Vinings Downhil 5K, a Run for the Kids

On August 12th, 2023, almost 1,500 runners gathered to compete in the 26th Annual Vinings Downhill 5K race. The Vinings Down Hill 5K course begins at the top of Mt. Wilkinson, winds around the Cumberland Mall area, and ends at the Lovett School (280-foot net drop).  All club members participate in this community wide event each at several meetings of planning and preparations.  40 members participated on race day itself.

Despite the name of the race, well, it’s “not quite” all down hill…there are 3 hills to climb throughout the race – at the half-mile mark, during the second mile and during the last half-mile. There are also 3 really amazing down hill sections that make up for those climbs!

There is also a Kids 1K Fun Run and a fun Doggie Dash & Costume Contest!

Our event includes a huge post race party at Vinings Jubilee with awards, music, great food and expo.

On January 31st, our race sponsors and 28 local children's charities were our guests for lunch where we handed out $124k in race proceeds in support of local community charities that improve the lives of children in need. See viningsdownhill5k.com for more information and photos.

Our race committee starts in February planning and meets weekly in addition to their own individual hours of work. 40 club members were on hand the day of the race, some from 5:30 to 10 am. Five members met to review grant applications for four hours. The number of hours committed to this community fundraiser is difficult to measure, but the end result has a huge impact on our community, not only for the funds raised for charity but the fellowship and fun everyone has participating.

Local charities receiving grants from the race proceeds included: 

Atlanta Area Boy Scouts Council, Campbell High School Educational Foundation, Lekotek of GA, Kenrod, Bankhead Boys, youth Villages, Hearts Everywhere Reaching Out for Children, Table on Delk, Atlanta Mission, La Amistad, Center for Children and Young Adults, Link Counseling Center, Jason Cunningham Charitable Foundation, Food Security America, Giving Gardens, MUST Ministries, Ellis School of Atlanta, Free Bikes for Kidz, Girls On the Run, Four Corners Group, Atlanta Music Project, Tire Swing Collective Auditory Verbal Center, Marietta Schools Foundation, Kennesaw State University Foundation, Good Samaritan Health Center, Calvary Children’s Home, Canine Companions