FAQs
MUST Ministries' #1 fundraising event of the year!
We have been working diligently to find ways to continue the annual Thanksgiving morning tradition. At the same time, MUST Ministries is experiencing the greatest food need in its 51-year history. Please sign up to run the Marietta Daily Journal Gobble Jog or donate money that will provide food for your neighbors in need.
Runners and walkers choose between a 10K, 5K, 1K, Tot Trot (100 yards), or phantom runner and run with us on November 23rd.
Once registered, runners can also help raise money by letting family, friends, and co-workers know the following three ways they can donate:
1. Running in honor or memory of a loved one
2. Donate a dollar to match each date of November (totaling $351)
3. #GobbleJog - 26 Days of Thanks - post what you are thankful for on social media each day and raise money in thankfulness
*All proceeds will go to provide food for the local community.
How To Fundraise for MUST!
Please help MUST provide for our neighbors in need by fundraising. It's easy! When you register online, you will create your own fundraising page. Solicit donations by emailing the link to your friends or posting it on social media. You can even customize your fundraising page with your own story and photos! Prizes will be given to the top fundraisers. If you have any questions please get in touch with Kemba Keen, 678-218-4513, kkeen@mustministries.org.
$100 feeds 45 homeless neighbors in the Loaves and Fishes Community Kitchen
$200 buys a twin mattress set for supportive housing
$400 provides comprehensive job training for two job seekers
$850 provides a homeless neighbor 42 days of work recovery and options for permanent housing
If you have questions about your registration, please click here to email us. For more information about MUST, please visit mustministries.org.
When is the Gobble Jog?
Thanksgiving Morning. Thursday, November 23, 2023
The start and finish line is on Marietta Square - Glover Park.
Are there different route options?
Yes, we have a timed 10K and timed 5K that are qualifiers for the AJC Peachtree Road Race. We also have an untimed 5K, 1K, and Tot Trot. The Tot Trot is recommended for kids 5 and under.
What are the registration fees?
The fees vary based on the date you register and whether you want to be timed. Click on one of the registration links to see the options.
What time does each race start?
7:30 a.m. - 10K timed
8:45 a.m. - 1K untimed
9:00 a.m. - 5K timed
9:05 a.m. - 5K untimed
10:30 a.m. - Tot Trot
How can I register?
There are 4 ways to register:
Register online here. Online registration ends Thursday, November 23rd when the races begin.
Register at the Packet Pick-up event on Wednesday, November 22nd between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 pm. The Packet Pick-up will take place at the Cobb County Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway SE, Marietta, GA 30060.
Register on race day beginning at 6:30 a.m. There will be no timed registrations for the 5K & 10K on race day!
For mailed-in entries, click here to print the registration form.
To whom do I make the check?
Please make checks payable to MUST Ministries and write "Gobble Jog" in the memo section of your check.
Where can I pick up my T-shirt and race number?
At the Packet Pick-up Event at the Cobb County Civic Center on Wednesday, November 22, between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 pm.
OR
At Marietta Square on race day beginning at 6:30 a.m.
If I'm on a team, can I pick up my own packet?
Yes, unless your team captain has arranged to pick up packets for the entire team. So please check with your captain first.
Can I pick up someone else's race number and t-shirt?
Yes.
If I pick up my packet on Wednesday, do I need to do anything else on Thursday?
No - just show up and run! But DON'T FORGET your number!
What is included with VIP registration?
VIP runners will receive admission to the VIP area, indoor restrooms, an upgraded race shirt (along with the standard race t-shirt), and access to continental breakfast, premium snacks, and beverages.
What is a Phantom Runner?
If you are going to be out of town or home making the Thanksgiving feast, you can still register for the Gobble Jog by signing up as a Phantom Runner. You will still receive the race shirt - you can pick it up at packet pick-up, at the MUST office the week after the race or we will mail it to you.
What is the policy on refunds of registration fees?
No refunds are issued for registration fees.
How do I know if I am registered?
If you register online, you will receive a confirmation email. If you registered by mail, your canceled check is your confirmation.
How does team registration work?
You and your friends, family, and co-workers can run together as a team. When registering online, the team captain will create the team first, and then the other members can join that team. When registering by mail, at Packet Pickup, or on race day, please write your team name on the registration form. If the whole team (10 people minimum) is registered by November 18-by noon, we will box up your shirts and numbers together for easy pickup (if you notify us in advance). For additional questions about teams, please email Ric Born at teamgobblejog@gmail.com.
What time do I arrive on race day?
If you've already picked up your packet, you can arrive as little as 15 minutes before the start of your race (Remember - roads will be closed around the square and there are thousands of other people arriving, too). If you are picking up your packet or registering on race day, you should arrive at least 30 minutes before your race.
Will the race be canceled if the weather is bad?
No - this is a rain-or-shine event.
Where can I park?
You will be able to park at any of the city parking garages or parking lots near Marietta Square, but you should be aware of road closures. City Parking Garages are no longer free. The roads that go around the square (North Park, West Park, South Park, and East Park) will be closed all morning. Powder Springs Street and Whitlock Avenue blocks closest to the square will also be closed. Please see this map of parking on the square. The roads on the race route will close at 7:30 a.m. The map of the route is here. You'll see that the route crosses North Marietta Parkway (120 Loop) in two places, so you won't be able to cross there when runners are on the route.
What time do the roads close?
The roads on the race route close at 7:30 a.m. The roads around Marietta Square close at midnight the night before.
Are there water stations along the course?
Yes, there are two water stations on the 10K route and one on the 5K and 1K routes.
How do I volunteer for the race?
Please click here to see the volunteer positions and to fill out the volunteer form.
Are strollers allowed in the race?
Yes. For safety reasons, runners with strollers and baby joggers must line up behind the other runners.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes. For safety reasons, runners with dogs must line up behind the other runners and be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Are there any special provisions for wheelchair participants?
Wheelchair participants are welcome. Be advised, though, that the race takes place on the street and the conditions aren't ideal for wheelchairs. You must be able to keep up with the group in your chosen race.
Where can I check my results?
Race results will be available on the Gobble Jog webpage and Facebook page. Please give us 24 hours to post the results.
Are prizes given out for the fastest times?
Yes. The overall winners in the 5K and 10K will each receive a plaque. The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in each age group receive medals.
ALL Award Categories are broken down into Men & Women (Male & Female)
Overall Awards - Overall Finisher & Masters Overall Finisher
AGE GROUP AWARDS
19 & Under
20 to 34
35 to 44
45 to 54
55 to 64
65 & Over
*Awards in the Age Groups are presented to the top 3 finishers.
Where do the race proceeds go?
All proceeds go to MUST Ministries. MUST is dedicated to providing services to our neighbors in need. MUST offers a range of services including emergency shelter, transitional housing, meals, groceries, clothing, job readiness, and job placement. For more information, please visit www.mustministries.org.
What if I can't run but want to support MUST?
Register as a Phantom Runner. You don't have to be at the Gobble Jog, but you'll still receive a t-shirt after the race. You can also donate to one of your fellow runners on their online fundraising page.
Isn't there a costume contest?
Yes! The costume contest begins at 815 a.m. at the bandstand.
How long is the Tot Trot?
About 100 yards.
For any questions not answered here, please email kkeen@mustministries.org or call the Gobble Jog Hotline at 678-218-4513.
