Dawson Forest Georgia's Area 51 Trail Races

The Light Up the Night 5K is more than just a race—it’s a chance for the community to come together in support of one of its own. Join us as we Light Up the Night for Captain Shane Henson, a dedicated member of the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office who has faithfully served the community for more than 30 years.

Captain Henson, a pillar of the Dawson County community, was involved in a serious automobile accident over the weekend of March 6–8, 2026. He has already undergone one extensive surgery and is currently undergoing a second surgery at the time this event is being announced.

To support the Henson family during this life-altering time, the Dawson County Parks and Recreation Department invites the entire community to come out for the Light Up the Night 5K. Whether you run, walk, or simply come out to show your support, this event is an opportunity for friends, neighbors, and supporters to stand together and help lift up the Henson family.

Awards will be presented to the top three male and female finishers in the usual five-year age groups, starting with 10 & Under.

Bring your friends, family, and plenty of encouragement as we light up the night with community spirit, support, and hope. Together, we can make a meaningful difference for Captain Henson and his family.

Bring your family, friends, teammates, small group, or colleagues to run dressed as your favorite fictional or non-fictional family (think Flinstones, Jetsons, Clarks, Addams...the sky's the limit!) and partner with us to work towards meeting the complex needs of local children and families. All proceeds will provide scholarships for individual and family counseling, as well as caregiver training and coaching for families raising children from hard places, such as children with foster care involvement. A special prize will be given for the best costumes!

Gobble Gobble...It's Turkey Trot time & we'd love for you to run with us! This will be the "2nd helpings" of our Turkey Trots!

We are excited to bring back our Turkey Trot!~ Guidelines will be the same as prior, please note the specific dates in order to qualify for a complimentary race entry!

If you haven't crossed under our finish line this year...that's OK too...You can still come out and join us...it's just $22($25 on Race Day), in-person or virtual.

Back for 2026

5K, 10K, 15K or Half Marathon Distances

Virtual 5K, 10K, 15K, or Half Marathon available for only $22 ($25 on Race Day).

Swag available for purchase: Awesome Shirts $22 ($25 on raceday), Hoodies $27 ($30 on raceday), & Finisher Medals available for online purchase just $7.50 ($10 to purchase on Raceday!)

VOLUNTEERS FOR THIS RACE RECEIVE FIVE (5) FREE RACES. (Volunteers must sign up on the volunteer page.)

Two weeks before Thanksgiving in 2011, we decided that we wanted to give back to all the participants who came out to race with us over the course of the year. Thanksgiving morning seemed to be the perfect time, and giving them a FREE race would be the perfect way to say thanks. We're continuing that tradition...If you've crossed under our finish line in any race from Dec. 1, 2025 - Nov. 13, 2026, you've earned yourself a FREE 5K spot in ONE of the in-person Turkey Trot races. (Please note the dates. Running one of our Turkey Trots last year does NOT qualify for a free entry.)

Everything will be the same as Thanksgiving...but we're letting you race on Sunday, November 22nd in Cumming, GA!

THAT'S THIS RACE YOU ARE ABOUT TO REGISTER FOR!