Registration Open for AJC Peachtree Road Race Qualifier Planned for EPA WaterSense ‘Fix a Leak Week’
ATLANTA – January 15, 2026 – Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC) and Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District have opened registration for the 14th Annual Water Drop Dash 5K set for 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 21 at CNC in Roswell, GA. The anticipated return of the popular local race – an Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) Peachtree Road Race qualifier – is expected to welcome more than 800 participants. The event is also an opportunity to draw attention to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense ‘Fix a Leak Week’ planned for March 16-22. This annual national awareness campaign focuses on reminding homeowners to check their plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks to save two valuable resources: water and money.
“As CNC celebrates its 50th Anniversary, we are elevating our efforts to increase the vitality of metro Atlanta’s greatest water source, the Chattahoochee River,” said Tamara Kinmon, Senior Director of Special Events, Marketing, and Camp for Chattahoochee Nature Center. “Partnering with Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District for this edu-taining day at CNC directly funds CNC’s efforts to preserve our most important waterway!”
Runners and walkers have the option to participate in the Water Drop Dash 5K either in person at CNC or virtually, as a ghost runner. The 5K course winds along a beautiful, flat, and scenic stretch of the Chattahoochee River, starting and finishing at CNC. The one-mile Fun Run will also be held along the river. All 5K registrants will receive a race shirt, finisher medal, and a race number with a chip to track their time and determine if they qualify for the AJC Peachtree Road Race. Runners will also receive free race photos from True Speed Photo.
“We are grateful for our partnership with Chattahoochee Nature Center to present the Water Drop Dash for 14 amazing years, and we’re thrilled to celebrate with the hundreds of loyal runners and walkers who return each year to participate in this race for an important cause,” said Justine Schwartz, Education and Public Engagement Specialist for the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District. “We love providing such a fun way to bring awareness to so many people of all ages of the importance of water conservation and EPA’s WaterSense Fix a Leak Week.”
Following the race, runners are given free admission to the Water Festival at CNC, further expanding the event for all participants. As a leader in the conservation and protection of the health of the Chattahoochee River, the Festival will feature resources, giveaways, and activities from local water utilities and sponsors to educate attendees on the importance of the Chattahoochee River to not only local Georgians, but the Southeastern region as a whole.
Jacynta Harb, a long-time race participant and founder of Team Sparkle Wellness, shared why she keeps coming back to CNC and this race for an important cause: “At Sparkle Wellness, we are deeply committed to empowering people to take control of their health and wellness journeys. What keeps us coming back to Chattahoochee Nature Center is seeing how it has evolved and improved over the years. It’s truly been a blessing to people of all ages. We love helping our community by participating in races with a mission. We especially love knowing that we are supporting a cause that teaches people how to conserve water, which is one of our biggest resources that is important to all of our vitality.”
Runners and walkers can register at WaterDropDash.com or in person at Big Peach Running Co., Marrietta. Advanced registration for the 5K is $45. On the day of the event, registration increases to $50. The Fun Run is $15 in advance and $20 on the day of the race. To participate virtually and receive a mailed race shirt, the cost is $40. Sponsorships are also available at www.waterdropdash.com/sponsors.
MEDIA NOTE: Hi-res images and event graphics can be found HERE.
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About the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District (Metro Water District)
The Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District is dedicated to developing a comprehensive regional and watershed-specific water resources plan to be implemented by local governments in the 15-county metro Atlanta region, which includes Bartow, Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, Coweta, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Forsyth, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Paulding and Rockdale counties. This plan conserves public water supplies, protects water quality and recreational value of the waters and minimizes potential adverse impacts of development on waters in and downstream of the region. Learn more at www.northgeorgiawater.org.
About Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC)
Chattahoochee Nature Center’s (CNC) mission is to connect people with nature. Being outdoors is more important than ever to our communities’ health and well-being. At CNC, visitors of all ages have 127 acres to safely explore and endless opportunities to connect with nature while learning about Georgia’s ecosystem. CNC features three ponds, six woodland and wetland trails, including a newly renovated 2,000-foot river boardwalk. We offer a space for quiet, reflective moments or more active options such as hiking or canoeing. CNC also offers programs involving rehabilitated native wildlife, horticulture, photography, art, and more. Our goal is to encourage life-long learning and demonstrate the important role nature plays in our daily lives. Annually, CNC serves more than 150,000 visitors and 52,000 schoolchildren, 18,000 of whom are from Title I schools. For more information, visit our website at www.chattnaturecenter.org.
Media Contacts:
For Chattahoochee Nature Center – Kendall Bagley, Hemsworth
[email protected], 812-483-7717
For Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District – Justine Schwartz
[email protected], 470-378-1551