Event Description
Join Historic Oakland Foundation for the 18th Annual Run Like Hell 5K
The largest cemetery run in the country, Run Like Hell is one of Atlanta’s favorite neighborhood 5K fundraisers, with all proceeds going to the restoration and preservation of historic Oakland Cemetery. This year’s race returns to Oakland in the Spring for the third year in a row, showcasing the beauty of Oaklands gardens. Participants are encouraged to “run like hell” while the Oakland grounds are “pushing up daisies”!
This unique evening 5K will take place at Oakland Cemetery on April 5th at 5:00 p.m. To quench your appetite and thirst post-race, neighboring restaurant Republic Social House will be hosting a fun after-party!Adults 21 and over with a Run Like Hell bib number can get a complimentary Sweetwater Pint of Beer at the After Party, while supplies last.
Please plan to arrive at least 30 min before race time to stretch and get ready to run. The race winds through the roadways of the historic cemetery. The keyhole course is entirely paved and gently rolling with soft turns.
GHOST RUNNERS
Want to support the cause but don’t want to break a sweat? Register as a “ghost runner”! Ghost runners pay the race registration fee and a small shipping fee to have the race t-shirt sent to them after the event. This is a great way to support Oakland!
ADDITIONAL RACE INFORMATION
All 5K runners will receive a commemorative Run Like Hell 5K t-shirt and will have the chance to win awards and prizes.
Runners, joggers, and walkers of all levels are welcome. Leashed dogs and strollers are also allowed during this event.
Historic Oakland Foundation members receive $5 off their Run Like Hell entries, sent via email. If you did not receive the email with promo code, please contact abeckner@oaklandcemetery.com
FUNDRAISING
All proceeds from Run Like Hell benefit Historic Oakland Foundation’s mission to preserve, restore, enhance, and share Oakland Cemetery, where Atlanta’s history comes alive.
AWARDS
Awards will be given to runners in the following divisions: the overall male, female, and non-binary; the overall Masters male, female, and non-binary; and the top three male, female, and non-binary age group winners in 14 age groups from 10 & under to 70 & over. The awards ceremony will take place following the race on April 5.
T-SHIRTS
All registered 5K runners will receive a commemorative Run Like Hell t-shirt.
COSTUME CONTEST
Join the Run Like Hell costume contest! Prizes will be awarded at our awards ceremony to the most creative costumes in the following categories: Best Adult, Best Youth, Best Group, Best Dog.
Event details and schedule
PACKET PICKUP
Packets include your official Run Like Hell 5K shirt, instructions to participate, and special offers from our community partners.
Thursday, April 11, Noon – 6 p.m. at Oakland Cemetery Visitor Center
Friday, April12, Noon – 6 p.m. at Oakland Cemetery Visitor Center
Race day packet pick-up begins at 3:30 p.m. Please note that we will not be accepting race day registrations for the 2025 5K.
PARKING
Limited street parking is available around Oakland Cemetery. We encourage participants to use rideshare or MARTA when visiting the site (King Memorial MARTA Station is a short walk from Oakland Cemetery).
