The southeastern state of Alabama is known for its freedom-loving people and deep roots in the Civil War. Due to the diverse landscape, Alabama has a surprising number of natural attractions, from its vast plains and beautiful slopes to the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. The majestic ranges of the Appalachian Mountains rise in the northeastern part, while more than half of Alabama’s land is covered with dense forests.
The cities with their interesting architecture and curious museums offer a wonderful place to visit for thousands of travelers from all over the world. Come run in Alabama and test your endurance while feeling the spirit of freedom and experiencing true southern hospitality.
5K in Alabama
1. Ambers Donor Dash
Aug 20, 2022 – Saturday
5K, 1M run
Auburn, AL
The 3rd Annual Ambers Donor Dash will be held on August 20, 2022.
The aim of the run is to spread awareness of organ donation. Amber was a nurse and chose to be an organ donor. Her organs saved lives and helped others.
Founders welcome runners to celebrate the awareness day.
2. Swing Through 5K
Aug 20, 2022 – Saturday
5K run
Tanner, AL
The Swing Through 5K is a certified course that runs on campus roads and down Airport Road towards the Baseball/Softball fields. The course starts and finishes in front of the Allied Health Building at the north end of campus.
There will be a post-race party with tasty food and cold drinks.
Chip Timing is provided by the River City Runners. You will need to secure the chip to your shoe, following the instructions provided. After the race, you need to return the chip.
The top 3 male and female runners and 1st place in each age group will receive awards.
3. Sunrise Social Club Wildcat Summer Series – August 5K
Aug 21, 2022 – Sunday
5K run
Montgomery, AL
The Sunrise Social Club Wildcat Summer Series – August 5K will be held on August 21, 2022.
Every third Sunday of the month at 7 am, starting from the Union Station Train Shed, you can run a scenic 5K. After the run will be a brunch. It is one of the most picturesque races in Alabama.
A registration fee of $10 will guarantee you a bib for the entire series. That’s four 5ks for $10.
The course is marked and hand-timed.
4. Revival Center 5K
Aug 27, 2022 – Saturday
5K run
Vincent, AL
The Revival Center 5K will be held on August 27, 2022. The course is certified and chip-timed. You won’t find any steep hills or obstacles on the course, but the countryside view is scenic.
Each year the youth of Vincent Revival Center organizes a 5K race to raise money for Speed The Light. STL is a non-profit organization that helps equip missionaries all around the world. You can learn more about STL at http://speedthelight.ag.org.
10K Races in Alabama
5. Chupacabra Trail Race
Aug 20, 2022 – Saturday
13.1M, 10K trail run
Huntsville, AL
The Chupacabra Trail Race will be held on August 20, 2022. It will be run to the scenic mountains around Huntsville, AL.
This series is for new and experienced runners. Starting in June and finishing in August, these 4 runs are competitive and help runners increase their endurance through the hot summer months and have a lot of fun.
On the course, you will find mountain views, creek crossings, waterfalls, and more.
There will be aid stations with everything from water to granola bars and more. Marco’s Pizza is a sponsor of the Wild Thangs Trail Series! So the post-race party will be fun.
6. Fall Finish – Birmingham
Sep 24, 2022 – Saturday
10K, 5K run
Birmingham, AL
The Fall Finish – Birmingham will be held on September 24, 2022, for runners and walkers.
The course features the beautiful scenic landscape of Railroad Park! You will enjoy running or walking and, of course, awards!
This event is timed by Bodies Race Company, and you can see results at gorunkc.com.
The registration fee includes a race shirt and finishers medal.
The top 3 males and females in each age group will get an award.
7. Head Over Teal 5K/10K
Sep 24, 2022 – Saturday
10K, 5K run
Hoover, AL
The Head Over Teal 5K/10K will be held on September 24, 2022. Support the tradition of running during GYN Cancer Awareness Month!
