7 walking events in Athens, Georgia

IN PERSON OR VIRTUAL EVENT!!! Walk, Run, Bike, Paddle Board, whatever you want to do to shine your Spark in the Dark across the world!!! You can do this event on the actual date and time of October 18, 2026 - race starts at 5:30pm but join us at 4:45pm for face painting, bib decorating, and music! - in person at the UGA Golf Course or virtually or you can do the event virtually during the week before or on the day or week after! Send your photos, videos, memories of how you are shining brightly! You will still receive your t-shirt, swag bag and goodies! Think live music, glow in the dark wristbands, swag bags, Alumni Cookie Dough bites and lots of fun and surprises. All monies raised are for the numerous Tini Spark in the Dark Scholarships in memory and honor of our precious forever 19 year old daughter Tini. "And I compare it to a spark in the dark. As small as a spark in the dark might be, it can be seen by all those around it. And if those sparks encourage further sparks, a tremendous

light can be created and overcome any and all darkness. So, as easy as it is to say "my one life and heart probably won't make much of a difference, considering how many people there are in the world," you're wrong. Sorry, not sorry! There is power in one heart, just as there is power in one spark." ~ Tini Semeria You can read Tini's entire blog here - https://christinasemeria.wordpress.com/ You can download Tini's original song "Be Still" here - https://christinasemeria.org/2017/01/29/be-still-download-available/

Run For Your Life 5K is a memorial run honoring the life of Laken Hope Riley. On February 22, 2024, Laken, a 22-year-old nursing student, went for a run on UGA’s campus and never returned home. She loved life, running, and Jesus, and many remember her for faithfully running her race with Christ. Though her life was taken far too soon, Laken continues to bring hope. This run unites Athens to be bold in their faith, to run for their lives, and to love as she loved.

The memorial service is open to the public and will begin at 10am and end at 12pm. Shirt size guaranteed to those registered BEFORE February 14th, 2026. All those registering after will receive a shirt in their size while supplies last.

Join us at Tate Plaza for fellowship, worship, prayer, and a message from her family as we honor Laken’s life and pray for the safety of the Athens community.

Majority of funds raised will go to the Laken Hope Foundation. The Laken Hope Foundation honors Laken Riley by supporting causes she loved: safety awareness for women, aid and tuition for nursing students, and children’s healthcare. Laken was a beloved friend, sister, daughter, and faithful follower of Christ whose life was tragically cut short on February 22, 2024. Our mission is to promote safety and hope for women, keeping her spirit alive.

Website: lakenhopefoundation.com

Memorial Service is open to the public. Race admission is not required.

Schedule:

7:00 -7:30 AM | Check in & Registration |

7:40 - 7:50 AM |Welcome | Prayer | Reflection and Moment of Silence

7:55 - 8:00 AM | Race Instructions & Blessings | Send Off

8:00 - 9:30 AM | Walk/Run in Progress |

9:30 - 10:00 AM | Post-Race Gathering | Light Refreshments | Community Fellowship

Memorial Service Begins. (Open to public)

10:00am Laken Rileys Family

10:15am Mike Collins Q&A (Authored the Laken Riley Act)

10:30am Pastor Derek Anglin of New Grace Church "Run For Your Life"

11:00-12:00 Worship and Closing Words

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

Join us for a day of fun at the Burks Elementary Ribbit Run presented by Fleet Feet! Whether it’s our 5K Race, 1K Fun Run, or Tiny Tree Frog Trot, we have races for all ages and paces.

Enjoy a whole morning of family fun. We will have complimentary hot chocolate from Java Joy, food and coffee for purchase from Cafe Racer, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and the playground will be open.

Register by Tuesday, February 10th, 2026, to receive a t-shirt. T-shirts will not be available to entries after February 10th, 2025.

All event proceeds go to fund the Ribbit Run, the popular after-school Tree Frog Run Club and the Burks Elementary PTO which provides support for teacher and school-wide projects.

Volunteer

Don’t want to run but still want to be involved? We are always looking for volunteers – no experience necessary. Sign up here!

The Red S.H.O.E. (Self-Care, Healthy Options & Exercise) 5K Walk/Run is proudly sponsored by the Athens Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, an organization of college-educated women committed to empowering communities through public service, scholarships, and social action.

On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the Athens Alumnae Chapter will host its inaugural Red S.H.O.E. 5K Run/Walk, a community-centered, fun-filled event designed to promote physical and mental health and wellness. This event invites participants from Athens and the surrounding areas to engage in self-care, healthy lifestyle choices, and regular physical activity. Research has shown that both running and walking have a positive impact on overall physical and mental well-being, and we are excited to offer an opportunity that celebrates both health and community connection.

Event proceeds will support the chapter’s five programmatic thrusts, including impactful community service initiatives and scholarships for college-bound high school seniors.

The mission of Friends of Advantage (FOA) is to enhance the lives of people served by Advantage Behavioral

Health Systems by expanding knowledge and resources beyond those provided by families, government, grants,

or insurance. FOA is more than a recipient of funds; we actively seek to host events, approach new donors, build

membership and, most importantly, connect those in need with those who have a passion to help.

Join Fleet Feet Athens/ Oconee and the Athens Road Runners to celebrate Global Running Day with THE BIG RUN! We will run from Athentic Brewing on Wednesday, June 3 at 6:30pm, with both 1 mile and 3 mile route options. Bring the whole family to run and celebrate afterwards with food, drinks (both alcoholic and nonalcoholic available!) from Athentic, lots of fun activities for the kids, and raffle prizes! This is a walker friendly event, with strollers and pets welcome, as well!