Events
5K Run/Walk
Kids Fun Run
29 spots left. Price increases after November 22, 2026 at 11:59pm EST
Place
112 Bradford St NE
Gainesville, GA US 30501
Description
Kick off your Thanksgiving Day with a fantastic new tradition — the Cops & Gobblers 5K in the heart of downtown Gainesville! Join neighbors, families, and first responders in a festive morning dash that earns you your turkey and a few extra helpings of stuffing.
Whether you're chasing down the next PR, jogging with friends and family, or casually strolling before your big feast, this event is for you. Enjoy fresh morning air, music, and community spirit as you start and finish on the historic square.
Registration and check-in opens at 6:30 AM, race starts at 8 AM sharp. Every participant can proudly wear their shirt and finisher medal to their Thanksgiving gatherings — and have bragging rights for extra pie!
Race Swag
***Register by midnight on November 18th to be guaranteed your shirt size. Medals are guaranteed for the first 1400 registrants. This event will sell out so register now to guarantee your race swag!***
Who It is For
Proceeds from this event will benefit The Gainesville-Hall County Fraternal Order of Police Cops & Kids Program. The FOP's Cops & Kids Christmas program fosters strong bonds between local law enforcement officers and the community by allowing officers to accompany underprivileged children on shopping trips, ensuring they receive Christmas presents and view police as compassionate allies. Selected through local schools and organizations, each child gets $250 to spend—half on necessities and half on gifts, often for family members—while the program promotes positive interactions, helping dispel negative impressions and build trust with officers. To learn more, visit our website at: https://www.fop41.com/copskids
Become a Sponsor!
We have lots of opportunities for your company to support Cops and Gobblers 5K and its beneficiaries!
- Visit our sponsor page: SPONSOR!
- Choose the sponsor package you like.
- Complete your payment.
- Our team will reach out with your code for included entries and logo needs for promotion!
Course Map
This spectator friendly race will start and finish on the Gainesville Square. With an elevation gain of just 162 feet, it’s the perfect excuse to gobble up the miles! To view an interactive map, click HERE.
Race Contact Info
Parking Instructions
The Downtown Gainesville Square offers three parking decks and on-street parking. Runners will be able to park in all three decks on race morning. The Downtown Square itself will be closed to vehicle traffic on race morning. For leaving the event, you will be able to exit from any of the parking decks at any time.
Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.
Dogs and Strollers
- Dogs and Strollers are welcome.
- Dogs must be leashed and friendly.
- Strollers start at the back of the race.
Packet Pick-Up
Participants can pick up race packets (includes bib, safety pins, & shirt) on Wednesday, November 25, 2026 at Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County | 1547 Riverside Dr, Gainesville, GA 30501 from 12pm-6pm.
Race day check-in is available on the Gainesville Square starting at 6:30am on race day!
Awards
- Overall Male & Female
- Masters Male & Female
- Top 3 Male & Female 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, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & over.
Awards will be a Bundtlet from our friends at Nothing Bundt Cakes.
Race Day Schedule
6:30 AM - Packet Pick-Up Opens
7:45 AM - Kids Fun Run around the Square
7:55 AM - Call to Start Line
8:00 AM - Race Starts
8:45 AM - Awards Ceremony
9:15 AM - Course Closes
