Sandy Springs residents have until Saturday, Oct. 10, to register for the Lightning 5K/10K and guarantee a race t-shirt in their size.

Sandy Springs Education Force (SSEF), the nonprofit that funds programs in all 10 of the city's public schools, hosts the race on Saturday, Oct. 24, at 6100 Lake Forrest Drive. The 10K starts at 7:45 a.m. and the 5K follows at 7:55 a.m.

North Springs High School promoted the race on its official account on X on Thursday, Oct. 8. The school's post listed an Oct. 9 registration deadline for guaranteed shirts, though the RunSignUp registration page lists Oct. 10.

What the money supports

SSEF, led by Executive Director Irene Schweiger, provides free tutoring, literacy programs, after-school enrichment and career mentoring to financially vulnerable students. Other programs include a Summer Book Club, a High Demand Career Fair, a Teachers' Supply Closet and Reading Buddies.

The organization said on its race page that it has supported students in Sandy Springs public schools for more than a decade. SSEF runs 18 programs in total.

Race details

Registration through Oct. 23 costs $50 for the 10K and $40 for the 5K, according to the RunSignUp event page. Day-of fees jump to $55 and $45. Every participant receives a t-shirt and a finisher medal.

SSEF describes the course as flat and fast. It doubles as an official Peachtree Road Race qualifier.

Packet pickup is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 23, at Academy Sports + Outdoors.

Race-day registration opens at 6:30 a.m. Parking is available at the main lot at Century Springs West, along Mt. Vernon Road and at the City Springs parking decks, which are free for up to two hours. Runners who park at City Springs can walk to the Heritage Sandy Springs Farmers Market after the race.

Teams can register as school, neighborhood or corporate groups, with a traveling trophy among the incentives.

Residents who cannot run can donate directly on the registration page.

Upcoming community calendar

  • Saturday, Oct. 10: Last day to guarantee a t-shirt for the Lightning 5K/10K
  • Friday, Oct. 23: Packet pickup at Academy Sports + Outdoors
  • Saturday, Oct. 24: Lightning 5K/10K, 6100 Lake Forrest Drive; 10K at 7:45 a.m., 5K at 7:55 a.m.