Blue Stone 5K-9 2026 — Atlanta, GA

We are an Official Northside Hospital Peachtree Road Race Qualifier! Why take your dog for a walk when you can take them for a fun run instead? The Blue Stone 5K-9 will be a pawsome event happening during the Blue Stone Art and Music Festival. Don't miss this tail-wagging good time with your "best friend! Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome with or without a furry friend! The route is a primarily flat road race, down and back route. In partnership with Catalyst Sports, Sandy Springs Recreation & Parks will have a limited number of adaptive hand cycles bikes available to borrow for this event for people with disabilities. To reserve an adaptive cycle, please email desiree@catalystsports.org T-Shirt Cut Off, 8/29 – Race T-shirts guaranteed to all who register by August 28, 2026, 4pm. After that date, T-shirts are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Race Packet Pick Up is Friday, September 25 from 4pm – 7pm at Century East Parking Lot, 6100 Lake Forest Drive Sandy Springs, GA US 30328 If you did not come to packet pick up, you can pick up your race bib at the Start/Finish line before 7:30 am. Then after the race you may pick up your goodie bag. Race is Saturday, September 26 – The race will start promptly at 8 am and end at 9:30 am. Please park at Century East Parking Lot, 6100 Lake Forest Drive. We will have porta potties at the Century East Parking Lot. The race will also start and end at this location. Please arrive early to give yourself enough time to navigate road closures/traffic and walk to the Start/Finish line. If you have any friends/family that wish to participate but have not registered, they may register onsite at the Start/Finish line before 7:30 am. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Registration Includes race t-shirt, finisher medal, goodie bag, water and snacks (some items may be while supplies last) Awards Top OVERALL Winner (M/F), Top MASTER Winner (M/F), Top Dog Winner (M/F), Top Handcycle Winner (M/F), Top Rim-push Winner (M/F), Top Push-assist, Top Pedal Trike and Top 3 M/F in the age groups: 11 and under, 12-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+ *Please note that awards will not be mailed. If you need to leave before the ceremony, please pick up your award at the awards table. *Under no circumstances will participants be allowed to use a scooter, bike, roller/inline skates, skateboard, or other device. For this policy, the Road Runners Club of America defines these devices as different from an adaptive chair/cycle that is required for an adaptive athlete to participate in an event. Canine Race Etiquette We can’t wait to see all our furry friends crossing the finish line, but please follow these Doggy Do’s and Don’ts! Required – A short non-retractable leash no longer than 6 ft. A dog must remain leashed, under control, and well-mannered. The participant takes personal responsibility for their dog and assumes all responsibility for any legal claims that may arise from the actions of their dog. Recommended – A harness versus a collar. Using a harness instead of attaching the leash to your dog’s collar. Collars can have a strangling effect on dogs, especially with the sudden movements that come with running. Using a harness also gives you much more control over your dog’s movements. Tips and Reminders Always ask before petting a dog and never assume it is safe to let your pup go up to another dog before asking the owner first. Make sure to read the situation before inserting yourself and your dog into it. Our race may include service dogs and there may be the presence of police dogs. As with service dogs, these dogs deserve a great amount of respect from both you and your pup, so make sure to keep your distance when you can. These dogs are not looking to make new friends or play, they are busy working and keeping others safe. At the Start of the Race Listen carefully to the Race Director's instructions – there will be a staggered start. Stay at the back at the start and as the field thins out and people start to fall behind, then you can move up. Make sure you keep your dog away from other runners, not just because of the trip hazard, but because some people don’t like/are afraid of dogs and would rather not be too close. Keep in mind that a person in an adaptive cycle may be at the same height level as your dog and may not want them in their lap/face. It’s an enjoyable time for you and your dog to bond so keep them close and give some space to others. If you and your dog are planning to run the course at a quick pace, position yourself near the front of the pack and over to the side at the start — that way, you won’t have to weave in and out of the walkers as you set off for your jog. During the Race Pass on the left, stay to the right. If you’re having the best day ever and speeding up, pass runners on the left – communicate “on your left”. If you need to slow down, move to the right to allow others to easily pass. Race starts tend to be crowded for