11 running, walking, and fun run events in Cartersville, Georgia

Cupid Run for Hope 5K & 1Mi.

Benefiting...our local Mental Health Court, (a.k.a. 'MHC Program)

Presented by the 'Cherokee Judicial Mental Health Community Council'

Saturday, February 7, 2026

Cartersville, GA

9:00am 5K start

10:00am 1Mi. Health Walk/Fun Run

10:15am Awards Ceremony

RUN IT! WALK IT! ENJOY IT! Make plans to join us!

We are super excited to be hosting the 2nd Annual Cupid Run for Hope 5K to support our local Mental Health Court, or MHC

program. As part of the Cherokee Judicial Mental Health Community Council, we aim to raise

awareness and support for our Cherokee Judicial Mental Health Court program with participants' needs.

Participants in the program have specific needs such as assistance with the cost of medications,

transportation, and any other basic needs participants may stand in need of. As part of the

Council we also provide a Christmas party for participants and would like to provide more fun

activities for the participants to learn and grow in their recovery.

5K COURSE

This course is a true classic. Having been in existence for nearly 40 years, the route takes advantage of Dellinger Park's vita trail which circumvents the park. As the site to dozens of 5K races hosted by Cartersville High School since the 1980's, this iconic race course promises to be FLAT, FAST, and FUN!!

PROFESSIONAL TIMING

The race will be professionally-timed by Wire2Wire Running, LLC, using MyLaps' R.F.I.D. technology...the same technology used to time the Boston Marathon, London Marathon, and Tour de France.

T-SHIRT

Be sure to sign up early to ensure you get you your size.

Please Note: T-SHIRT SIZE IS GUARANTEED TO THOSE WHO PRE-REGISTER BEFORE Fri. Jan. 30, 11:00pm. BEYOND THAT DATE, T-SHIRT SIZE CANNOT BE GUARANTEED.

RACE-DAY REGISTRATION

• 7:00am until 8:45am ($40 for 5K.....$30 for 1Mi. Walk).

• Takes place at Dellinger Park located at 100 Pine Grove Rd. Cartersville, Ga. 30120

• Look for table set up that says 'Day Of Registration.'

• Please Note: Day-of-Race registrants cannot be guaranteed a t-shirt.

PRE-REGISTRAITON PACKET PICK UP: Friday, February 6, from 4:00PM - 7:30PM at 132 W. Cherokee Ave. It’s the brick building right beside the Presbyterian Church. If you are not able to make it Friday, you can also plan to pick up your packet Race Day morning beginning at 8:00AM the morning of the race. But please do try to make it by Friday to keep the lines short Saturday morning!

5K AWARDS:

1st, 2nd, and 3rd OVERALL (Male & Female)

1st MASTER (Male & Female)

Medals for 1st, 2nd, 3rd (Male & Female) will be awarded in the following Age Groups:

10&Under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70&Over

1 Mile Award

NOTE: There will be only one award given for the 1 Mile Health Walk/Fun Run and it will be awarded to the fastest 6 & Under kid. All other are just in it for fun!!

PARKING

There is plenty of Parking available throughout Dellinger Park.

Please note, this is a RAIN-OR-SHINE event.

ADDITIONAL INFO. ABOUT WHY WE ARE DOING THIS RACE:

The Cherokee Judicial Mental Health Court program launched in July 2022. Mental Health Court is the

second accountability court to serve Bartow and Gordon Counties. The MHC Program is proudly

located in Bartow County, in Cartersville Georgia. Participants who meet a qualified mental health

diagnosis are offered an alternative to incarceration. The MHC program consists of a team of

professionals such as an appointed judge, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement,

treatment providers, and a peer support specialist. This accountability program is a minimum of

eighteen months long. It offers a variety of treatment approaches, such as Anger Management, Moral

Reconciliation Therapy, individual counseling sessions, peer support, and random drug screening.

