Fayette Cares High Cotton 5k/1k Run/Walk

Run, walk or dance to first place in this super fun race! 

The event features a scenic course, including a historic cemetery, and cotton-themed 5k awards presented at the Fayette County Chamber Cotton Festival, which offers live music, inflatables, games, food, a car show and more. 

Adult registration is only $30 until August 22, children 17 & under $15.  Bring the whole family and rally your friends so everyone can enjoy a memorable day of fun for a great cause!

• FINISH LINE VIDEO

• COTTON-THEMED AWARDS

• COTTON FESTIVAL FUN

Click for 5k/1k event details 

Thanks to our runners/walkers, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters for making this an awesome event!  

We hope you'll continue supporting the mission by taking part in our next event, A Night of Southern Elegance, on Sat., Nov. 8th.  Get your tickets, donate an auction item, sponsor, or volunteer at www.FayetteCares.org/Gala or by calling (901) 465-3802 x 223.

Thanks to generous sponsors, and hundreds of caring runners, walkers, and volunteers, the High Cotton 5k/1k run/walk raises vital funding for Fayette Cares.   Together we provide lasting solutions to end homelessness, break the cycle of domestic violence, and create stability and self-sufficiency from crisis.  Click to learn about Fayette Cares, call (901) 465-3802 or visit FayetteCares.org for more. 

REGISTRATION & PACKET PICKUP QUESTIONS
HOW DO I REGISTER?
Register online at www.FayetteCares.org/5k or scan this QR code

CAN I BRING MY DOG?

Purchase a Pet Pass during Registration to bring a furry friend to run with you on race day! Pet pass registration fee includes a Race Day bandana. Pets must be on a non-retractable leash no longer than six feet and under control at all times. Only well-behaved, healthy, and vaccinated dogs are allowed. Be sure to clean up after your pet, and if they become disruptive, please remove them from the course. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in removal from the event (no refunds). Let’s keep it safe and fun for everyone, two- and four-legged!

I'M NOT A RUNNER.  ARE THERE PROGRAMS TO HELP ME TRAIN?

Yes! There are programs like the 5k Training program just for beginners. Check out this comprehensive running guide here!

AM I GUARANTEED A RACE SHIRT?
Sign up by August 22nd to guarantee your shirt.  Late sign ups will not be guaranteed a shirt. 

WILL I BE ABLE TO CHANGE MY SHIRT SIZE?
We encourage those who want to swap shirts to ask about possible available sizes at check in.  We'll do our best to make everyone happy but can't guarantee sizes unless you sign up by August 22nd.

CAN I GET A RACE SHIRT IF I DO NOT WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE RACE?
Of course!  Click to buy a shirt now! Your purchase supports the life changing work of Fayette Cares. You may pick up your shirt at any of the packet pick up locations.  

WHERE DO WE PICK UP OUR PACKETS?
See the Schedule of Events page for details.

WHAT WILL WE RECEIVE AT PACKET PICK UP?
You'll receive your race shirt and a runner number.  Early packet pickup also helps you avoid lines on race day.  When you get your race packet early there's no need to check in on race day, just warm up, run and have fun!

CAN I PICK UP A PACKET FOR A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER?
Yes!  We can even bundle groups for easy pickup.  Just call (901) 465-3802 x 221 a day or two before packet pickup and we can prepare your school, church, or work team packets.

RACE DAY QUESTIONS
WHERE IS THE RACE LOCATED?
Somerville Methodist Church, 202 S East St., Somerville, TN 38068
Click for Course Details

WHAT TIME DOES THE RACE START?
5k Start - 8:30 am

1k Start - 9:30 am

WHAT IF IT IS RAINING ON RACE MORNING?
We get wet!  Rain runs can be fun and refreshing! 

WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE?
Come early to enjoy great music and warm up!  Arrive at least 30 minutes prior to race start. If you have not picked up your packet or are registering on race day, please arrive earlier.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO FIND A PLACE TO PARK?
Around 10-15 minutes. To avoid lines, please arrive early.

WHERE DO I PARK?
Free parking is available in and around race start/finish.

ARE BABY JOGGERS/BABY STROLLERS ALLOWED IN THE RACE?
Yes, but please start towards the end of the pack to allow for competitive runners.

ARE WALKERS ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE?
You're welcome to walk, skip, or dance!  But please start towards the end of the pack to allow for competitive runners.

WILL THERE BE AWARDS?
Cotton-themed 5k awards are presented based on age and gender.  All 1k fun runners will receive a finisher medallion.  

If you plan to run the 5k race, be sure the information on your runner number is correct.  Do not swap your number with another runner as this may cause an award gender or age error. 

WHEN ARE THE AWARDS?
The awards ceremony will begin at 10:30 am at the Fayette Co. Chamber Cotton Festival stage on the Somerville Court Square, a short walk from race start/finish.  

If you have additional questions, please call (901) 465-3802 x 223 or info@fayettecares.org

We thank all of our caring sponsors who support efforts to end homelessness, break the cycle of domestic violence and create stability from crisis.

Sponsorship opportunities are available at our upcoming dinner and auction gala - A Night of Southern Elegance.  Contact us to discuss unique ways to help raise funds for Fayette Cares, provide creative marketing for sponsors, and make a great event for our participants.

Sponsorships@FayetteCares.org
(901) 465-3802 x 223

Arrive early, especially if you're picking up your race packet and runner number on race day.

Pin your race number on the front of your shirt/shorts. This is where it is most visible for photographers and timing volunteers.

Line up at the starting line according to how fast you plan to run or walk the event. Slower runners and walkers should move to the back of the race pack.  

Listen for the pre-race instructions.  You may need to know about last minute changes or other important information.

If you drop something as the race starts, don't stop and pick it up! Wait until most have crossed the starting line.

Move to the side if someone behind you says "excuse me" or "on your right/left".  It's proper race etiquette to let that person pass without blocking their effort.

Wear only one ear bud to better hear foot and vehicle traffic, and race course directions. When passing someone with headphones, gently touch their elbow or shoulder as you pass to alert them of your presence. 

Move to the side of the road and step off the course if you need to tie your shoe or stop for any reason (phone call, nose blow, etc.) 

Pay attention to your surroundings. The course is not closed to traffic.

Yield the right of way to all police and emergency vehicles. Yield the course to wheelchair athletes.  You can change direction or stop more quickly than they can, especially on a downhill.

Do not block others from accessing the water tables or volunteers from handing out fluids. If you need to stop at a water station please move off the course.

Toss your used cup away from the course. Drop your cup down by your waist as opposed to tossing it over your shoulder and showering the person behind you! 

Have fun! You're doing a great thing for yourself and for those in need. Thanks for caring!