wellness
Augusta Parkruns: Free Weekly 5K Events at Multiple Parks
Augusta residents looking for free timed 5k runs can select from established weekly events at multiple city parks.
How we reported this
The Augusta Riverwalk parkrun attracts the highest number of participants each Saturday at 8 a.m., with runners assembling at the boat ramp entrance along the Savannah River near 10th Street.
Wellness programs in Augusta have expanded outdoor fitness options this summer because local health officials recorded a 22 percent increase in reported physical activity levels between January and June 2026 compared with the same period last year.
Two primary locations stand out for regular parkrun events. The Augusta Canal Trail hosts its run starting at the 15th Street lockhouse, where participants follow a flat 5k path maintained by the Augusta Canal Authority. The second option operates at Lake Olmstead Park, coordinated through the Augusta Recreation and Parks Department with a course that loops around the water and finishes near the playground on Milledge Road.
Established Routes and Access Points
Runners at the canal site begin near the historic lock and pass the old mill buildings before returning to the start. Lake Olmstead events require parking at the lot off Eve Street, where volunteers set up timing mats each week.
Attendance data from the Augusta parkrun network shows Lake Olmstead events averaged 118 finishers per Saturday since the March 2025 launch, while canal trail runs have drawn 94 participants on average over the same span.
Prospective runners can register for free on the parkrun website before arriving and should arrive 15 minutes early to collect a barcode. The next events at both sites take place on July 12, with start times listed at 8 a.m. on the official schedule.