Nearly 500 Runners Set Record at Noonday Shanty 5K/10K in Town Center

The fifth annual community race saw its biggest turnout yet, with proceeds benefiting local green space improvements.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:19am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting runners, spectators, and landmarks from the Noonday Shanty 5K/10K community race event, conveying the dynamic atmosphere and sense of local pride.The vibrant energy and community spirit of the Noonday Shanty 5K/10K is captured in a cubist-inspired illustration.Acworth Today

A record crowd of nearly 500 runners turned out for the fifth annual Noonday Shanty 5K/10K in Town Center, Georgia, making it the biggest year yet for the popular community race. The March 28 event drew an all-time high of 23 teams and wound through some of the area's best-known landmarks, including Aviation Park, Cobb International Airport and Fifth Third Bank Stadium.

Why it matters

The Noonday Shanty 5K/10K is a significant community event that brings together runners from across the region while also raising funds for local green space improvements through the Town Center Community Alliance.

The details

The race gave runners a chance to qualify for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race. Avonlea Apartments presented the event, with proceeds benefiting the Town Center Community Alliance. The 5K overall winners were Alli Hurtado (female) and Ezra Wood (male), while the 10K overall winners were Beatrix Ohienmhen (female) and Gustavo Lerma (male).

  • The fifth annual Noonday Shanty 5K/10K took place on March 28, 2026.
  • The event has been held annually since 2022.

The players

Tracy Styf

The executive director of the Town Center Community, which organizes the Noonday Shanty 5K/10K.

Avonlea Apartments

The presenting sponsor of the Noonday Shanty 5K/10K.

Town Center Community Alliance

The local organization that receives proceeds from the Noonday Shanty 5K/10K to fund green space improvements.

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What they’re saying

“The Noonday Shanty is more than just a race, and in our fifth year, we see the meaningful impact this event has on our community.”

— Tracy Styf, Executive Director, Town Center Community

What’s next

The Noonday Shanty 5K/10K is expected to return next year, continuing its tradition as a popular community event in Town Center.

The takeaway

The record-breaking turnout for the Noonday Shanty 5K/10K demonstrates the strong community support and enthusiasm for this annual event, which not only provides a fun fitness opportunity but also raises funds for important local initiatives like green space improvements.