Step into the extraordinary at the 33rd Annual Bettye Butler Memorial Unity Run: Under the Big Top – The Greatest Run on Earth, presented by Vitruvian Hamilton Health – Calhoun. This beloved tradition has long been a highlight of Northwest Georgia's calendar and now invites runners, walkers, families, schools, and businesses to join in this community celebration. The event transforms the streets into a vibrant circus-themed wonderland, offering an unforgettable experience for all participants. Lace up your shoes and step out onto the course that winds through the heart of Calhoun, where you'll be greeted by colorful decorations, lively music, and enthusiastic spectators cheering on every stride. As runners progress along the route, they will encounter a series of exciting stops designed to keep spirits high and energy levels soaring. Costumes are encouraged, adding an extra layer of fun as participants and volunteers alike embrace the circus atmosphere in full force. This run is not just about the race; it's about coming together for a greater good. Proceeds from registration fees support United Way programs that work tirelessly to strengthen Gordon County. By participating, you contribute directly to initiatives aimed at improving education, health, and financial stability within your community. Whether you're seeking an invigorating challenge or simply looking forward to a day filled with camaraderie and celebration, this Unity Run has something for everyone. So step right up and lace up – it's time to run under the big top and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Races Offered
5K Sponsor Entries
Access code only
Sep 22, 2026
straighten
Distance —
5K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
18:30
Adults 18+
Sep 22, 2026
straighten
Distance —
5K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
18:30
sell
$34.09
Kids Ages 5 & Under
Sep 22, 2026
straighten
Distance —
5K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
18:30
Kids Ages 6-17
Sep 22, 2026
straighten
Distance —
5K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
18:30
sell
$23.39
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for September in Calhoun.
thermostatTemperature
20.1° / 30.2°
wb_sunnyFeels like
21.2° / 31.2°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
9h 41m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
4.1 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
9.3 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Very high
terrain
Course conditions
Hard and dry surface
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (5.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
71.8%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
07:22
nightlight
Sunset
19:43
About Calhoun
Learn more about the host city, Calhoun.
Calhoun is in the Northwest High Country of Georgia and has this sort of idiosyncrasy in that it calls itself "The Land Of The Cherokee" even though there's hardly a Cherokee left standing, thanks to things like President Andrew Jackson and the Indian Removal Act. But there was a time when it was the land of the Cherokee, after they had been pushed out of their former territory in modern day eastern Tennessee and western South Carolina by European Americans. Here they established a town called Ustanali and then an actual capital called New Echota where council meetings were held and a newspaper was printed using the syllabary that Sequoyah had created. By the 1830s though, they were forced out by Georgia and the command of Winfield Scott, with broken treaties of promised sovereignty in the Indian Territory that would become Oklahoma. New Echota is now preserved as a historic site near Calhoun.