All proceeds from the run will go to the Laura Crandall Brown Foundation. This annual event helps to provide GYN cancer programs to women, patients, and caregivers throughout the year. The foundation was founded in 2009 and has granted more than $605,000 for cancer early detection research and has educated community members on GYN cancer prevention info, signs, and symptoms.
8. Summer Sizzler – Birmingham
Sep 24, 2022 – Saturday
10K, 5K run
Virtual Option
Birmingham, AL
The Summer Sizzler – Birmingham will be held on September 24, 2022. This event is for those who love running in Summer and beach parties.
You will see the incredible Railroad Park with its beautiful scenery. This event is suitable for beginners because you can run or walk the distance.
The race is timed by Bodies Race Company. You will have access to results at gorunkc.com.
Half Marathons and Marathons in Alabama
9. Boston or Bust Marathon
Sep 11, 2022 – Sunday
26.2M, 13.1M, 5K run
Huntsville, AL
The Boston or Bust Marathon will be held on September 11, 2022.
It is a very flat and fast course along Aldridge Creek and the Tennessee River in South Huntsville. The course starts and finishes at Ditto Landing Marina and is entirely on the Alridge Creek Greenway.
It will be a Chip Timed event. Half and full marathon courses are certified.
There will be a post-race party with tasty food, drinks, and music at the Ditto Landing Marina Pavilion.
10. BHM 26.2
Oct 1, 2022 – Saturday
10K, 5K run
Oct 2, 2022 – Sunday
26.2M, 13.1M run | kids run
Birmingham, AL
The BHM 26.2 is a Boston Marathon Qualifier and will be held on October 2, 2022. It is Alabama’s only entirely charitable race series, and all proceeds go to Magic Moments and Children’s of Alabama.
BHM26.2’s run weekend has exciting courses to Birmingham, including a non-looping course! It is one of the most popular runs in Birmingham, Al, with a family-friendly after-party.
On the Marathon course, you will see downtown Birmingham’s growth, with new spots and the traditional Magic City, before heading into Homewood and Mountain Brook.
The Half Marathon runs through up-and-coming areas of Birmingham with historic landmarks, Mountain Brook and Homewood.
10K, 5K, and Fun Run options will take place on Saturday, October 1st, in DOWNTOWN HOMEWOOD.
11. Wade Mountain Marathon
Oct 23, 2022 – Sunday
26.2M, 13.1M, 10K trail run
Huntsville, AL
The Wade Mountain Marathon is North Alabama’s ONLY trail marathon. There is a 10K & Half Marathon as well.
The beautiful fall foliage and the ideal temperature of late October will inspire you to run faster.
The race was founded by the same directors as the Wild Thangs Trail Series, Eagle Ridge & The Grand Viduta Stage Race, Cathedral Caverns Trail Run & others. So you will get a great experience.
The post-race party will include grilled hamburgers and drinks for all the runners.
12. Big Beach Marathon
Jan 29, 2023 – Sunday
26.2M, 13.1M run
Gulf Shores, AL
The Big Beach Marathon is a Boston Qualifier and will be held on January 29, 2023. The Marathon and Half Marathon will be in scenic Gulf Shores, Alabama.
The courses are very flat and fast on fully paved trails through Gulf State Park. They start and finish at the Hangout, with beautiful beaches and views of the Gulf of Mexico.
In addition to the Marathon and Half Marathon, there is the Safari 7K on Saturday.
13. We Run This Beach Marathon
Feb 25, 2023 – Saturday
10K, 5K run
Feb 26, 2023 – Sunday
26.2M, 13.1M run
Gulf Shores, AL
The We Run This Beach Marathon is a Boston Qualifier. The race is known for its fast route and outstanding views of Lake Shelby and Middle & Little Lakes.
The course starts and finishes near the Gulf State Park Lodge and traverses the flat paved roads throughout Gulf State Park.
It will be a chip-timed event. The post-race party’s tasty food, drinks, and music will fascinate you.
