ADAMS REALTORS RUN FOR THE PARK 5K RETURNS TO KICK OFF THE 24TH ANNUAL SUMMER SHADE FESTIVAL
Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/21/26
Featuring a 5K and Free Kids’ Tot Trot for Ages 5 and Under Through Historic Grant Park to Benefit the Grant Park Conservancy
Beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026
One of Grant Park’s favorite summer traditions is back. The 24th annual Adams Realtors Run for the Park 5K returns Saturday, August 22, 2026, kicking off Summer Shade Festival weekend with a morning run through the historic neighborhood in support of the Grant Park Conservancy. Open to runners, walkers, strollers, and families, the 5K begins at 8 a.m., followed by a free Kids Tot Trot for ages 5 and under at 8:45 a.m.
Race day begins at 7 a.m. with registration and check-in at Zoo Atlanta’s main entrance (800 Cherokee Ave. SE). Participants can start the morning with a guided stretch led by Rene of Challenge Aerial at 7:30 a.m., followed by the National Anthem at 7:55 a.m. The certified 5K also serves as a qualifier for the Peachtree Road Race, with awards presented at 9 a.m.
After crossing the finish line, participants will receive a popsicle courtesy of King of Pops and a race T-shirt designed by noted Grant Park artist Willem Kaiser. Participants 21 and older can show their race bib along with a valid ID to enjoy a complimentary draft beer at Dakota Blue (454 Cherokee Ave. SE, along the racecourse), courtesy of Adams Realtors. The celebration continues at the Grant Park Conservancy Summer Shade Festival beginning at 10 a.m. Festival-goers can browse more than 140 artists and makers from across the Southeast, shop vintage vendors, grab local food and drinks, catch live music, and take in the return of Deep South Wrestling. Families can also enjoy kids’ activities and a full day in one of Atlanta’s favorite parks.
Summer Shade Festival is produced by and benefits the Grant Park Conservancy, the nonprofit organization committed to the restoration, maintenance, and beautification of historic Grant Park’s 131 acres. From trail maintenance to major restoration projects, the Conservancy works year-round to protect and improve the park for everyone who enjoys it. As its biggest fundraiser of the year, Summer Shade is one of the easiest ways to give back to the park that gives so much to Atlanta.
Additional race details and registration are available at runsignup.com/Race/GA/Atlanta/RunforthePark5K. For Summer Shade Festival updates, visit www.summershadefestival.org.
WHAT: Adams Realtors Run for the Park 5K
WHEN: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Registration begins at 7 a.m.
Race begins at 8 a.m.
Kids Tot Trot begins at 8:45 a.m.
WHERE: Grant Park / Zoo Atlanta, 800 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
COST: $45 for the 5K Run/Walk. Price increases after August 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EDT. The Kids Tot Trot is free.
BENEFITS: The Adams Realtors Run for the Park 5K benefits the Grant Park Conservancy, the nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, maintenance and revitalization of historic Grant Park. The race kicks off Summer Shade Festival weekend, one of the Conservancy’s largest annual fundraisers, supporting year-round efforts to care for the park’s 131 acres.
PARKING: Paid parking is available at Zoo Atlanta, with street parking available on surrounding streets. Free bike valet, sponsored by Northside Hospital, will be located at Milledge Fountain at the corner of Cherokee Avenue and Milledge Avenue, approximately one-quarter mile north of the start/finish line. The bike valet opens at 7 a.m. for participants and spectators and remains open until 10 p.m., at the close of the festival.
WEBSITE: summershadefestival.org
REGISTRATION: https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/Atlanta/RunforthePark5K
CONNECT: Stay connected on Instagram at @grantpark.atlanta and @runfortheparkgp on and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/adamsrunforthepark and www.facebook.com/SummerShadeFestival.
