Run the River 2026 Status
HomeStretch’s Run the River 5K/10K, a fast, flat, and scenic race along the Chattahoochee River and an AJC Peachtree Road Race qualifier, will not be held in 2026 due to significant construction activity and related road closures in and around our traditional course area. This difficult decision was made after careful review of safety, logistics, and the overall experience for runners, volunteers, partners, and neighbors.
Why We Made This Decision
Over the past several months, HomeStretch has worked closely with city officials, public safety teams, and race operations partners to explore every viable option for 2026. Together, we evaluated alternate routes, staging areas, and traffic plans that might allow the event to proceed.
However, each option presented at least one of the following challenges:
Inadequate safety or traffic control due to construction and road closures.
Routes that did not offer the fast, flat, Peachtree-qualifying experience that defines Run the River.
Timing and location conflicts with other community events or constraints on police and city support.
Ultimately, we concluded that holding the race in 2026 would mean compromising on safety, race quality, or mission impact—none of which are acceptable to HomeStretch.
Our Commitment to Quality and Safety
Run the River has earned a reputation as a well-organized, family-friendly event that offers:
A USATF-certified, Peachtree Road Race qualifying course along the Chattahoochee River.
A flat, runner-friendly route ideal for personal records and for first-time racers alike.
A welcoming atmosphere that showcases the HomeStretch mission and community support for families experiencing homelessness.
Pausing the race for one year allows us to:
Maintain the safety standards expected by runners, volunteers, and neighbors.
Protect the long-term reputation of Run the River as a premier local event.
Invest staff and volunteer time where it will have the greatest impact for HomeStretch families.
Looking Ahead to March 27, 2027
Run the River will return on Saturday, March 27, 2027. Our planning focus for the 2027 event includes:
Preserving the fast, flat, Peachtree-qualifying character of the race.
Enhancing race-day amenities, hospitality, and the post-race experience.
Expanding opportunities for runners, sponsors, and volunteers to support families on the path from homelessness to permanent housing through HomeStretch.
Throughout 2026, we will share updates, behind-the-scenes planning highlights, and a countdown to Run the River 2027. Runners, sponsors, and vendors will receive early information about registration, sponsorship opportunities, and volunteer roles.
Thank You for Your Support
HomeStretch is deeply grateful to everyone who has run, sponsored, volunteered, or cheered at Run the River. Your support helps provide safe housing, workforce development, financial coaching, and life-skills training for families working toward stability and independence.
We invite you to:
Mark your calendar for March 27, 2027.
Watch for updates and announcements about Run the River’s return.
Continue supporting HomeStretch’s work with families throughout the year.
Together, we will make Run the River 2027 our strongest and most impactful race yet.
