Veterans Day 5K Hosted by the Cherry Blossom Festival

Join Macon, Georgia’s International Cherry Blossom Festival as we host the Veterans Day 5K and Fun Run on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Middle Georgia State University to celebrate and honor veterans in Middle Georgia. A portion of funds raised over the weekend will support the Georgia Department of Veterans Service Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping Middle-Georgia veterans stay in their homes by assisting with utilities, mortgage or rent, and/or home repairs.

The Veterans Day 5K is one of three events taking place over Veterans Day weekend to honor, raise awareness, and financially benefit veterans in Macon-Bibb and Middle Georgia.  Events taking place during Veterans Day Weekend, November 9-11, include:

• Veterans Day 5K and Fun Run on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Middle Georgia State University
• Fourth Annual Veterans Day Parade on Sunday, November 10, 2024, in Downtown Macon
• Second annual Veterans Day Golf Tournament on Monday, November 11, 2024, at River North Country Club 

Day of 5K Schedule

• 7:00am – Registration and Packet Pick Up
• 8:25am - National Anthem
• 8:30am - 5K Begins
• Approximately at 9:30am - Awards Ceremony

Location and Parking

• Middle Georgia State University - 100 University Parkway Macon, GA 31206
• Parking for the 5K will be located in East Parking Lot.
• The start of the 5K will be outside of the Student Life Center, building 10 on the map.

Registration

• Online registration for in person event ends Thursday, November 7, 2024.
• Same day registration is onsite only.

Refund Policy

• No refunds will be given.

Service Animals

• Service animals are welcomed and allowed.

Weather Policy

• Veterans Day 5K is rain or shine, but in the case of inclement weather race officials may cancel or delay the event in consideration of public safety. As a reminder, registration fees are non-refundable.

Awards

• Top three male, top three female, and top three Veterans overall finishers of the Veterans Day 5K.
• In addition, we will award Top two men and top two women for each age bracket. Age brackets are as follows: 10 and under, 11-14, 15-19, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and 80+.
• Best Red, White and Blue, patriotic outfit.

Shirts

• Participants who register by October 23, 2024, will receive their shirt on race day. Race participants who register after October 23, 2024, are not guaranteed a shirt or the size requested.

Packet Pickup

• Packet pickup for in-person participants will take place the morning of the race starting at 7:00am at Middle Georgia State University near the Student Life Center. The area pickup location will be marked and a map will be sent to participants.

Bathrooms

• Restrooms are located in the Student Life Center, and portable restrooms will be located near the start/finish line.

Thank to our gracious sponsors for supporting the Veterans Day 5K and our community's veterans!

Presenting Sponsor: Smith, Brown and Groover, Inc.

Supporting Sponsor: The R.A. Bowen Trust, Middle Georgia State University, and Apparel Authority

Hydration Station Sponsors: Anderson, Walker & Reichert, LLP and Hays Service

Mile Marker Sponsors: Raffield Tire Master and D. Lance Souther, Inc.

Media Sponsors: 41NBC/WMGT, WDEN, Lite Rock Z93.7, All The Hits B95.1, and Blazin 92.3