The streets of Marietta are calling and sneakers are lacing up for the annual Make A Wish 5K. This lively 3.1 mile run raises money for Make A Wish Georgia, turning sweat into smiles for children in Cobb County facing critical illnesses. The course is certified as a Peachtree Road Race qualifier, so your time counts for bragging rights as well as future races. Some participants sprint, others stroll, but everyone gets a T shirt at the finish line. It is the kind of morning where high fives are plentiful and the finish line feels extra sweet.
Early birds can sign up starting at 7 am on race day. The starting horn sounds at 8 am sharp on the Marietta Square. At 8:40 am, the winning T shirt designer gets a plaque before the spotlight shifts to the medals at 9 am. For a feel good moment, Wish Kids themselves hand out the hardware to the winners.
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 are made out to Cobb County 5K and mailed to:
Cobb County 5K
100 Cherokee Street, Suite 400
Marietta, GA 30090
Gather nine of your closest running buddies and your team scores a lower registration rate. Teachers, students, and school groups also enjoy special 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.
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 where it started: 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.
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.
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.
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 4, 2025
Time:
8 am to 10 am
Address:
Marietta Square
99 S Park Square NE
Marietta GA 30060
Online Registration:
https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/Marietta/CobbCounty5KMakeAWish
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
For additional information:
For more information, please contact Deedra Watts at (770) 528-4046