Participants meet once a week on Mondays with peers, the treatment team, and Judge Rosemary

Greene for progress updates.

HHBK Super Hero 5K

9:00am

February 28th, 2026

Sam Smith Park

Join us for the inaugural SUPER HERO 5K!! Our race supports 'Helping Hands for Bartow Kids' (HHBK).

We encourage runners to dress as their favorite Super Hero! As each of you are a hero to the children of Bartow County!

Together We Can Make a Difference!

WHO ARE YOU SUPPORTING?

Helping Hands for Bartow Kids (HHBK) provides comprehensive support and opportunities to children in Bartow County, while empowering them to achieve their full potential. Through educational programs, healthcare initiatives, and vital social services, we aim to create a nurturing environment where every child can thrive and build a brighter future.

Race Location: The race Start & Finish Line(s) are located in the City of Cartersville Parks & Recreation Department’s Senior Aquatic Center at Sam Smith Park (1155 Douthit Ferry Rd. Cartersville, GA 30121.) Runners will utilize the rolling pathways of Sam Smith Park as well as the surrounding surface streets. (Yes...we know there is some construction taking place in the park - but we have a plan for that!)

Race Start Time: 9:00 a.m., Saturday, February 28, 2026

What to Bring: Non-perishable food & hygiene products for Allatoona Resource Center and Red Door Food Pantry

What to Wear: Dress as your favorite SUPER HERO!

Pre-Registration Packet Pick Up: Packets will be available for pick-up Friday 2/27, from 10am-6pm at the Helping Hands for Bartow's Kids office located at 115 W Cherokee Ave Suite 200 (i.e. the old "Gold Dome" Bartow County Courthouse, 2nd floor). Note: Packets will be available on race day morning but we encourage everyone to come Friday if possible to shorten the lines on race day morning!

*** Race swag is not guaranteed for those who register on race day. ***

Awards Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. adjacent to the Sam Smith Park Sr. Aquatic Center near the Finish Line!

Awards: Awards to top 3 Overall Male & Female; Overall Masters Male & Female; Medals to top 3 in each category: (10 & under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70 & over)

We look forward to you joining us for this "Super" Exciting Year 1 Race! This is a Rain or Shine Event!

LiVE WiRES -- CARTERSVILLE

(8-week Running Program, Grades 1-5)

• Each Tuesday in CARTERSVILLE, (Mar. 10th—Apr. 28th)

4:30pm-5:30pm

• Dellinger Park (100 Pine Grove Rd., Cartersville, GA 30120) Meet behind the playground/restroom facility near Pavilion #2 in the middle of the park.

Mission: To foster individual strength—mind & body—through structured running

8 practice sessions * 8 race opportunities * 1 Heart

Registration Cost:

o $145 for 8-week program (Includes T-shirt, season-ending party, + 2 Free Road Races)

https://www.wire2wirerunning.com/live-wires-program

o SIBLING DISCOUNT: If two (2) family members register, the total is $260; for three (3) family members, the total is $350; for four (4) family members (God Bless You!), the total would be $450.

When checking out...

For 2 family members, use the COUPON CODE: 2SIBLINGS

For 3 family members, use the COUPON CODE: 3SIBLINGS

For 4 family members, use the COUPON CODE: 4SIBLINGS

“My philosophy is simple: Balance.”

B A L A N C E . . .

o Strength & Endurance

o Endurance & Speed

o Work & Play

o Mind & Body

o Fun & Even more fun!

Typical Session:

Warm up jog, then Stretch

“Nugget of Wisdom”

Workout (with H2O breaks)

Running Game…Fun…Challenge...

Strength, then Wrap it up! (+ Healthy Snack time!!)

Each practice session is something NEW, so within the construct of routine is always something creative and new. This way, Kids don't get bored and they learn new things each session that will make them a better athlete and a better person!

