Columbus Firefighters Charity 5K Set for Oct. 24 at Woodruff Park |
Three race options at CSU Woodruff Park support local charities, with packet pickup Friday at Big Dog on 11th |
Columbus runners and first responders will gather at CSU Woodruff Park on Saturday, October 24, for the annual Columbus Firefighters Charity 5K. Registration opens at the park for all three race options, each beginning at 6:00 p.m.
The event offers runners a choice: a standard Community 5K Run, a 5K Full Gear Firefighter Turnout for firefighters running the course in their gear, and a Law Enforcement/Military 25-lb Vest or Ruck Run for first responders and service members. Each option costs $35 to enter, whether registering in advance or on race day, according to the event's official registration page. Organizers say proceeds support local charities.
Woodruff Park sits at 1000 Bay Ave. in Columbus, giving runners an Uptown starting point with parking available nearby along Broadway. |
 Illustrative image, not the Columbus event. Photo by Jarden Bellamkonda on Unsplash |
Columbus runners, walkers, and cancer survivors will fill Woodruff Park on Friday, October 23, for the 16th annual Paint the Town Pink 5K Fun Walk/Run, a fundraiser that keeps every dollar it raises inside the local community.
The West Central Georgia Cancer Coalition organizes the event each October, timing it to Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Proceeds benefit the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Cancer Assistance Fund, which helps local residents in active cancer treatment cover costs such as gas, utilities, and groceries.
A survivor parade opens the evening at 5:45 p.m., honoring cancer survivors and their families before the timed 5K and a shorter fun walk begin at 6:30 p.m. Both routes start and finish at Woodruff Park in Uptown Columbus. |
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All three races starting at 6 sounds a bit crowded, especially with folks wearing gear and rucks. Hope there's room for everyone.
That’s a fair concern with all three options listed for 6 p.m. We hope organizers share any start-line instructions as race day approaches.
Ben CarterI wondered that too. Maybe they'll line up the three groups separately so the start isn't a squeeze.
If you're driving in, give yourself a little time to find parking near Broadway. Woodruff Park gets busy on event nights.
Tasha R.Good advice. I'd rather get there early than circle Broadway right before 6.
Good tip, thanks for sharing it. Parking is available near Woodruff Park along Broadway, so allowing a little extra time makes sense.
I watched the full gear runners last year and was worn out just looking at them. Might actually sign up this time.
kim_87You should! Watching them last year made me want to try the Community 5K too.
Running a 5K in full gear is impressive to watch. If you decide to join in, the Community 5K is open at the same $35 entry price.
$35 on race day is nice, but I'd like to know which local charities the proceeds are going to this year.
Dave ThompsonI'd like to know that too. Hopefully the organizers share the charity list before Saturday.
We’d like to know that too. The event information says proceeds support local charities but doesn’t name this year’s recipients. The official registration page is a good place to check for updates.
Glad the Community 5K is an option too. I couldn't imagine running through Uptown in full firefighter gear!
Maria G.Same here. The regular 5K is plenty of a challenge for me.
The Community 5K is a welcome option for anyone who’d rather leave the gear to the firefighters!