Description

Join Historic Oakland Foundation for the 14th annual Run Like Hell (Live and Virtual) 5K!

The largest cemetery run in the country, Run Like Hell is one of Atlanta’s favorite neighborhood 5K fundraisers, with all proceeds going to the restoration and preservation of Historic Oakland Cemetery. This year's race returns with both a live and a virtual format, with an extended run to allow for physical distancing and expanded access.

The in-person portion of the 5K will take place at Oakland Cemetery on October 9th at 9:00 AM. Please plan to arrive at least 30 min before race time to stretch and get ready to run. The race winds through the roadways of the historic cemetery, and also highlights the Memorial Drive Greenway down to the state capitol. The keyhole course is entirely paved and gently rolling with soft turns.

Virtual Race

The virtual 5K will run from September 24 to October 8^th - runners can complete the 5K inside the Cemetery or along any route that equals 5K any time between those dates, recording and submitting their times.  Submitted times are then uploaded to our leaderboard for the chance to win prizes.

A suggested 5K route map inside the Cemetery will be provided for those wanting to have the real Run Like Hell experience. 

Additional Race Information

All runners will receive a commemorative Run Like Hell 5K t-shirt and will have the chance to win awards and prizes.

Runners, joggers, and walkers of all levels are welcome. Leashed dogs and strollers are always welcome in the cemetery.

Historic Oakland Foundation members receive $5 off their Run Like Hell entry. Contact [email protected] for the promo code to be used during online registration.

PACKET PICKUP

Packets include your official Run Like Hell 5K shirt, instructions to participate, and special offers from our community partners.

• Thursday, October 7, Noon - 6 p.m. at Big Peach Midtown
• Friday, October 8, Noon - 6 p.m. at Big Peach Decatur 
• Race day packet pick-up begins at 7:30 AM. Please note that we will not be accepting race day registrations for the 2021 5K.
• 
  Virtual 5K runners who have registered by September 9 can choose to have their shirt mailed to them directly or can opt to pick up their packet at the Oakland Cemetery Bell Tower on Thursday, September 23, 3 - 6 p.m. Otherwise your packet will be available for pickup at the October 7 & 8 Big Peach packet pickups.
  

PARKING
Limited parking is available in the Oakland Cemetery parking lot. We also encourage you to use MARTA when visiting the site (King Memorial MARTA Station is a short walk from Oakland Cemetery)

FUNDRAISING
All proceeds from Run Like Hell benefit Historic Oakland Foundation's mission to preserve, restore, enhance, and share Oakland Cemetery, where Atlanta's history comes alive.

Help us to fundraise beyond the entry fee. Like everyone, HOF was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, the Foundation was unable to hold events and tours, the Visitors Center was shuttered, and we weren’t able to generate the same revenue that allows us to keep Oakland beautiful. As a Run Like Hell 5K fundraiser, you can help HOF raise $5,000 for general operations by donating as you complete your registration and/or by collecting sponsorships.

AWARDS
Awards will be given to the overall male and female, the overall Masters male and female and top three male and female age group winners in 14 age groups – from 10 & under to 70 & over.

Join Historic Oakland Cemetery on Facebook Live on October 9 at 12 PM for our virtual awards ceremony!

T-SHIRTS
All registered runners will receive a commemorative Halloween-themed Run Like Hell cotton t-shirt, with the option to upgrade to performance-wear material.

VIRTUAL HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST
Get into the spirit of the season and join the Run Like Hell costume contest! Submit a photo of you running in your costume to [email protected] by 12:00 PM October 8 and we'll post it on our Facebook for voting. Prizes will be awarded to the most creative costumes in the following categories: Best Adult Male, Best Adult Female, Best Group, Best Dog

Note: there will be no on-site costume contest, and costume contest photos should be submitted prior to the race for entry into the contest. 

OTHER PRIZES
Snap a photo of yourself running in your Run Like Hell t-shirt and submit it to [email protected] by 5:00 PM on October 9 to be entered to win exclusive Oakland prizes! Share the photo on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #RunLikeHell5K and tag @oaklandcemetery to earn more entries for the drawing. 

Event details and schedule