Lastly, whether a kiddo wants to run a race or not is not as important. (We offer the opportunity during the Spring session to run in 8-9 races in within a 30min. drive.) What IS important is that each runner feels good about his/her progress, and should a runner ever wish to run a local race (1 mile or 5K), we will be ready!!

F.A.Q’s

Q. Where exactly will we meet for the Cartersville sessions? A. We will meet on the steps behind the centrally-located Restroom facility in the middle of the park. Next to the his restroom is a small playground.

Q. What if it is raining or very cold? A. We meet each week rain-or-shine. Of course, in the event of thunderstorms/lightning, we will make alternate plans well in advance, but there are pavilions under which to gather if it’s raining and do strength work, discuss race strategy, etc.

Q. Can I bring a friend? A. Once, yes. Beyond that, we ask that the friend sign up for the remaining sessions, at a pro-rated fee of course.

Q. Are there any certain medical requirements you will need? A. Yes, we ask upon registration that each participant provide proof of medical insurance.

Q. What type of shoes should I wear? A. Proper footwear is vital. If you have a pair you’re comfortable running in, fine. If not, see Landy Shropshire at The Athlete's Locker and tell him we sent you!! He often gives a nice discount for our members.

Q. What if I cannot make a session? A. If possible, email Coach David ([email protected]) but refunds are not provided for missed sessions.

Q. What if I don’t want to run in the races? A. That’s fine. You certainly don’t have to. However, we do encourage runners to give one a shot, and besides, they’re free for all Live Wires!!

Q. So,…how much FUN will we have?! A. Oh my goodness, so much that we couldn’t fill up a bazillion-gallon-bucket. Like, more than that!

Q. “Mr. David, Mr. David, are we going to…..?” A. Alright, enough questions, let’s go run!!

LET'S MEET THE COACH...

Coach David Matherne’s experience…34 yrs. in education & head coaching

o Coached four (4) different teams to a State Championship

o Coached eleven (11) different individual State Champions

o Coached an individual to two (2) National Championships

o 4-time Masters National Champion

o Ranked #1 in-the-World in 2022 for Masters (55+) in the Men's Mile (4:55.8)

o 50 years of competitive running; Ran collegiately at Berry College, 4-time all-American

o P.R.s: Mile—4:02; 5,000m—14:21; 10,000m.—29:55; Marathon—2:37

Let me say, Welcome! I cannot wait to work with each young runner.

"Your speed is less important to me than your attitude. Your talent is less important to me than your commitment. Your stamina is less important to me than your desire to improve." ---Coach David

Join us for the Run for Compassion 5K at Dellinger Park. This fun 5K supports the Compassion Center of Crosspoint City Church and is perfect for runners, walkers, and families alike.

Course Information: The Race will start and end on the concrete track around the football field. The course winds through multiple of the park's trails and loops around the lake. For any XC runners, it is a very similar course to the Wire2Wire XC Invitational.

Parking: There will be plenty of parking at Dellinger Park with a brief walk to packet pickup and the start/finish line.

Packet Pickup: Packets will be available for pickup from 6:30 - 7:45am on race morning. There will be water and snacks on the track past the finish line.

Course Map: The course map is found under "More" and then "Photos."

JOIN US!! For the 2nd Annual Running of the “Elevating Autism 5K & 1M Fun Run/Walk”

Saturday, April 18, 2026

Sam Smith Park, Cartersville, GA

Presented by 'Academy ABA'

9:00am 5K

9:50am 1Mi. Fun Run/Walk

10:15am Awards Presentation

ACT NOW AND SAVE $$$ on the 5K!

5K Early Bird pricing* runs through Sunday March 1st. Price increases beginning Monday, March 2nd!

Get ready to join us once again at Sam Smith Park in Cartersville, GA for this USATF-Certified Race! This important event is not just about running and/or walking; it’s an effort to heighten awareness for folks in our very own communities who have Autism--both youth and adults--but are often misunderstood. Unless you are a parent of one with Autism, you might not know many of the facts. This race is to help us help them.

