go ahead

we'll see you at the finish line

Go Ahead Events was founded by industry experts with a passion for event planning, charity work and race management in the Charlotte area. From small 5Ks to large fundraising walks, we ensure that every detail is flawlessly planned and executed from start to finish.

With years of experiences in the nonprofit industry, we focus on bringing your mission to life.

TRAFFIC ALERT!

5K AND CHARITY WALK EVENT MANAGEMENT IN THE CAROLINAS

Are you looking for a fun and healthy way to fundraise for your charity organization, team or community? A 5K running race can be a great way to do that! And yes - we manage running races and walks of shorter or longer distances.

RACE DIRECTOR FOR HIRE

You cast the vision and we take it from there - planning and executing your 5K race or walk down to the tiniest detail.

5K COURSE DESIGN AND SETUP

If you've got the event management basics covered but need help designing and coning your 5K course, we can help.

EQUIPMENT RENTAL

Need a few supplies for your event? We've got you covered. Tables, water jugs, traffic cones - you name it, we probably have it.

RACE MANAGEMENT SERVICES DESIGNED TO MEET YOUR NEEDS

We will work with you to come up with a race management plan that is best suited to your event. Check out our event management services below for more info on how we can help make your next event the most successful one yet!

comprehensive event management

Let us take care of just about everything! All you need to do is get people to your event, and we’ll make sure they have a fabulous time.

custom partnership

We’ll create a custom package to help where you need it most. Whether it’s designing a race course, finding a venue for your fundraising walk, or organizing your post-event party, we can help!

consulting

We’ll tell you everything you need to know to create a 5K or Walk event. We’ll be here to help every step of the way with unlimited access to race experts by phone or email.

Adult runner with child jumping

Want to work with us?

Tell us about your event

UPCOMING RACES AND EVENTS

Ready to lace up those running or walking shoes? Join us at any of our upcoming 5K races or charity events. Go ahead, we'll see you at the finish line!

Noon Year's Eve 5K logo

NOON Year's Eve 5K

Countdown to NOON on New Year's Eve - run your last miles of 2024 with us before heading into the New Year!

DEC 31, 2024 / 12 NOON ET
CHARLOTTE, NC / MCALPINE PARK

Charlotte New Year's Day 5K logo

Charlotte New Year's Day 5K

It’s Charlotte’s first 5K of the new year. Don’t miss this great race and exciting after-party!

JAN 1, 2025 / 10:00AM ET
CHARLOTTE, NC / UNIVERSITY CITY

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY

We love what we do and wholeheartedly believe we do a pretty good job directing 5K and events...but we are a bit partial. So, here's what a few of our clients had to say:

"Love, Love, LOVE Steph! She brought welcomed structure and organization to our 5k! She is SUPER organized and knows the race world so well. She treats the race as if it is her own, bringing high levels of professionalism and knowledge! Will be booking her EVERY year for my organizations 5k!"
kiya ward, the journey 5k
"After missing out New Year's Day 5k last year, we needed help getting our event back off the ground. Go Ahead Events was the best choice for the job. Not only did we begin planning late (October) we had trouble finding a route CMPD would approve. And GAE jumped every hurdle we threw at them with flying colors. I can't imagine hosting a race without their help."
university city partners, clt new year's day 5k
"We could not be happier with the professionalism and human touch you bring to all phases of imagining, planning and executing our events. Hope you had a wonderful day! We are looking forward to continuing our relationship in 2023."
DOUG MILLER, CHARLOTTE open water SWIM SERIES

WE WANT TO PLAN AND DIRECT YOUR NEXT 5K OR EVENT

As both passionate members of the Charlotte running community and experienced race directors and nonprofit managers, we look forward to working with you to make your race or walk the best it can be. We've helped over 40,000 runners get to the finish line. Let us help you and we’ll see you at the finish line!

Steph Cook, Owner and Founder

STEPH COOK

OWNER / EVENT DIRECTOR

Jason, Co-Owner and Head of Marketing

JASON COOK

HEAD OF MARKETING / ASSISTANT TO THE EVENT DIRECTOR

Oliver-for-go-ahead-events

OLIVER

SUPPORT STAFF

ready to plan YOUR NEXT EVENT?

Let's talk about how to take your next 5K, charity walk or event to the next level!

CONTACT US

Phone:

(704) 237-0301