Red, White & ZOOM Rocket Pop 5K
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. 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 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 AM 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.
- Is 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!
