Kettle Krush 5K is an annual fundraiser for the The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary and its work supporting efforts related to poverty, homelessness, human trafficking, veterans, and youth enrichment in metro Atlanta. The event includes several ways to take part, with a 5K run and walk, a 1K run and walk for ages 6 and up, and a Tot Trot for ages 5 and under. There is also a phantom runner option for supporters who want to chip in without breaking into a full Saturday morning sweat.
The event gives runners, walkers, families, and teams a chance to take part in a race day that mixes fitness with fundraising. Organizers also welcome running strollers, though participants are asked to start near the back. Dogs are not allowed on the course.
The race schedule includes the 5K and 1K at 8 am, followed by the Tot Trot at 8:45 am. The course is mostly flat, which is always nice to hear before lacing up.
Registration is available online, in person at Big Peach Running Co., and by mail. Race day registration opens at 7 am at the event site. Packet pickup is scheduled in advance at Big Peach Running Co. on Johnson Ferry Road, with an additional pickup window on race morning.
Awards will be presented to the top overall male and female finishers, along with the top masters male and female finishers in the 5K. Kettle medals on ribbons will go to the top three male and female finishers across 16 age groups, from 10 and under through 80 and over. All 5K and 1K finishers receive medals, while Tot Trot participants receive ribbons.
The event also includes team competition, with prizes for the top team in five categories: individual, school, business, church, and running club. Teams need at least 10 participants to qualify, and phantom runners may count toward team totals. After the race, participants can stick around for the awards ceremony, music, and post race refreshments.
The 2026 Kettle Krush 5K will take place at Mt. Bethel Church in East Cobb after previously being held at Marietta Square. That shift gives this year’s event a new course while keeping the same mission in place.
Online registration is open, with lower pricing available through May 6, 2026 and higher pricing after that date. Packet pickup is set for May 14, 2026 from 4 pm to 7 pm and May 15, 2026 from 11 am to 2 pm at Big Peach Running Co. Race day pickup and registration will be available from 7 am to 7:45 am at Mt. Bethel Church.
For more details, participants can visit the event’s Facebook page or contact Cheryl King at clkingga5@gmail.com or Gary Jenkins at pacesetr@bellsouth.net. Team questions may be directed to Dawn Menear at dgmenear@gmail.com.
Date:
May 16, 2026
Time:
8 am to 10 am
Registration:
Register online, by mail, or in person at Big Peach Running Co. or on race day
Address:
Mt. Bethel Church
4385 Lower Roswell Road
Marietta, GA 30068
For more information, please contact The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary at clkingga5@gmail.com or Gary Jenkins at pacesetr@bellsouth.net