10/08/2026
Dear Participants & Volunteers,
With heavy hearts, the Perry Kiwanis Club has made the difficult decision to cancel the in-person Georgia National Fair 5K scheduled for Saturday, October 10, and offer a virtual 5K instead.
We delayed this decision as long as we responsibly could, holding out hope that the forecast would improve. Unfortunately, the weather outlook has continued to trend in an unfavorable direction.
This decision was ultimately made with safety as our priority, following the most recent recommendations we received this afternoon from Emergency Management strongly advising against outdoor activities Saturday morning.
Houston County Emergency Management Agency’s latest briefing identifies potential hurricane-related hazards, including strong wind gusts, heavy rainfall, isolated tornadoes, and lightning. We are relying on the guidance of our emergency management and public safety partners to protect participants, volunteers, and everyone supporting the event.
We are devastated that we won’t gather at the starting line after so many months of preparation and excitement. However, you can still celebrate this commemorative event by completing your 3.1 miles independently, at a time and place of your choosing when conditions are safe.
PACKET PICKUP & MEDAL PICKUP
Packets and medals will be available at Perry City Hall, 808 Carroll Street, during these times:
Friday, October 9: 8 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday, October 13: 8 AM - 5 PM
If you have already picked up your packet, please stop by to collect your medal!
If neither date works for you, please contact us directly so we can coordinate an alternative pickup time!
Due to the severe weather forecasted for Saturday morning, there will be no race-day pickup or organized race activities on Saturday, October 10.
COMPLETING YOUR VIRTUAL 5K
Run or walk on a safe route of your choosing or use a treadmill. Please wait until conditions are safe, there is no need to complete your distance Saturday morning if weather conditions are unfavorable! The virtual event will not include road closures, course support, or official chip timing.
Celebrate your finish! You may submit your virtual 5K time on our RunSignup page or simply mark your distance as completed - submitting results is optional. Virtual results are self-reported and for participation purposes only; no overall or age-group awards will be issued. Online results submission is not required to collect your commemorative medal.
We would love to celebrate your finish with you! Share your photos on Facebook and tag the Perry Kiwanis Club, Georgia National Fair, and Georgia National Fair 5K, or message your photos to us directly for a chance to be featured online!
FINISHING WITH FIDO?
If you plan to complete your virtual 5k with your dog, we will have a limited number of dog bandanas available at pickup while supplies last, with a limit of one per registered participant.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT & UNDERSTANDING
As outlined in the waiver accepted during registration, entry fees are non-refundable when weather or safety concerns require cancellation. We recognize that a virtual event cannot fully replace the experience you anticipated, and we appreciate your understanding as we make this difficult decision.
Thank you for helping us sell out this event three years in a row and for supporting local students through your participation. Your support of the Kiwanis BUG Program continues to make a difference, and we hope to welcome you back to the starting line in 2027!
Please reach out with any questions or pickup needs.
Stay safe and thank you for being part of this community tradition!
