Red, White & ZOOM Rocket Pop 5K 2026 — Athens, AL

Come celebrate Independence Day in Athens with a brand NEW 5K! This is your chance to come kick-off your 4th of July celebration by running a brand‑new certified course along the Swan Creek Greenway in Athens, Alabama Course The race START and FINISH are both at the Athens Sportsplex by the swimming pool. There will be a turn-around point halfway. 5K USATF Certification #AL26026JE Amenities, Features, and Highlights SWAG All runners registered before our midnight deadline on June 15th will receive a special race cooling towel to help keep you cool all summer long! Aid Stations There will be two aid and recovery stations, one aid station will be available at the START/FINISH line area and one between mile 1 and 2 of the course. The START/FINISH line are aid station will have hydration, first aid, snacks, and electrolytes. On Course aid station will have water and first aid. Additional Information Early Packet Pick-up Friday, July 3rd from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM at 100N Beaty Street - the brick building by the duck pond Race Day Schedule Packet Pick-up: 6:00-6:45 AM Announcements and 5K call to start: 6:45 AM 5K Race Start: 7:00 AM Awards: 8:15 AM FAQ Where is the race? Sportsplex Swimming Pool Parking lot 1403 US-3 Athens, AL When is the event? Saturday, July 4th, 2026 - 7 am CT RACE START What time should I arrive? If you can't make it to early packet pick-up on Friday, July 3rd, please plan to arrive prior to 6:30 to leave yourself adequate time to get check-in, receive your runner packet, and get warmed up Can I register on race day? No. You may register the day before at Early Packet Pickup, though. Where do I get my packet? Early Packet Pickup for the Race will be held at 100N Beaty Street--the brick building by the duck pond -- on Friday, July 3rd from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM or you can pick up your race packet starting at 6:00 AM race day morning at the Sportsplex swimming pool parking lot I‘m part of a group that’s running together. Can I pick up everyone’s bib? Yes! All you’ll need is their full name and everyone will be ready to take-off on Race Day! Is there a giveaway included with my registration? Yes, if you register before the giveaway deadline on 15 June you will receive a special race cooling towel to help keep you cool all summer long! When is the deadline to register and be guaranteed a towel? End of day June 15. After the deadline, towels will be available in limited quantities through registration on a first-come, first-served basis for participants while inventory lasts. Where do I park? FREE Parking is available on-site. Are strollers allowed? Yes, strollers are welcome at the back of the pack. Are bikes, hoverboards, scooters, skateboards, push bikes, unicycles or wagons allowed on course? We’re sorry, but only runners, joggers, walkers, baby strollers/joggers, and wheelchairs are allowed Are pets allowed? Due to the course, no pets are allowed. Is the race timed? Yes, this event is professionally RFID chip timed by Race Ready Events I s the 5K course certified? Yes! USATF certificate #AL26026JE Does the 5k course have hills? There aren't any hills along the course of significant grade (<3%). Do I have to be an experienced runner? No — all ages and paces are welcome! I’d like to participate. Can I just walk? Absolutely! We always have people who want to walk, so you will not be alone!