The "Downtown Cartersville 5K" (and a 1K Fun Run) to support Backpack Buddies 2026

The race.

Wire2Wire Running hosts the Downtown Cartersville 5K and 1K Fun Run on Saturday, August 29, 2026, in downtown Cartersville, Georgia, benefiting the Backpack Buddies program. The 5K is a USATF-certified course (Certification #GA18034WC) and Peachtree Road Race Qualifier, starting west of Church and Bartow Streets and finishing in Friendship Plaza; the 1K makes one loop around the courthouse block. Pre-race registration ($35 for 5K, $25 for 1K) closes at 11 p.m. on August 23; race day rates are $45 and $30. Packet pickup occurs Friday, August 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Big Peach Running Co., 402 E. Church Street. Racing begins at 7:58 a.m. for wheelchair athletes and 8 a.m. for the 5K, with the 1K starting at 9 a.m. and awards presented at 9:20 a.m. Awards include top-three overall, masters, and wheelchair categories, plus age groups from 10 and under through 70 and over. Participants receive T-shirts with pre-registration.