Dash into spring: Atlanta races taking place from March through June

With the beginning of spring, we can look forward to longer days, chirping birds, self-renewal, and, for the runners out there, lots of fantastic races in and near the Atlanta area to take full advantage of the crisp weather. The metro Atlanta area offers a wide range of topography perfect for runners of all levels, from hills to flat courses, all against a stunning green canopy. Whether you are just starting your 5k training program or you run competitively, you’ll find a race that suits your level this spring.

Note that some of these races are AJC Peachtree Road Race qualifiers, but not all.

Northside Hospital Women’s 5k

On March 25, honor women and fitness by running towards progress. The Northside Hospital Atlanta Women’s 5k race is hosted by Atlanta Track Club and will take place at the recently-refurbished Cheney Stadium in Summerhill, which once served as a 1996 Olympic warmup track.

Date: March 25, 2023; Website: atlantatrackclub.org

Savage Race Georgia

You’ll push your limits when you participate in the Savage Race, which takes place in Dallas, Georgia on March 25. They promise obstacles, a shiny medal, a post-race beer, and, uh, mud in your underwear (A+ for honesty?). Distance options include a 3-mile Savage Blitz and a 5-7 mile Savage Race.

Date: March 25, 2023; Website: savagerace.com

Atlanta BeltLine Northside 5k

Gear up to competitively run the northside trail segment of the Atlanta BeltLine. This first stop of this three-part 5k series is joint-hosted by Atlanta Track Club and the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership and takes runners through the scenic route adjacent to the Bobby Jones Golf Course. All three Atlanta BeltLine races in 2023 serve as AJC Peachtree Road Race qualifiers, with proceeds going towards continuing to develop and beautify the Atlanta BeltLine.

Date: April 15, 2023; Website: atlantatrackclub.org

Atlanta Dogwood Festival Mimosa 5k

If you’ve ever wanted to end your 5k run with a well-deserved mimosa, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival Mimosa 5k is for you. Run the streets of historic Midtown and end at scenic Piedmont Park with a glass of bubbly, and then enjoy all the vendors that the Atlanta Dogwood Festival has to offer. If that wasn’t enough, this race is an AJC Peachtree Road Race qualifier.

Date: April 15, 2023; Website: dogwood.org

Chastain Chase 5k

Hosted by the Atlanta Track Club and benefiting Cancer Support Community Atlanta (which is affiliated with Northside Hospital), the Chastain Chase 5k is a family-friendly race that features a beautiful route through Chastain Park in north Buckhead. Participation and involvement go towards nutrition programs, stress reduction and more for those going through cancer treatment and survivorship.

Date: April 16, 2023; Website: atlantatrackclub.org

Tough Mudder Atlanta

Those who are looking for something more complex than your typical running race and want to push their physical prowess will enjoy Tough Mudder, a difficult running obstacle course that offers three length options: 5k, 10k and 15k. Obstacles include electroshock therapy, a mud mile, and a “ladder to hell.”

Date: April 22-23, 2023; Website: toughmudder.com

Move for Grady

The Grady Health System is vital to Atlanta, and you can have a chance to support its integral mission this May. Whether you decide to run, walk, or even bike, you’ll make an impact by doing your part to make sure that the people of Atlanta have equitable access to good healthcare. For running options, choose to run either a 5k or a 10k, both of which take place at Bouckaert Farm in Chattahoochee Hills (south of Atlanta).

Date: May 6, 2023; Website: moveforgrady.com

Virginia-Highland Summerfest 5k

On June 10, get ready to burn some calories before enjoying food, drink, and libations at the Virginia-Highland Summerfest by participating in their 5k race that takes you on a beautiful tree-lined course through the historic and scenic Va-Hi neighborhood. Proceeds of the race go to Virginia-Highland neighborhood beautification and economic efforts.

Date: June 10, 2023; Website: vahisummerfest.org

Hotlanta Half Marathon, Relay and 5k

The only time it’s acceptable to say “Hotlanta” is when you choose to run the Hotlanta Half Marathon, Relay, or 5k, which takes place right as the heat gears up at the end of spring towards the beginning of summer. The race begins and ends at Pemberton Place (next to Centennial Olympic Park) and takes runners on a hilly course full of iconic Atlanta sights.

Date: June 11, 2023; Website: hotlantahalf.com

The Color Run

Who said running isn’t fun? The organizers of the Color Run aim to host the “happiest 5k on the planet,” making running rich, vibrant and fun (with some cues and influences from the Hindu Holi Festival) by dousing runners head to toe in different colored powders at each mile mark. The actual date is still to be announced but will occur sometime this spring at Six Flags Over Georgia.

Date: TBD; Website: thecolorrun.com