The Unity Run committee tries to add something new each year to the event. This year is no exception.

The newly formed band, Grass, will be playing for the runners and walkers at the corner of Boulevard Heights and Line Street. This local group will excite everyone as they go for a big finish. Along with Grass on the route, the Sonoraville High School Band will assume its place at the BB&T Park. Beginning the race again this year, DJ Donny Holmes and the Gordon Central Blue Wave Band will play a variety of songs including the theme from “Rocky.”

Calhoun High School Band will handle the finish line along with cheerleaders from all three high schools and Chick-fil-A cow.

New this year will be characters in the run. Runners and walkers have been asked to dress for the run to put a little flair in the event Elvis might make an appearance, perhaps some national politicians, and maybe even a gladiator. The 19 United Way agencies will also join the crowds along the raceway cheering the participants on as they climb “Heartbreak Hill” and race for “Amen Cor-ner” near the end of the race. Spectators are encouraged to position themselves on the 5-K route and to bring their pets (on a leash, of course). The 5-K starts at Gordon Central High School contin-ues down Curtis Parkway, Dews Pond Rd., Barrett Rd., Meadow Lane and “Heartbreak Hill,” Buena Vista, Boulevard Heights, Line St., Piedmont, North Court Street, “Amen Corner” and cross Hwy 41 to the finish line at the intersection of Court Street and Park Ave. for the big finish line party. DJ Kevin Casey will be at the finish line.

Unity Run XVI has another first- the largest sponsored race in the 16 year history, with 51 sponsors.

The 1-K Kid’s Run starts at 5 p.m. at Gordon Central and the 5-K Run/Walk starts at 6:30 p.m. at Gordon Central. Park Downtown and ride the Calhoun City or Gordon County School buses back to Gordon Central for the 5-K No buses will run after the race.

Registration begins at 4:30 p.m. To avoid long lines, participants may pick up their race number or register at the Historic Downtown Depot a day before the race on Monday afternoon from 2-6.