FOURTH ANNUAL SPARK 5K

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/3/26

Fourth Annual Spark 5K Unites Atlanta for Fun, High-Energy Celebration of Community, Inclusion and Friendly Competition

Race raises funds to empower people with disabilities and transform child literacy

The Spark 5K, presented by Roark, returns to Piedmont Park on Thursday, April 30 at 6:30 p.m. ET for its fourth annual celebration of community, movement, and purpose. More than a race, this high-energy evening combines fun, fitness and a spirited corporate challenge all to raise funds supporting two impactful nonprofit partners: The Kyle Pease Foundation and Malcolm Mitchell’s Share the Magic Foundation.

An event that has continued to grow in both number of participants and amount raised over the last three years, the Spark 5K welcomes runners, walkers, in-chair athletes and supporters from across the Atlanta area to enjoy an inclusive course through Piedmont Park. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, strolling with friends, simply enjoying a night at the park, or cheering from the sidelines, this event is designed for participants of all abilities.

The event will also be continuing its tradition as a dynamic corporate challenge, rallying Atlanta-based companies to show their team spirit while connecting employees outside the office to make a lasting difference in our community. Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to join forces, register their teams at Spark5K.com, and compete for awards recognizing the most spirited, creative, and engaged groups.

Race beneficiaries, The Kyle Pease Foundation continues to champion opportunities for inclusion, ensuring in-chair athletes have a place in sports while working to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities, and Share the Magic Foundation remains dedicated to changing lives through literacy, bringing joy and educational empowerment to children facing challenges.

“The Spark 5K represents everything our foundation believes in – inclusion, teamwork, perseverance, and the power of community,” said Kyle Pease, Co-Founder and Director of Inclusion at The Kyle Pease Foundation. “We’re excited to be part of this annual event yet again, and seeing our athletes, corporate teams, families and friends is incredibly powerful. It truly shows how much stronger our community becomes when we rally for a shared purpose.”

Atlanta natives Kyle Pease and Malcolm Mitchell, along with former University of Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray, as well as other local athletes and corporate representatives will all be on hand to celebrate the event. All registered participants will receive a Spark 5K branded tee and enjoy refreshments at the finish line, with prizes awarded to standout individuals and company teams, and delectable offerings from McAlister’s Deli and Dave’s Hot Chicken awaiting participants at the finish line.

“The Spark 5K continues to be a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together with purpose,” said Malcolm Mitchell, Founder and CEO of Share the Magic Foundation. “Each year, this event grows not just in size, but in impact—helping us reach more children, inspire more readers, and create more opportunities through literacy. We’re proud to once again partner with Roark and The Kyle Pease Foundation to turn collective energy into meaningful change.”

Registration is open for individuals, school teams, run clubs, and corporate teams at Spark5K.com, so lace up your sneakers, rally your team, and join Atlantans for an evening where every step matters. See you at the starting line on Thursday, April 30 at 6:30 p.m. ET!

“At Roark, helping people and companies reach their full potential also means investing in the communities where we live and work,” said Allison Hill, Chief Social Impact and Content Officer at Roark. “Last year, more than 700 participants joined the Spark 5K and helped raise $172,000 for two incredible Atlanta nonprofits. Just as meaningful, the event brought colleagues, partners and friends from across the business community together outside the office. We’re excited to build on that momentum this year and welcome even more teams for an evening of connection, camaraderie and impact.”