Q. What is 'Boost Abilities, LLC'??

A. While we are still relatively small for now, we intend to grow so that we can elevate autism awareness in our community to help everyone see the world from a different angle. Our mission is to help educate communities about autism, allowing everyone to begin thinking outside the box...this means connecting, sharing life experiences, and partnering parents with community leaders, all done for the safety of each of our members on the spectrum. With your help, we CAN DO it.

Whether you're a front-o-the-packer or pushing that kiddie stroller casually at the back, we invite you to come out to a lovely April race and see if it might just change you. We think it will!!! Register early to secure your spot, and even save some dough if you register in February. Either way, just grab a few of your friends and family members, and let’s have some FUN together!

WANT TO VOLUNTEER?? Contact Race Director Mandy Beavers: [email protected]

The 5K course is a USATF-certified and is a qualifying event for the 2025 AJC Peachtree Road Race.

RACE SCHEDULE:

7:30am Race Day Registration opens

8:45am Race Day Registration closes

9:00am 5K

9:50am 1 Mi. Fun Run/Walk

10:15am Awards Ceremony

REGISTRATION INFO: Pre-Race, on-line Registration will be open until 11:59 PM, Sunday, April 12th, 2026. (Pre-register by this date to guarantee your T-shirt size!)

• Pre-race Race Registration Fees:

• 5K "EARLY BIRD RATE" is $25 until March 1st...after that, it's $30

Race Day Rates:

• $40 for the 5K

• $30 for the 1Mi.

(Note: Wish we could, but we cannot absolutely guarantee your T-Shirt Size if you register on Race Day!)

PRE-RACE PACKET PICKUP & RACE SHIRTS: PRE-RACE PACKET PICKUP & RACE SHIRTS: For those who have pre-registered, we highly-encourage you to pick up your race packet & t-shirt Friday, April 17th from 12:00 Noon – 8:00 PM at the Big Peach Running Co. store located at 402 E Church St Suite 107 & 108, Cartersville, GA 30121). Saves time & stress on race morning! 5K & 1M participants receive a shirt based on size indicated in their online registration. Size exchanges not guaranteed.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS:

Restrooms – Available in the area before/after race

Water Stations – Water will be provided at a mid-point water station on course

Finish Area - Water, Gatorade, Fruit, & Snacks (free to runners)

5K AWARDS:

Overall awards in the 5K will be presented to the following:

Top 3 Overall M&F

Top Master M&F

Top 3 in each of the following Age Categories M&F:

10 & under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 & Over

NOTE: The '1 mILE fUN rUN' is mostly just for fun...BUT...we will present medals to the first 3 Boys and first 3 Girls who finish the race.

PARKING on RACE DAY: There is plenty of FREE parking available at the Ric Mason Soccer Complex parking lot, behind Cartersville Middle School.

CANCELATION / WEATHER / REFUNDS: This event will be held rain or shine, warm or cold weather unless event organizers determine in conjunction with local authorities that conditions necessitate cancelation. If cancelation is necessary, no credits or refunds will be provided and registered participants for the 5K/1M distances will be transferred to the rescheduled date.

Please join us for the 7th Annual “Wag & Walk” 5K to benefit the Etowah Valley Humane Society!! SATURDAY MORNING - May 2nd. 2026! Sam Smith Park - Cartersville, GA – 8:00 AM Race Time! Come enjoy this fast and beautiful course that rounds the Milam Farm property and it's all for a great cause to benefit the EVHS! Dogs are (of course!) welcome to run with you (some would even say they are "encouraged" to do so!!) But as always, please keep your furry friends on a leash.

Registration: $30 Pre-Race Registration Fee (Runs until 11:00 PM, Monday evening, April 27th 2026. You must register by this date to guarantee your T-shirt size and lock in at the reduced rate!) $40 Race Day Registration Rate.

