Runners, walkers, and community supporters are invited to lace up their shoes and help the Habersham Central High School Band of Blue raise money for new uniforms during an upcoming 5K fundraiser on Saturday, April 11.
The race will take place at Habersham Central High School, with check-in beginning at 8 a.m. and the race scheduled to start at 9 a.m.
Organizers say the event serves as the band’s annual spring fundraiser, with proceeds going toward one of the program’s biggest needs—new uniforms.
“We do a spring fundraiser every year, and right now our big goal is uniforms,” organizers said. “The county may provide some funding, but we’re trying to raise as much of the money as we can ourselves.”
Registration Details
Registration costs $30 for runners who sign up before March 15. After that date and on race day, the cost increases to $35.
The race will be professionally timed by a race management company, meaning runners can use their results for official race records or qualifying events.
“There’s a professional company that handles all the timing, so it’s an official, sanctioned 5K,” organizers said.
Sign-up link: https://www.active.com/mt-airy-ga/running/distance-running-races/habersham-central-band-of-blue-spring-5k-2026
Course Route
The race will start in front of Habersham Central High School. Participants will first complete a lap around the high school campus before heading out onto State Highway 197.
The course then travels down the highway towards Dennis Cash Road, where runners will turn around and head back toward the school to finish.
Mount Airy Police and school resource officers will help close portions of the road during the race to keep runners safe.
Organizers describe the course as relatively flat and beginner-friendly, making it suitable for experienced runners as well as people who simply want to walk the route for exercise.
“It’s pretty flat and pretty easy,” organizers said. “If people want to bring their kids or just walk it for exercise, that’s perfectly fine.”
Participation from Across the School
While the event benefits the Band of Blue, the race often brings participation from across the school community.
“Usually we have about 20 band students running,” organizers said. “But we also have kids from cross country and track who come out and run as well, so it really involves students from across the school.”
Past races have drawn between 50 and 150 participants, and organizers say they hope to make this year’s event the biggest yet.
Virtual Option Available
For those who cannot attend in person, a virtual race option is also available. Participants can register, complete the run from home, and submit their times to be included in the official results.
However, race-day medals will only be awarded to runners who participate in person.
Race Shirts Designed by Band Parent
Participants will also receive a race T-shirt, designed by one of the band’s parents.
“One of our band moms designed the shirt,” organizers said. “She’s just a rock star band mom.”
Donations Also Welcome
Community members who want to support the Band of Blue but cannot participate in the race can still contribute.
Donations can be made through Cash App, PayPal, or by check delivered to the school. Organizers note that contributions are tax-deductible because the organization is a 501(c) nonprofit.
Aiming High
Organizers say previous races have raised between $1,000 and $3,000, but they hope to reach a much higher goal this year.
“I would love to make $10,000,” organizers said. “That’s a lofty goal, but if we have a lot of people sign up, it’s absolutely possible within this community.”
With a flat course, professional timing, and a good cause behind it, organizers say the event is a great opportunity for the community to support local students while enjoying a morning run.
“We want as many people as possible,” organizers said. “We can handle a lot of runners. We just want to raise money and provide a good experience for everyone.”
More information about registration will be shared by the Band of Blue as the race date approaches.
