Dashing Through the Square 5K in Marietta: Dec. 19 race

The Dashing Through the Square 5K is a holiday run and walk on historic Marietta Square, and the 11th annual race starts at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 19. Registration is on Race Roster, where the 5K currently costs $44.79 untimed or $50.14 timed, including charges.

Last checked 2026-10-24.

Upcoming dates

• Sat. Dec. 19, 7:30 a.m. start

The race is held once a year in December. The PEARL Foundation, Inc., the Marietta charity that puts it on, lists only the 2026 date so far. Its race day information page gives the start time and the location, historic Marietta Square.

Where it is and parking

The race starts and runs on and around Marietta Square; Race Roster lists the location as 50 N. Park Square. The organizer says the course takes runners past historic homes and the shops that line the Square. It has not posted a course map on its site.

The organizer points runners to downtown parking and warns that some lots take credit cards only. From the city’s downtown parking page:

• Street parking around the Square is free, with a two-hour limit.
• The City Hall deck, 205 Lawrence St., is free all day on weekends.
• The city lots at 268 Lawrence St. and 95 Cole St. are free all day on weekends.

A race on the Square means some downtown streets may be closed early that morning. Check our road construction and closures page the week of the race, and see our Marietta Square guide for the rest of downtown.

Tickets and cost

Registration is open on Race Roster until race day, Dec. 19. The fees it lists for the current price window, including mandatory charges:

• 5K timed: $50.14
• 5K untimed: $44.79
• Virtual 5K: $66.18, including shipping and handling

Spectators do not need a ticket. Proceeds support youth enrichment programs and other community work in Cobb County.

What to know

• Peachtree qualifier: the organizer says the race is an AJC Peachtree Road Race qualifying event, with electronic chip timing.
• Family friendly: the foundation describes it as a family-friendly run and walk.
• Shirts and medals: every registered 5K runner gets a race shirt, and every finisher gets a commemorative medal. The organizer says shirt sizes may be limited for anyone who signs up after Dec. 1.
• Age group awards: medals go to the top two male and female finishers in each age group, from 17 and under up to 80 and over.
• Virtual option: the virtual 5K can be run, jogged or walked anywhere on race day, on a street, trail or treadmill.
• Questions: the race contact is listed on Race Roster, and the foundation takes email at thepearlfoundationincga@gmail.com.

The race falls on the last Saturday before Christmas. For the rest of that weekend, including the Marietta History Center’s holiday pop-in the same day, see our holiday lights and Christmas events guide.

Dates and venues as listed on the Visit Marietta Georgia calendar and confirmed on the organizer’s site.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Dashing Through the Square 5K in Marietta?

The 11th annual race is Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026, with the start at 7:30 a.m. on historic Marietta Square.

Is Dashing Through the Square a Peachtree qualifier?

Yes. The PEARL Foundation says the race is an AJC Peachtree Road Race qualifying event with electronic chip timing.

How much does the Dashing Through the Square 5K cost?

Race Roster lists the current fee, including charges, at $44.79 for the untimed 5K, $50.14 for the timed 5K and $66.18 for the virtual 5K, which includes shipping.

Can I walk the Dashing Through the Square 5K?

Yes. It is a run and walk the organizer calls family friendly, and there is an untimed option as well as a virtual 5K you can do anywhere.

Where do I park for the Dashing Through the Square 5K?

The organizer points runners to downtown parking around the Square and warns that some lots take credit cards only. The city’s City Hall deck at 205 Lawrence St. is free all day on weekends.