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. The 2024 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!

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.

RUN LIKE HECK 1K FUN RUN

Making a return for 2024 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.

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.

MEMBER DISCOUNT

Historic Oakland Foundation members receive $5 off their Run Like Hell entries. Check your member emails or contact swhite@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 Male, Best Adult Female, Best Group, Best Dog.

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.

Arrive early and check out our new Spring to Life family festival!

Our new Spring to Life family festival celebrates spring and sustainability. Shop the Spring Plant Sale, take a guided tour of our gardens, meet wildlife ambassadors from AWARE wildlife rescue, visit with local environmental organizations, get creative with some environmentally themed crafts, shop the vendor market and our Oakland gift shop, learn about the history of Black gardens, and enjoy tasty food from our food vendors. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Thank You Run Like Hell Sponsors