Race Start-Finish & Race Day Parking.

*Both the Start and Finish Line(s) will be located at the entrance to the Sam Smith Soccer Complex, behind Carterville Middle School (off Milner Road just past the intersection of Milner Rd. and Walnut Grove Rd.) There is PLENTY of Event Parking within the Cartersville Soccer Complex parking lot off Milner Rd. Click here for Google Maps' location of Parking: Cartersville Soccer Complex. Cartersville Soccer Complex

Race Route:

See 5K Map of the Route Below. NOTE: This is a Peachtree Qualifier and is a USATF-Certified 5K Course [GA18023WC].

Race Day Schedule of Events:

*7:00 AM Race Day Registration Opens

*7:55 AM Pre-Race Announcements

*8:00 AM Wag & Walk 5K Start Time

*9:15 AM Race Awards Presentation

Pre-Race Packet Pick-up for those pre-registered:

Pre-Race Packet Pick-up will be held Friday, May 1st from 10 AM – 6 PM at the Big Peach Running Co. Cartersville Location – 402 E. Church St., Suite 107, Cartersville, GA 30121.

Awards:

Awards will be given to the following:

*Top 3 Overall Male and Top 3 Overall Female Winners

*Top Masters Male and Top Masters Female Winners

*Top 3 Male & Female in the following Age Categories: 10-Under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70 & Over

We Do hope you (and maybe your 4-legged friend!) will join us in support of a GREAT CAUSE!

Please note, this is a rain or shine event.

Cartersville GLOW RUN 5K / 1M / Wire2Wire Wobble®

Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 * Sam Smith Park *

Presented by * Wire2Wire Running, LLC

7:40pm - Wire2Wire Wobble® 50 Yds.

7:45pm - 1M

8:00pm - 5K

Hope you-and-yours can join us for this night of FAMILY FUN in Cartersville, GA.

WEAR YOUR GLOW-ABLES!

• A 'First-5K-Ever-Medal' will be awarded if it's your first one!!

• Enjoy a new USATF-Certified 5K Course (and Peachtree Qualifier) that will meander through Sam Smith Park in a way you've never run before!!

• Stick around for MUSIC, AWARDS, & MORE! Bring the whole gang for this family-oriented event.

• A few Unique Categories: Oldest 5K Finisher; Fastest Veteran, Newest Mom

Proceeds from the race go to benefit Bartow Family Resources.

To learn more about their history, click here: https://bartowfamilies.com/about/

To find out about what they do and whom they serve, check us out at: https://bartowfamilies.com/

EVENING SCHEDULE:

6:15 PM Event Opens (Registration. Music! People having fun.)

7:40PM Wire2Wire-Wobble® ( 50 yd. dash - Ages 4&U) FREE EVENT ♥

7:45PM 1 Mile (Run/Walk....Dance?)

8:00 PM 5K Race

9:15PM Awards Ceremony

REGISTRATION INFO.

Early-Bird Registration - Feb. 26 thru March 17 ...mucho bucks saved here. Nice planning!

5K: $25

1M: $25

Registration - March 18 thru March 31

5K: $30

1M: $30

Registration - April 1 thru April 19

5K: $35

1M: $35

(Race Week & Race-Day) Registration -

April 27th thru May 2nd ...Look, at least you made it! No respect lost.

5K: $40

1M: $40

PLEASE NOTE: T-shirt size can only be GUARANTEED for those who register by April 26th, 11:59pm. (Think, "No soup for YOU!")

LOTS O' AWARDS:

⇒ 5K ⇐

Top 3 Overall - Male & Female

Overall Masters - Male & Female - (40 & Over)

Overall Grand Masters - Male & Female - (50 & Over)

Unique Categories: Oldest 5K Finisher; Fastest Veteran, Newest Mom

Plus, Medals to Top 3 in following Age Groups:

( 10 & under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & Wiser )

⇒ 1M ⇐

Top 3 Overall - Male & Female

Medals to Top 3 in following Age Groups:

( 8 & under, 9-10, 11-12 )

Free smiles to everyone else.

