On August 8, 2026, runners, walkers, and spectators will gather for the 30th Anniversary of the Vinings Down Hill 5K Run for the Kids — three decades of community, fun, and fundraising for local children’s charities. Founded in 1996 by Charles Heinz, a passionate Rotarian and visionary runner, the race has grown from humble beginnings into one of Atlanta’s most beloved summer events.
The Vinings Down Hill 5K course begins at the top of Mt. Wilkinson, winds through the scenic Cumberland area, and finishes at The Lovett School, featuring a dramatic 280-foot net elevation drop that keeps runners coming back year after year.
Despite the name, it’s not entirely downhill — you’ll climb three short hills (one at the half-mile mark, another during the second mile, and one in the final half-mile) before enjoying exhilarating downhill stretches that make this course both fun and fast.
In addition to the 5K, the event features a Kids 1K Fun Run and the crowd-favorite Doggie Dash & Costume Contest, making it a fun, family-friendly morning for participants of all ages (and their four-legged friends).
The celebration continues with a lively post-race party at Vinings Jubilee, complete with awards, music, great food, and an engaging sponsor expo.
Join us as we celebrate 30 years of impact, community, and downhill fun!
Date & Time
Saturday, August 8, 2026
5K – 8:00 AM SHARP!!!
1K Fun Run – 9:00 AM
Doggie Dash – 9:05 AM
Awards – 9:30 AM
Race Location
Overlook I (Parking)
2849 Paces Ferry Rd SE
Atlanta, GA 30339
5K RACE FEES
$35
through April 30
$45
May 1 through May 25
$50
May 26 through August 7
$55
Race Day
***T-shirts are guaranteed only if registered on or before July 13th***
1K FUN RUN RACE FEES
$20
through April 30
$25
May 1 through August 7
$30
Race Day
***T-shirts are guaranteed only if registered on or before July 13th***
DOGGIE DASH RACE FEES
$20
through April 30
$25
May 1 through August 7
$30
Race Day
***T-shirts are guaranteed only if registered on or before July 13th***
Buses
8:05a.m. Run: 2 buses will leave from the intersection of Mt. Wilkinson Parkway and Overlook Parkway and drop passengers at The Vinings Jubilee, the party site and Lovett Schools, the finish line. No dogs on the buses.
8:15 to 9:45a.m. Run: Buses will continuously run from Lovett Schools, the finish line, to The Vinings Jubilee, the after party site. You have the choice to ride the bus or walk the 1 mile up hill to the party site. No dogs allowed on the bus.
10:00 to 11:00a.m.: Buses will run from The Vinings Jubilee, party site, to the parking garage. There will be no bus service from the party site to the garage until 10:00 AM. Alternatively, you can walk the half mile up hill to the garage.
Number & T-Shirt Pickup
There are three ways to pick up your number:
- Friday before race, Number & T-shirt pickup: From 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday before the race runners can pick up their T-shirts at West Stride running store (Houston’s shopping center) 3517 Northside Parkway, Atlanta GA 30327, 404-467-1010. You can pick up a friends number and t-shirt with a copy of their driver’s license. A cell phone photo of the license is acceptable. A driver’s license is not required when picking up a number for family members with same last name.
- Race Day number pick-up: Race numbers can also be picked up Race Day at the Printpack Building. The Printpack Building is at the start line. After parking, volunteers will direct you to the starting line. At race day pick-up you will only receive your number. You will receive your T-shirt after you run the race at the Vinings Jubilee.
- Post race T-shirt pick-up: If you can’t make the race and you registered early, you can pick up your T-shirt from the sizes we have left over on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday at the Vinings Ameris Bank. If it is after Wednesday and you have not picked up your shirt, you forfeit your shirt.
5K Awards
Race party and awards ceremony will be held at Vinings Jubilee – Awards for the M/F Overall, Masters, Grandmasters and the Top 3 place awards in 15 age groups from 10yrs & younger to 75yrs & over. Runners will be electronically timed. All awards will be based on a gun time. (see FAQ for explanation). Awards for the M/F Overall, Masters, Grandmasters will receive a trophy. Age group awards will receive a medal.
We encourage you to stay for the awards ceremony. If you are unable to stay for the ceremony, please Contact Us about receiving your award.
1K Awards
Top 3 Trophies for 12 & under Boys & Girls. Medal for all participants 12 & under. Awards will be given at the Jubilee around 9:30 AM.
Directions to 5K Start
From I-285, take Exit 18 and follow Paces Ferry Road down the hill inside I-285 about 1/2 mile to the OVERLOOK sign on the left. Parking will be at the Overlook I & III buildings. Race Day registration and race number pick-up will be in front of the Printpack Building at the top of the hill. More detailed parking instructions will be emailed to you before Race Day.
Parking for 5K Start
Plenty of parking is available in the Overlook I & Overlook III parking decks. Rotary Volunteers will direct as you arrive. If you park in the Overlook III parking deck, walk to level 5 to exit parking deck towards registration and the start line. The Printpack parking deck and access to the Printpack Building is only available to Printpack employees.
Parking for 1K Start and Party
There is limited parking at the Jubilee. Please save this parking for the Kids 1K Fun Run and Doggie Dash participants. (see FAQ).
Safety Info-Pets-Strollers
For the safety of all participants, pets and strollers are encouraged to participate in the Kids 1K Fun Run or Doggie Dash.
We allow strollers & pet owners to do the 5K as long as they (1) run slower than a 10 minute mile and (2) start after everyone else has gone over the start line. Any pet owners or strollers going faster than a 10 minute mile will be disqualified. Leashes must be on dogs at all times.
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