Events

  • The Midnight Express

    Held every year at Country’s on Mercury Drive, the Midnight Express kicked off back in the 1970s as a fun run through the neighborhoods around Cross Country Hill. Over the years, it’s grown into a full-on 5K road race that draws more than 2,000 runners from across the country—all to help raise funds for the visually impaired. This race has become a true community tradition, signaling the end of summer and the start of fall, and it’s packed with good food, live music, and plenty of vendors.


    And don’t worry, you don’t have to be a runner to join the fun. The race ends with a barbecue sandwich and a big ol’ glass of sweet tea for all participants, so even if you’re just there to cheer, you’ll be in for a treat! Whether you’re running under the stars or hanging out with 1,000 of your closest friends, it’s one of the most exciting ways to ring in the new season.

    View event pictures on Facebook.

    Click HERE to see the results from the race.


    Click HERE to register to run. 🏃‍♂️

    Location

    Country's Barbecue
    3137 Mercury Drive
    Columbus, GA 31906


    Race Description

    The Midnight Express—where else can you run through a neighborhood at midnight alongside 2,000 friends and finish with a delicious barbecue sandwich and sweet tea? It’s a one-of-a-kind event, full of Southern charm and community spirit. Let’s go for a run!

  • The Reindeer Run

    The Reindeer Run is all about the kids! Every December, we host this one-mile race at Country’s on Broad on the same weekend as the Bi-City Christmas Parade. The race kicks off at 9 a.m., with the parade rolling right after at 10. It’s the perfect way for families to dive into the holiday spirit—watch your little ones dash through downtown, then stick around for festive fun like a visit from Santa, free hot dogs for the runners, cotton candy, popcorn, and a whole lot of cheer.


    We’ve got awards for the top three boys and girls in each class category—from Pre-K all the way through 8th grade—and an overall first-place winner for both boys and girls. Schools can get in on the action, too—the school with the most kids participating wins a giant trophy and free catering from Country’s. Best of all, the money raised from the Reindeer Run stays right here in Columbus, supporting kids through the Children’s Miracle Network at the Medical Center.

    View event pictures on Facebook.

    Click HERE to see the results from the race.

    Click HERE to register to run.🏃‍♂️


    Location

    Country's On Broad
    1329 Broadway
    Columbus, GA 31901


    Race Description

    The Reindeer Run is a one-mile kids-only race for grades Pre-K through 8th grade. Join us for a holiday tradition that’s been making memories (and raising money for local kids) for over 20 years. After the race, stick around for the Christmas Parade, hot dogs, hot cocoa, and more—it’s the perfect family outing for the holiday season.

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