Georgia · Saturday, April 25, 2026
The Brasstown Bald Buster is a 5k event held on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
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!!
Lace up for a crisp fall morning run through one of North Georgia’s most picturesque settings. The race begins on the beautiful Young Harris, Mayor's Park beside the College campus, surrounded by colorful autumn leaves and the charming energy of a college town. The course winds into the serene trails of Cupid Falls Park, where the soothing sounds of the waterfall greet you before opening up to scenic pathways along the creek.
From there, you’ll pass the Young Harris College athletic fields, where the mountain backdrop reminds you why this is running paradise. The route loops back through campus, taking in the historic buildings and lively student support, before a triumphant final stretch. Your glorious finish awaits at Sharp United Methodist Church, where volunteers will be cheering you on coming through the finisher's shoot to celebrate your run/walk achievement.
Due to elevation and various ground changes & conditions….No strollers and No Pets in the race.
☕️ 🏃♂️ Love running? Love coffee? Why not both?
Join us for the Coffee Lovers Run, where every mile leads you closer to great coffee, good vibes, and even better company. Set a goal, bring a friend, and join this super fun run.
Overview:
Run will sell-out QUICK! We will close off waves the moment they fill up. If waves are sold out, you can sign-up for the virtual run option or wait list.
This is a smaller, private group run with a cap per wave.
All paces and ages (under 18 with guardian) are welcome - Run or Walk!
There's no equipment or setup, this is a pure run with our coordinators to support you in a warm, stress-free setting!
When you sign-up, we give you the support you need to help you achieve your goals and fitness. We also invite you to be part of our local run clubs that supports your fitness journey.
Timing:
Timing is Optional: You may track your time on an app (Strava, RunKeeper, Nike Run, etc) and submit your times with our easy form to be posted online. Or you can ask our coordinators to help keep track of your time.
No timing chips (This is a stress free run to support you in achieving your goals)!
What You Get (Swag Bag):
Running T-Shirt (Shipped to the address you register with - US only)
Finisher's Towel or Giveaway
Finisher's Medal!
Digital Training Pack
Online Results & Certificate of Completion
Invitation to Join one of our Local Running Clubs
We now have Technical Running Shirts (Optional). These lightweight, moisture wicking shirts can be upgraded for just $5 more.
Packet Pickup:
No hassle of picking up packets required!
-Swag shipped direct to your address (Please make sure you provide your full, correct US mailing address including apartment number and check spelling)
When will I get my Swag?
You will get your shirt at your mailing address the week of your race.
Race Updates:
We will email you a final update the Wednesday before the race with final details and course maps.
Do you accept last minute registrations? (For those signing up 2 weeks before the race)
Yes, but please note that it takes time for us to ship your shirt. Your shirt will likely arrive after the run. You can wear any shirt you find appropriate to run the race!
Wave Times: (Email Us Your Desired Wave Time: [email protected])
(Waves filled on a First Come, First Serve Basis)
Wave A: 7:30AM
Wave B: 8:00AM
Wave C: 8:30AM
Late runners can run upon arrival (Please note our coordinators stay 3 hours after the first wave)
Are there any other Questions we missed?
https://www.thebestraces.com/faq/
Virtual Run Option:
Virtual runs can be done any time and place of your choosing using any tracking device (optional). After you finish, you can submit your results to [email protected] to receive your medal!
Race Bundle:
Sign-up for more races and get a discount!
Sponsorships & Promoting your Business:
If you're looking to become a sponsor, we'd love showcase your business!
https://www.thebestraces.com/events
Team Glo Volunteers:
If you're interested in helping put on runs for the Community and helping people achieve their goals, we invite you to join our team of volunteers, fill out the form here: https://www.thebestraces.com/volunteer-form/
Be part of the Journey!
Our Charity Initiatives. Find out more @ www.thebestracesjourney.com
Keep running. Every mile you log after the race, we'll donate $1 to one of the charities we work with! (Note that Fundraising is Optional)