Georgia Southern, Abbie DeLoach Foundation set 15th annual True Blue 5K for Nov. 7

STATESBORO, Ga. — Georgia Southern University Campus Recreation & Intramurals and the Abbie DeLoach Foundation are opening registration to students, alumni, families and the Statesboro community for the 2026 True Blue 5K & Abbie’s Adventure Race.

The race is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, at M.C. Anderson Park on Georgia Southern’s Statesboro campus, timed to coincide with the university’s Homecoming weekend. The event is held each year in memory of Abbie DeLoach.

How the morning is structured

Abbie’s Adventure Race kicks off the morning at 8 a.m., with the True Blue 5K following at 8:30 a.m. A quarter-mile Kiddie Run, free to enter, rounds out the lineup at 9:15 a.m. ahead of an awards presentation. Those unable to attend can take part remotely through a virtual 5K option. Everyone entered in the 5K or the adventure race gets a T-shirt and medal.

Course marks 15 years with Homecoming-themed stops

The 2026 race is the 15th running of the True Blue 5K. To mark the anniversary, the course will feature a series of themed checkpoints, or “pods,” each built around a different Georgia Southern Homecoming theme from the past decade and a half.

Runners in the 5K will pass landmarks including M.C. Anderson Park and Paulson Stadium along the Statesboro campus route. Abbie’s Adventure Race follows a similar path but adds obstacles and puzzles for participants to work through.

Group registration carries a cash incentive

Runners can sign up individually or as part of a team or group. Whichever team or group draws the largest number of registered participants will win a $1,000 prize from the Abbie DeLoach Foundation.

Entry fees rise closer to race day

Registration remains open through race day, with pricing in two tiers. Through Oct. 30, entry costs $25 for Georgia Southern students, $30 for faculty, staff and alumni, and $35 for community members. From Oct. 31 through Nov. 7, those rates increase to $30, $35 and $40, respectively. Sign-ups are being handled here.

What organizers are saying

“This event means so much to our family and to the Foundation because it brings Abbie’s spirit back to a place she loved so deeply,” said Jimmy DeLoach, Abbie’s father and president of the Abbie DeLoach Foundation. “Georgia Southern was such an important part of Abbie’s life, being a part of the nursing school and Kappa Delta and participating in intramural sports and Homecoming. Seeing students, alumni, families and friends come together each year to honor Abbie through friendship, activity and adventure is incredibly special. We are grateful to Georgia Southern and Campus Recreation & Intramurals for helping us continue her legacy and inspire everyone to live fully, serve others and make a difference.”

“The True Blue 5K & Abbie’s Adventure Race is truly a special homecoming tradition at Georgia Southern. Partnering with the Abbie DeLoach Foundation throughout the past 8 years has been wonderful and an absolute pleasure as we collaborate on ideas for our Eagle Nation to express their True Blue pride every Homecoming, and continue honoring Abbie’s legacy and love for adventure, her friends, and her community,” said Jonathan Rivera, Georgia Southern University Campus Recreation & Intramurals assistant director of fitness. “I invite and encourage people of all ages and abilities to join us this year to celebrate the 15th anniversary of this event with friends and family.”

Additional information on the foundation is posted at abbiedeloachfoundation.com.