⇒ Wire2Wire Wobble® ⇐

Claps, cheers, hoorays!!!!

PRE-RACE PACKET PICK-UP:

Pre-Race Packet-Pick-Up will be held Thursday, April 30th from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM at Big Peach Running Co.

402 East Church St.

Suite 107 & 108

Cartersville, GA 30121

(Tel: 470-888-2987)

PARKING:

Parking available at Cartersville Middle School. Additional overflow parking (requiring only a short walk) is available at Ric Mason soccer fields parking lot (by the Cartersville bus barn), as well as at the Sr. Aquatic Center, and/or Dellinger Park.

TIMING & RESULTS will be provided by Wire2Wire Running, LLC. https://www.wire2wirerunning.com/

This is a Rain-or-Shine event and given the charitable nature of the event, there are no refunds available.

We hope to see you there!

Saturday, May 16, 2026 JOIN US!

5th Annual "Cartersville Half-Marathon"

21st Annual "Pinwheel Pursuit 5K" (formerly the “Duck Dash”)

Presented by Chick-fil-A & Big Peach Running Co.

Proceeds Benefiting Advocates for Children! (www.advochild.org)

• Custom-designed Medals for Half Marathon finishers

• Both races have been designed to be fast

• Traditional Age Group awards for the 5K

PLEASE JOIN US for one of two GREAT Races - on the Same Day! The Cartersville Half-Marathon Presented by Chick-Fil-A & Big Peach Running Co.'s or the 21st Annual Running of the "Pinwheel Pursuit 5K” (formerly the “Duck Dash”) Big Peach Running Co. knows a thing or two about running!...and Chick-Fil-A knows a thing or two about customer satisfaction! So combine the two and you get one of the most amazing road racing days annually in NW Georgia!

This Half-Marathon/5K tandem promises to deliver a first-class running environment that you and your friends will want to be a part of. The 5th Annual running of the Half-Marathon will be combined with the 21st. Annual running of the legendary “Duck Dash” now the “Pinwheel Pursuit 5K” with proceeds from BOTH races going to benefit Advocates for Children! To Learn More about Advocates...(Click Here)

2025 Race Results: https://www.wire2wirerunning.com/051725-cartersville-half-marathon-5k

2024 Race Results: https://www.wire2wirerunning.com/051824-cfabig-peach-half-5k

2023 Race Results: https://www.wire2wirerunning.com/051323-cfabig-peach-half-marathon5k

2022 Race Results: https://www.wire2wirerunning.com/cfabig-peach-half-marathon-5k

Parking:

1.) (RECOMMENDED) Directly Across the Street from Start / Finish Link Locations, in the Crosspoint City Church lot located at 325 Old Mill Rd.

2.) In the Cartersville Elementary School Parking lot located at 340 Old Mill Rd.

*Please note you also MUST enter EITHER lot from the Old Mill Road Entrance as ALL other entrances to each lot will be closed.

For those Parking in the Crosspoint City Church Lot, PLEASE cross Old Mill Rd. where you see the Cartersville Police Department Officer FOR YOUR SAFETY!!!

Pre-Race Packet Pick-up:

Pre-Registration Packet Pick-up will be held Friday, May 15th from 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM at the Big Peach Running Co. in Cartersville, located at 402 E. Church St., Suite 107, Cartersville, GA. More information on Pre-Registration Packet Pick-up will be provided to all runners via email the week prior to the race!

