more congested, and we will switch to walk up pickup. Please check your email on race day for more information regarding packet pick up!

Race Day Registration:

All registration, including Race Day Registration, will be conducted through RunSignUp.com. We will not be holding any in-person, face to face race day registration. Please register through RunSignUp.com, and then head to packet pick up to collect your bib.

Race Routes:

Race routes for The Peoples Bank Midnight Flight:

5K

1 Mile

Come join us for the Rotary Club of Highlands Twilight 5K! Fun for the whole family yet challenging for experienced runners. Strollers and walkers welcome, well behaved leased dogs welcome at the back of the pack. T-shirt guaranteed if registered by July 16th 2026, first come availability after that date. One free beer for everyone of age who crosses the finish line provided by the Ugly Dog Pub! There will be a concert following the race for runners, family and friends featuring the ABC Combo so bring your blankets, coolers, chairs, etc.

The race is Saturday August 15th, 2026 starting at 6PM at the Kelsey Hutchinson Founders Park, awards start at 7PM. Race Day registration and packet pickup start at 3PM at the park. Please allow enough time to get checked in. Parking available around the Kelsey Hutchinson Park, Highlands Recreation Park, Highlands Ball-field, and Highlands Post Office. Get out of the heat! Rarely above 80 degrees in summer. Always cool in the evening. Friendly dogs on lease welcome at the back of the pack.

All proceeds will go to the Gordon Center for Child Development. Contact Bill at 706-202-3033 for questions or to sponsor. Awards presented to overall top male and female, top Masters, Grand Masters, Senior Grand Masters and top 3 finishers in each 5 yr age division. $100.00 for anyone beating the course record (16:57). $50.00 for anyone setting a new age category record. USATF certified 5K COURSE NC16004DW.

The Goat Cliff Road Race is a thrilling one-mile challenge on a paved road that begins on Acorn Creek Road, nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Burton in Clayton, Georgia. This race features a challenging 500-foot climb in elevation up the famous Sonya Road, making it perfect for runners seeking both a physical and visual treat. Participants will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Lake Burton, renowned for its serene beauty, million dollar homes and crystal-clear waters. Not to mention the stunning North Georgia Mountains views.

Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a nature enthusiast, the Goat Cliff Road Race promises an unforgettable experience amid the splendor of the mountains.

ALL PROCEEDS ARE DONATED TO THE LOCAL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT!! THANK YOU FOR ANY SIGNUPS AND DONATIONS!

Finisher T-Shirt included

Medals will be awarded to the top finishers in SIX divisions:

*Men’s Division

*Women’s Division

*Kid’s Division UPDATE

Happy to announce that due to the high number of youth registrations, we’re thrilled to announce three separate Kid’s Divisions, each with its own medal opportunities:

•Little Kids – 8 & under (The Little Goats)

•Growing Kids – Ages 9 & 10 (The Young Billies)

•Big Kids – Ages 11–13 (The Mountain Goats)

Note: Goat Cliff is a private road and community normally not open to the public. Join us for this exclusive event as the gates open for this epic challenge

Sign up today as space is limited because parking is limited. You will be provided with parking instructions closer to race day.