Light the Way 5K - Benefiting Make A Wish Georgia

Nise’s Race

Nise’s Race was created in loving memory of Catherine Denise Owens Thompson, affectionately known as “Nise.” She was a devoted mother, grandmother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and a faithful servant at her church. On October 13, 2018, after a courageous five-year battle with cervical cancer, she passed away at the age of 56.

What You Should Know About Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is Preventable.

Through regular check-ups, health screenings, and the HPV vaccine, women can take proactive steps to prevent and or detect cervical cancer in its early stages when it's most treatable.

What You Should Know About Nise

Nise had an outgoing personality and love radiated from her. She was a people person, a hugger, and a woman of deep purpose. She found fulfillment in working with children, dedicating her career as a paraprofessional at Scoggins Middle School and Dallas Elementary School.

She was also a devoted wife to Army veteran Larry Thompson, sharing 36 years of marriage and living out their vows "until death do us part." She leaves behind three daughters and two grandsons, along with a legacy of kindness, love, and service.

What You Should Know About Nikki

Her daughter, Nikki, is a health and fitness enthusiast with a passion for helping others. Inspired by her mother’s memory, she is committed to taking action and making a difference in women's health.

Our Mission

We are on a mission to help as many women as possible prioritize their health because when women are physically and mentally well, they lead happier and fulfilled lives. Healthy and fulfilled women build strong families, and thriving families create vibrant and prosperous communities.

All life begins with a woman. When we enlighten her and empower her, we ignite a spark that will inspire generations to come.

Join us for a fun, active family event in support of a great cause. Your participation means the world to us and together, we can help save lives.

Race Shirt Deadline: Be sure to register by Sunday, May 31 to be guaranteed a race t-shirt! Participants may continue to register through race morning; however, shirts will not be guaranteed after the deadline.

The Summer Sun Run 5K heats things up as the second race of the 2025 Kennesaw Grand Prix Series!

Whether you’re tackling your first-ever 5K or chasing a new personal record, this fast, the Kennesaw 5K Race Series features a beautiful, paved route through Kennesaw’s award-winning Swift-Cantrell Park and into the heart of historic downtown Kennesaw, GA.

This fast, flat, USATF-certified course blends small-town charm with lively community spirit and race-day excitement. Whether you’re chasing a new personal record or enjoying a walk with friends and family, this course is perfect for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities.

Register today and bring the whole family out for an energetic, fun-filled morning celebrating fitness, community, and the thrill of race day in Kennesaw!

• Starting February 21, 2026: After the early bird pricing ends, a $5 children’s discount will be automatically applied during checkout for each 5K registrant who is 10 years of age and under. Child can not receive this discount combined with series discount.

** Our series has a no refund policy. During the registration process, we offer the option to purchase event insurance to cover your registration in the event that you are not able to participate.

💙 Hud’s Heart 5K & Fun Run ❤️

Running With Purpose • Honoring Hud • Raising CHD Awareness

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

— Proverbs 4:23

Join us during American Heart Month for the 4th Annual Hud’s Heart 5K & Fun Run, a purpose-driven community event created to raise awareness for Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) and to honor the life, memory, and lasting legacy of Hud.

This special event brings together runners, walkers, families, and supporters of all ages to move with purpose.

This event is more than a race — it is a mission. Every step taken represents hope for families impacted by CHD, awareness for hearts still fighting, and remembrance for hearts gone too soon. The timed 5K welcomes runners seeking competition or personal achievement, while the Fun Run offers a family-friendly, inclusive option for children, walkers, and supporters of all ages.

Every step taken helps shine a light on CHD, supports families impacted by congenital heart conditions, and keeps Hud’s heart beating through awareness, community, and hope. Whether you’re running for a cause, walking in remembrance, or cheering from the sidelines — your presence matters.

Our Mission:

Hud’s Heart exists to bring light to CHD, support families walking this journey, and turn loss into lasting purpose. Through events like this 5K, we honor Hud by serving others, building community, and reminding the world that even the smallest hearts can leave the biggest impact.

Whether you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, you are helping carry Hud’s heart forward — spreading awareness, compassion, and hope.

Together, we can run like a warrior! ❤️💙

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus.” Hebrews 12:1

Hosted by the City of Dallas (Georgia)

Paulding Public Safety Appreciation, Inc. is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to raising money, awareness and support for members of public safety! Our annual Run with the Badges 5K Glow Run is our biggest fundraising event of the year and in 2024 we had a record-breaking number of runners and raised record breaking funds to assist public safety personnel during their times of need.

In 2025, Paulding Public Safety Appreciation, Inc. was able to provide more than $75,000 in support to local public safety families right here in Paulding County. We sponsored 7 families for Christmas, hosted 5 fundraisers for public safety families facing hardship, and helped in countless other ways.

Registered runners will receive a CUSTOM Run with the Badges 5K Glow Run t-shirt, a swag bag full of goodies from our local vendors and sponsors, as well as a custom GLOW IN THE DARK finisher medal!

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals will be given to the top three male and female finishers in the following age groups:

male 10 & under, female 10 & under

male 11-14, female 11-14

male 15-19, female 15-19

male 20-29, female 20-29

male 30-39, female 30-39

male 40-49, female 40-49

male 50-59, female 50-59

male 60-69, female 60-69

male 70-over, female 70-over

The 1st place overall male and female winner will receive a custom award!

For those who do not want to run, but still want to share in the fun with a t-shirt purchase, go to our website www.pauldingpsa.org to pre-order!

Gates for the event will open at 5pm with a vendor display to include music, fun things to do and see! Same Day registration will be available until approximately 8:30pm. We will kick off opening ceremonies at 8:15pm with a presentation of the flag from Paulding County's Honor Guard. Race start promptly at 9pm.