Race Information Recap:

Date: Saturday May 16th, 2026

Location: Georgia Quick Start - Cartersville Campus, located at 315 Etowah Drive, Cartersville, GA 30120 (i.e. The "Old" Cartersville Primary School)

Schedule of Event:

*7:00 AM Chick-Fil-A / Big Peach Half-Marathon Start

*7:10 AM Pinwheel Pursuit 5K Start

*8:20 AM Pinwheel Pursuit 5K Awards Presentation

*9:45 AM Half-Marathon Awards Presentation

[Please Note: For the Half-Marathon, the roads will be controlled for 2.5 hours, at which point the roads will then be opened back up for normal traffic flow.]

Half-Marathon (Rates & Awards):

$75 -- EARLY Pre-Race Registration (until Sunday evening, March 1st, at 11:59 PM)

$95 -- March 2nd. Through May 11th, at 11:59pm (when Pre-Registration ends.)

$115 -- Race Day Registration

Overall Awards given to Top 3 (Female/Male), as well as the Top 3 Masters (Female/Male) finishers.

Additionally, AWESOME custom-designed Medals will be provided for ALL FINISHERS of the Chick-Fil-A / Big Peach Half-Marathon!!

Pinwheel Pursuit 5K (Rates & Awards):

$35 -- Pre-Race Registration (until Sunday evening, March 1st at 11:59 PM)

$40 -- March 2nd through Sunday May 11th, at 11:59 PM (when Pre-Registration ends)

$45 -- Race Day Registration

5K Overall Awards

Top 3 (Female/Male), as well as the Top Masters (Female/Male) finishers.

5K Age Group Categories

Medals to TOP 3 in each of the following age categories:

*10-and-Under,11-14,15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-and-Over

PLEASE NOTE: This is a Rain or Shine event!!! And there is a 2.5 hour time limit for the Half-Marathon

Remember WHY WE'RE DOING THIS IN THE FIRST PLACE...Proceeds from the race go toward preventing and treating child abuse in all its forms through the programs and services that Advocates for Children serves. Please see www.advochild.org for more information and thank you for planning to join us!

9th Annual Wire2Wire Youth Running Camp

[CARTERSVILLE * GA]

June 1-3, 2026 - 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Dellinger Park

(100 Pine Grove Rd., Cartersville, GA 30120)

The camp is designed for Rising-3rd...through...Rising-8th Graders

All abilities Welcome!

DISCOUNTS APPLY for 'Repeat Campers' and for 'Multi-Sibling Campers.' To receive the discount code, email us at [email protected]

CAMP INCLUDES

• Daily Instruction

• Camp T-Shirt

• Running Gear

• Lunch & Fluids Daily

FACILITIES AVAILABLE DURING CAMP

• Dellinger Park's trail system

• 400m. track

• Sheltered pavilions

PAST GUEST SPEAKERS

• Jay Stephenson (all-American, 14:09 5K PR, Founder GoGo Running)

• Sherry Spinks (Masters National Champion, former Woodland M.S. coach)

• David Bishop (Legendary Coach, collegiate all-American, running streak of 20+ years)

• Dr. Tim Ryan (1:53 800m. runner from Syracuse)

• Bill Archer (4:32 mile as a Junior & 4-time XC County Champion )

• Abby Forristall (Top HS multisport athlete and motivator)

• Parker Breedlove (Varsity runner for Reinhardt College and rising star)

• Dr. Joell Hathaway (AMAZING Nutritional Knowledge!)

• Dr. Lance Berry (Podiatrist and Boston Marathon qualifier)

• Ricky Silver (3-time all-American, 30:25 10K PR)

• Susie Lackey (70 yr. old legend who has run for over 50 years)

A TYPICAL DAY AT RUNNING CAMP, W2W-STYLE

8:00am--8:15am Registration/Check-in

8:15am--8:45am ‘Stretch-ture’ (Stretching/Lecture)

8:45am--9:30am Run/Workout 'A' + Hydro-challenge

9:30am--10:00am Learning Session #1 (& Snack)

10:00am--10:30am Fun, Sun, Run, and Games

10:30am--10:45am Guest Speaker

10:45am--11:15am Run/Workout 'B' + Hydro-challenge

11:15am--11:45pm Fun, Sun, Run, & Games

12:00pm Pick-up!

