Blue Stone 5K-9

“Why take your dog for a walk when you can take them for a fun run instead? The Blue Stone 5K-9 will be a pawsome event happening during the Blue Stone Art and Music Festival. Don't miss this tail-wagging good time with your "best friend!"

Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome with or without a furry friend! The route is a primarily flat road race, down and back route. 

In partnership with Catalyst Sports, Sandy Springs Recreation & Parks will have a limited number of adaptive hand cycles bikes available to borrow for this event for people with disabilities. To reserve an adaptive cycle, please email gillian@catalystsports.org 

T-Shirt Cut Off, 8/29 – Race T-shirts guaranteed to all who register by August 29, 2024, 4pm. After that date, T-shirts are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

Race Packet Pick Up is Friday, 9/27 from 4pm – 7pm at Century East Parking Lot, 6100 Lake Forest Drive
Sandy Springs, GA US 30328

If you did not come to packet pick up, you can pick up at the Start/Finish line before 7:30 am.

Race is Saturday, 9/28 – The race will start promptly at 8 am and end at 9:30 am. Please park at Century East Parking Lot, 6100 Lake Forest Drive. It is a short walk from the parking lot to the Start/Finish line at the Sandy Springs United Methodist Church Activities Center, 6150 Sandy Springs Cir. We will have portapotties at the Century East Parking Lot – there will not be portapotties at the Church parking lot. Please arrive early to give yourself enough time to navigate road closures/traffic and walk to the Start/Finish line. If you have any friends/family that wish to participate but have not registered, they may register onsite at the Start/Finish line before 7:30 am.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Awards

Top OVERALL Winner (M/F), Top MASTER Winner (M/F), Top Dog Winner (M/F), Top Handcycle Winner (M/F), Top Rim-push Winner (M/F), Top Push-assist, Top Pedal Trike and Top 3 M/F in the age groups:  11 and under, 12-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

*Please note that awards will not be mailed.  If you need to leave before the ceremony, please pick up your award at the awards table.

*Under no circumstances will participants be allowed to use a scooter, bike, roller/inline skates, skateboard, or other device. For this policy, the Road Runners Club of America defines these devices as different from an adaptive chair/cycle that is required for an adaptive athlete to participate in an event.

Canine Race Etiquette

We can’t wait to see all our furry friends crossing the finish line, but please follow these Doggy Do’s and Don’ts!

Required – A short non-retractable leash no longer than 6 ft. A dog must remain leashed, under control, and well-mannered. The participant takes personal responsibility for their dog and assumes all responsibility for any legal claims that may arise from the actions of their dog.

Recommended – A harness versus a collar. Using a harness instead of attaching the leash to your dog’s collar. Collars can have a strangling effect on dogs, especially with the sudden movements that come with running. Using a harness also gives you much more control over your dog’s movements.

Tips and Reminders

Always ask before petting a dog and never assume it is safe to let your pup go up to another dog before asking the owner first. Make sure to read the situation before inserting yourself and your dog into it.

Our race may include service dogs and there may be the presence of police dogs. As with service dogs, these dogs deserve a great amount of respect from both you and your pup, so make sure to keep your distance when you can. These dogs are not looking to make new friends or play, they are busy working and keeping others safe.

At the Start of the Race

Listen carefully to the Race Director's instructions – there will be a staggered start.

Stay at the back at the start and as the field thins out and people start to fall behind, then you can move up. Make sure you keep your dog away from other runners, not just because of the trip hazard, but because some people don’t like/are afraid of dogs and would rather not be too close. Keep in mind that a person in an adaptive cycle may be at the same height level as your dog and may not want them in their lap/face. It’s an enjoyable time for you and your dog to bond so keep them close and give some space to others.

If you and your dog are planning to run the course at a quick pace, position yourself near the front of the pack and over to the side at the start — that way, you won’t have to weave in and out of the walkers as you set off for your jog.

During the Race

Pass on the left, stay to the right. If you’re having the best day ever and speeding up, pass runners on the left – communicate “on your left”. If you need to slow down, move to the right to allow others to easily pass. Race starts tend to be crowded for the first mile or so, and sometimes random weaving happens. Always be aware of which side you’re passing and try not to step right in front of another runner as you make your move.

At the drink stops, pull over either before or after, instead of stopping at the table. That way you can get a drink for yourself and your dog without blocking the flow of runners past the volunteers holding the cups. Recommend a collapsible water bowl.

If it looks like your dog is going to poop or pee, then move right over to the side so you don’t get in the way of other runners. You must pick up any droppings and carry them with you to the next bin. Don’t forget your pick-up bags.

Go at a pace that’s comfortable for your dog. Dogs will keep running with you even past the point of exhaustion, so it’s up to you to make sure he/she doesn’t overdo it. Running with your dog has a very different feel than walking and it takes some getting used to, which is why it is important to practice. It will help you both get a feel for what’s to come and how many breaks may be needed.

Don’t be afraid to stop and rest as needed and to slow down — or even turn back early if your pooch is looking pooped.

Running with your dog and learning how to prepare your dog for a race can be an enjoyable time for both you and your furry best friend. Exercise also helps you to stay healthy and keep your pet fit and trim.

That’s it - You did it! You made it to the finish, and one of the most congested areas is after you cross the line. Don’t stop right on the line—there are runners coming in hot behind you! Keep moving toward the medals and post-race snacks. If you do require medical assistance, do your best to step to the side and wave down a volunteer who can help you walk and direct you to the medical tent.

Once you cross the finish line, you are invited to sit, stay, or play at the Blue Stone Art and Music Festival!  Stroll along Blue Stone Road to check out the artists and groove to the live music.  The two-day event is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Sept. 28 and the festival’s hours on Saturday are 10 a.m. through 10 p.m. Please note that dogs are welcomed during the Blue Stone 5K9, but they are not permitted inside the festival. Service dogs are permitted. Learn more about the festival here https://www.sandyspringsga.gov/bluestone