Run for the River 5K and Polar Plunge

COURSE/RUN CHANGES for 2026

The Hart County Running Club has announced significant course and distance changes for this year’s event. Due to upcoming floodgate maintenance by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the top of the dam and adjacent roads will be closed periodically throughout 2026. As a result, the course has been modified and will not cross the dam or access Highway 29.

This year’s run will be limited to a 4K run/walk, and the 10K option will not be offered.

We appreciate your understanding and hope these temporary adjustments will not discourage your participation. You can still expect a beautiful lakeside route and a great race experience!

Colbert Elementary Cougar Challenge 5K & Cougar Crawl (1 Mile)

Get ready to run, walk, jog, or stroll for a great cause!

Colbert Elementary School PTO is excited to host the Cougar Challenge 5K & Cougar Crawl (1 Mile)—a fun, family-friendly event that brings our school community together while supporting our students and staff. Show your COURAGE!

The 5K will start properly at 8:30 AM. After it is complete, the Cougar Crawl will happen on campus. Any youth who are not participating in the 5K are welcome to stay and play on the playground (adult supervision will be provided) while the adults/older kids participate in the 5k.

Whether you’re racing for a personal best, walking with friends, or cheering from the sidelines, there’s a place for everyone at the starting line!

5K will be timed by Athens Running Company. For questions, call 706.850.6051 or email athensrun@gmail.com with any questions.

T-shirts and racing bib pickup will be available Friday from 3pm-5pm at Colbert Elementary or the morning of Race.

Registration Fees

Cougar Challenge 5K Run/Walk

T-Shirt Price:$25.00 Race Fee + $3.15 SignUp Fee (must register by May 1st to guarantee t-shirt)

No T-shirt Price:$15.00 Race Fee + $3.15 SignUp Fee

Awards:

The following Male / Female Age Groups:

10-year age groups: 10 and Under, 11-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 and Over

Cougar Crawl 1 mile Run/Walk

This is an untimed fun run for those who want to participate without committing to a 5k! The Cougar Crawl will happen on campus around our track and will not be on the road. Please stay to cheer on our Cougars through their crawl after the 5K.

The start time will begin after 5k participants have finished.

T-Shirt Price:$15.00 Race Fee + $3.15 SignUp Fee (must register by May 1st to guarantee t-shirt)

No T-shirt Price:$10.00 Race Fee + $3.15 SignUp Fee

Race Day Schedule

7:15 AM Race Day Registration and Packet Pickup at the front door of the school.

8:00 AM Race Day Registration ends. Packet Pickup still available.

8:30 AM 5K Start

10:00 AM Fun Run Start (to start right after 5k)

10:30 AM Awards Ceremony (to start right after Cougar Crawl)

Royston, GA 2nd annual 5K Turkey Trot and 1 mile fun run. Be a part of this Thanksgiving tradition for you, your family, and your community. Participants who register by Nov 11, 2026 will be guaranteed a t-shirt and finishers medal. The fun run is a 1 mile course throughout the wellness park. The 5K is a 3.1mile course that you can walk or run through the streets of downtown Royston, GA. Both races will begin and end at the wellness park. During the 5K there will be one water station along the route as well as at the finish line. We look forward to being a part of your Thanksgiving tradition.