EXAMPLES OF PAST STRETCH-TURE LESSONS

• The differences between Static & Dynamic stretching

• 5 Mistakes runners often make

• Principles of Track & Field

• 5 Tips to Tone-up

• The 3 biggest Keys to Training

• 5 Things all Champions do

• 5 Great Women in the sport of Running

MEET THE WIRE2WIRE CAMP DIRECTORS

• Coach David Matherne

• Cartersville HS coach for 34 years including 4 State XC Championships

• Coached 9 Individual state champions in Track and XC

• Individual National Champion in Masters 5K and Mile--both Indoor & Outdoor; P.R. of 4:02

• In 2022, Ranked #1 in the World for the Mile, (Masters 55-59 age group)

• 5-time collegiate all-American in 1,500m.

• Coach Matt Terry

• Cartersville HS coach for 15 years (Track & XC)

• Florida State University scholarship athlete in Track & Field (400M and High Jump)

• Personal Bests of 47.9 for the 400m. and high jumped 6'10"

• Race Director for Duck Dash 5K, the longest-running 5K in Cartersville (21th annual)

HEY KIDS, IT'S GOING TO BE A GREAT CAMP, SO LET'S GET READY TO HAVE SOME FUN...SUN...and RUN !

Find out more about Wire2Wire's Charity by clicking this link: "SHOES FOR KIDS"

Please join us! For the 4th. Annual “Roar Run 5K” Presented by the Bartow County Lions Club! Saturday Morning – June 6th, 2026 – 8:00 AM - Dellinger Park – Cartersville, GA. Come enjoy once again this fast and beautiful course that utilizes a combination of the paths throughout Dellinger Park as well as the surrounding surface streets…All for a great cause as proceeds go in support of the Dellinger Park “Freedom Braille Trail.” The Bartow County Lions Club remains committed to the creation, expansion, and on-going maintenance and financial support for a true gem of Northwest GA in the Freedom Braille Trail. So please plan to join us in support of this organization’s on-going dedication to this project! AND the Finish Line is located ON the trail! You do NOT want to miss it!! Please also visit Bartow County Lions Club Roar Run 5K Page on Facebook or on-line here: https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/bartow_county/index.php for more information!

Registration:

$30 Pre-Race Registration Fee (Runs until 11:00 PM, Sunday evening, May 31st.) You must register by this date to guarantee your T-shirt size and lock in at the reduced rate!) $40 Race Day Registration Rate.

Race Start-Finish & Race Day Parking:

Both the Start and Finish Line(s) are located in the east side of Dellinger Park (100 Pine Grove Rd., Cartersville, GA) adjacent to the lake. There is plenty of parking available in the West side of the Park (adjacent to the Football and Softball fields) but the east side parking will be closed for the race itself.

Race Day Schedule of Events:

*6:30 AM Race Day Registration

*7:45 AM Race Day Registration Closes

*7:55 AM PM Pre-Race Announcements

*8:00 AM “Roar Run 5K” Start Time

*9:15 AM Race Awards Presentation

Pre-Race Packet Pick-up for those pre-registered:

Pre-Race Packet Pick-up will be held Friday, June 5th, from 10 AM – 2 PM at the Big Peach Running Co. Cartersville Location – 402 E. Church St., Suite 107, Cartersville, GA 30121.

Awards:

Awards will be given to the following:

*Top 3 Overall Male and Top 3 Overall Female Winners

*Top Masters Male and Top Masters Female Winners

*Top 3 Male & Female in the following Age Categories: 10-Under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & Over

We Do hope you will join for this outstanding year 4 race in support of a tremendous cause as the Lions Club keeps the momentum in support of the Freedom Braille Trail!

Please note, this is a rain or shine event.