Join Historic Oakland Foundation for the 17th 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 second 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 13th 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! Runners get a FREE beer with their race number thanks so Republic and Sweetwater. 

Elevate your pre-5k experience with a rejuvenating "Heavenly Yoga" session by certified yoga teacher, Jess Pfeffer of Holistic Event Planning. Starting at 4 pm, this guided warm-up will integrate dynamic stretches, breathwork, and mindful movement to activate key muscle groups, improve flexibility, and promote a centered mindset for the race. 

 RUN LIKE HECK 1K FUN RUN

Making a return this year is the Run Like Heck Fun Run! A 1K race along a similar route as the 5K, the shorter distance loop is a great opportunity for kids under 16 to get involved in race day.

 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 always welcome in the cemetery.

Historic Oakland Foundation members receive $5 off their Run Like Hell entries. Contact mphillips@oaklandcemetery.com for the promo code to be used during online registration.

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).

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 13.

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, April 12, Noon – 6 p.m. at Big Peach Decatur

Race day packet pick-up begins at 3:30 p.m. Please note that we will not be accepting race day registrations for the 2024 5K.