4 events in Athens, Alabama

The Difference Dash 5k is organized by the ALH Ambassadors, a group of high school Juniors and Seniors from Athens City, Limestone County, Lauderdale County High School, Lexington High School and area private schools, who are participating in a workforce development program at Athens-Limestone Hospital. The ALH Ambassadors are hosting the Difference Dash 5k in order to fund the ALH Ambassador Scholarship program through Athens-Limestone Hospital Foundation. Proceeds from the Difference Dash 5k will provide scholarships to multiple Senior Ambassadors who plan to pursue a career in healthcare.

The event will begin at Athens Middle School with a race route that takes runners through beautiful historic Athens, Alabama. FREE race shirt to the first 150 registered.

Join us for the Limestone Child Advocacy Center Teddy Bear 5K, a fun, family-friendly race with a powerful purpose. Whether you’re a competitive runner, a casual walker, or participating with kids and strollers, this event welcomes all ages and abilities.

The goal of the Teddy Bear 5K is to raise critical funds and community awareness for the Limestone Child Advocacy Center (LCAC). LCAC provides a safe, child-focused environment for children who have experienced abuse or trauma, helping them begin the healing process through advocacy, forensic services, and access to essential resources. Every step you take helps support children and families during some of their most difficult moments.

Participants are encouraged to bring a teddy bear to run or walk with as a symbol of comfort, hope, and support for the children served by LCAC. This race is about more than miles—it’s about standing up for children, promoting healing, and showing our community that every child deserves safety and compassion.

Volunteer sign up and sponsorship opportunities are on our website www.limestonecac.org. For more information please contact us via email at [email protected]

Come run, walk, or cheer—together we can make a difference, one step at a time. 💙

Event

A hometown classic with big energy.

For more than a decade, runners across North Alabama have circled one date on their calendar—the annual North Alabama Chick‑fil‑A Race Series stop in Athens. It’s the race where the whole community shows up, the streets fill with cheering supporters, and runners from all across North Alabama test themselves on the 10K and 5K routes.

And yes… the prize everyone talks about is back. A YEAR OF FREE CHICK‑FIL‑A for our top finishers and FREE Chick-fil-A for ALL of our Age Group Winners. That’s bragging rights and waffle‑fry glory all in one.

The race morning vibe is unbeatable. Local sponsors and vendors line the START/FINISH area, turning the event into a full‑on festival. Kids get their own moment to shine in the Fun Run, and the legendary Chick‑fil‑A Cows roam the course area for high‑fives, photos, and to help fuel the cow‑powered hype.

Whether you’re chasing a PR, jogging with friends, or cheering on your little runners, this is one of Athens’ most beloved traditions for a reason. Fast courses, big crowds, great food, and a community that shows up stronger every single year.

Run hard. Have fun. Eat More Chicken.

Course

USATF Certified 10K and 5K courses through Athens. 5K Certification #AL16018JD and 10K Certification #AL16017JD

Amenities, Features, and Highlights

SWAG

All participants receive a short-sleeve race shirt, sponsor filled race packet, and finisher photos with the Chick-fil-A cows

Food

We will have FREE Chick-fil-A on-site for some extra race morning fuel

Medals and Prizes

10K Awards

1st, 2nd, 3rd, Male/Female Overall, Masters (40+), and GrandMasters (60+)

AND

1st, 2nd, 3rd Male/Female Age Groups (12U, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+)

5K Awards

1st, 2nd, 3rd, Male/Female Overall, Masters (40+), and GrandMasters (60+)

AND

1st, 2nd, 3rd Male/Female Age Groups (9U, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65+)

Fun Run Awards

ALL Fun Run finishers receive a gift card for a FREE Chick-fil-A Treat

Aid Station

There will be two aid and recovery stations, one aid station will be available at the START/FINISH line area and one on the course. The START/FINISH line are aid station will have hydration, first aid, snacks, and electrolytes.

Additional Information

Packet Pick-up

Early: 2:00-6:00 PM Friday, May 15th at Solid Rock Running Company in Athens

Race Day: Saturday, May 16th 7:00 AM

Race Day Schedule

Packet Pick-up and In-person Registration: 6:00-6:45 AM

Announcements and 10K/5K call to start: 6:45 AM

10K/5K Race Start: 7:00 AM

Fun Run Start: 8:30 AM

Awards: Awards Available at Finish -- there will not be a formal Awards Ceremony and will be available when you finish if you place in an awards group

FAQ

Where is the race? Athens, Alabama

When is the event? Saturday, May 16th, 2026 - 7:00 am CT RACE START

What time should I arrive? If you can't make it to early packet pick-up on Friday, May 15th, please plan to arrive prior to 6:15 AM on Race Day morning to leave yourself adequate time to get check-in, receive your runner packet, and get warmed up

Can I register on race day? Yes -- we will allow race day registrations up until 20 minutes before race start, but please arrive early as there will be a line and we will have to shut-off registrations at 6:40 AM to support our planned start time

Where do I get my packet? Early Packet Pickup for the Race will be held at Solid Rock Running Company from 2:00-6:00 pm on Friday, May 15th or you can pick up your race packet starting at 6:00 am race day morning.

I‘m part of a group that’s running together. Can I pick up everyone’s bib? Yes! All you’ll need is their full name and everyone will be ready to take-off on Race Day!

Are t-shirts included with registration? Yes, if you register before the t-shirt deadline your exclusive race tee in the size you order is 100% guaranteed! Race T-shirt design will be announced closer to race day!

When is the deadline to register and be guaranteed a t-shirt? End of day April 15th. After the deadline, shirts will be available in limited quantities/sizes as you register and can be selected while you check out on a first-come, first-served basis while inventory lasts.

Are there medals? Yes! Prizes and awards will be handed out for the top overall female and male runners, and top overall Masters (40+), GrandMasters (60+) divisions and to the top three female and male finishers in each of the Age Group division.

Where do I park? FREE Parking is available on-site

Are strollers allowed? Yes, strollers are welcome at the back of the pack.

Are bikes, hoverboards, scooters, skateboards, push bikes, unicycles or wagons allowed on course?

We’re sorry, but only runners, joggers, walkers, baby strollers/joggers, restrained pets and wheelchairs are allowed

Are pets allowed? Yes! Well-socialized and leashed dogs are welcome at the back of the pack

Is the race timed? Yes, this event is professionally RFID chip timed by Race Ready Events

Are the 10K or 5K courses certified? Yes, both of the courses are USATF certified

Do the courses have hills? Yes, both courses have slight hills in the 6-8% grade range.

Do I have to be an experienced runner? No — all ages and paces are welcome!

I’d like to participate. Can I just walk? Absolutely! We politely ask that are walkers register to participate in the 5K course. We always have people who want to walk, so you will not be alone!

I have more questions! Please drop us a line and we'd love to help!