Make-A-Wish 5k

The Make A Wish Georgia 5K brings runners and walkers to the Marietta Square for an annual race benefiting Make A Wish Georgia. Proceeds help grant wishes for children in Cobb County facing critical illnesses.

Participants can enter the timed 5K for an official race result or choose the untimed 5K walk or run. The course is a Peachtree Road Race qualifying event. There is also a 1K Fun Run for children ages 4 through 11, and children may also enter the 5K.

The race kicks off on the Marietta Square before winding its way through Cherokee Street, Church Street, Freyer Drive, Pine Street, and Allgood Road, then looping back downtown on Chicopee Drive, Church Street, and back to Cherokee Street. Runners chase their PRs, while walkers enjoy the sights. Either way, it all ends back where it started at the Marietta Square.

Top honors go to Men’s Overall, Women’s Overall, Men’s Master Overall, and Women’s Master Overall. Then the age groups take over, with medals for first, second, and third place across every bracket from 10 and under to 70 and up. It is proof that running really is for every age.

Numbers are collected at the registration table before the race. T shirts are handed out at the finish line, perfect for soaking up a little post race victory sweat.

Once the medals are handed out, the celebration can continue with the Marietta Farmer’s Market opening at 9 am. Fresh peaches and local goodies make for the perfect cool down snack.

This is a family friendly race with plenty of runners, joggers, and walkers. Bring your best sneakers and maybe an appetite for fresh farmers market treats afterward.

Date:
October 3, 2026

Times:
Pre race activities at 7:15 am
Wheelchair start at 7:40 am
1K Fun Run at 7:45 am
5K at 8:15 am
T shirt design contest presentation at 8:40 am
Runner medal presentation at 9 am

Address:
Marietta Square
99 S Park Square NE
Marietta GA 30060

Directions:
From I-75 go west on North Marietta Parkway (Exit 265). Continue to Church Street and take a left (just before the bridge) heading to the Square. Parking will be in the Cobb County Parking Deck and in lots around the Square.

Parking:
Marietta Square Parking

Registration:
Online registration is available through RunSignUp until July 31. Mailed forms must also be postmarked by July 31. For the spontaneous crowd, walk up registration is open the morning of the race. Checks can be made out to Cobb County 5K and mailed to:
Cobb County 5K
100 Cherokee Street, Suite 400
Marietta, GA 30090

Groups/Teams and Phantom Runners:
Gather nine of your closest running buddies and your team scores a lower registration rate for groups of 10 or more. Teachers, students, and school groups also get special discount pricing. If running sounds less appealing than pancakes that morning, Phantom Runners can still support the cause from the couch and will get a shirt mailed after the event.

For additional information:
For more information, please contact Deedra Watts at (770) 528-4046 or email deedra.watts@cobbcounty.org.