For over 48 years, the Rocket City Marathon- hosted by the Huntsville Track Club - has been one of the South’s premier marathon events. This year’s race weekend promises another unforgettable experience for runners of all ages and abilities.

Weekend Schedule

Health & Fitness Expo + Packet Pickup

• Von Braun Center
• Opens Friday, December 12 at 2:00 PM and runs through Saturday, December 13 at 6:00 PM

Saturday Races – December 13

• 10K – 7:00 AM
  Starts in front of the Von Braun Center on Monroe Street. This flat, fast, and walker-friendly course takes runners through scenic Old Town.

• 5K – 9:00 AM
  A fun route winding through the heart of Downtown Huntsville.

• 1 Mile Family FUN RUN/WALK – 10:30 AM
  A relaxed, family-friendly event that offers a fun and rewarding experience for participants of all ages.

Sunday – December 14 | Marathon Day

Rocket City Marathon – 7:00 AM

(Early start at 6:00 AM available for those who need extra time)

The course highlights the charm of Huntsville, taking runners through Downtown, Old Town, the Medical District, Blossomwood, Maple Hill Cemetery, the historic Train Depot, the Veteran’s Memorial, and Campus 805. Marathoners continue on past the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and the Botanical Gardens before returning to the VBC for a unique indoor finish, delicious post-race food, and complimentary post-race stretching.

All Registered Runners Receive:

• A long-sleeve race shirt
• A finisher medal
• Post-race food
• Bragging rights for completing Rocket City Marathon Race Weekend!

Additionally:

• Marathoners and Half Marathoners receive a special finisher gift
• Complete three events to earn the exclusive RCM “Hat Trick” hat

Join Us for Rocket City Race Weekend in Huntsville, Alabama!

For over 45 years, the Rocket City Marathon—hosted by the Huntsville Track Club—has been one of the South’s premier marathon events. This year’s race weekend promises another unforgettable experience for runners of all ages and abilities.

Weekend Schedule:

We kick things off with the Health and Fitness Expo and Packet Pick-Up, which opens on Friday (exact time TBD, but no later than 2:00 PM) and runs through Saturday at 8:00 PM.

Saturday Events:

• 7:00 AM – 10K: A flat, fast, and walker-friendly race starting in front of the Von Braun Center on Monroe Street. It winds through Old Town and finishes indoors at the signature Rocket City finish line.

• 9:00 AM – 5K ("The Mural Run"): A scenic course past Huntsville’s vibrant downtown murals, finishing at the same indoor location.

• 10:30 AM – Kids Marathon: Kids complete their final mile in style! Participants receive a shirt and medal, and those finishing 26.2 miles in total receive a special 26.2 pin.

Sunday Events:

• 7:00 AM – Full Marathon & Front Half Marathon: Both races start on Monroe Street in front of the Von Braun Center. (Early start at 6:00 AM is available for participants needing extended time.)

  • The course features highlights like Downtown Huntsville, Old Town, the Medical District, Maple Hill Cemetery, the historic Train Depot, Veterans Memorial, and Campus 805—where Front Half runners will enjoy a festive finish party.

• 9:00 AM – Back Half Marathon: Starts at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) and merges with Full Marathoners. Runners will pass the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Botanical Gardens, Gold Sprint Coffee, Lowe Mill, and finish indoors at the VBC.

Relay Option: Prefer teamwork? Sign up for the Marathon Relay! While finish times aren’t ranked, relay teams can compete in the Corporate Cup.

Participant Perks:

• All registrants receive a race shirt, epic medal, post-race food, and professional photos.

• Marathoners and Half Marathoners get a finisher gift.

• First-time Marathoners receive a special First Timer gift.

• Run any two races to earn a Challenge gift.

• Register for three events ("The Hat Trick") to score the coveted RCM hat.

• Kids in the RCKM receive a shirt and medal, with an extra pin for completing the full 26.2 miles.

For full details, FAQs, and updates, please visit the Rocket City Marathon official website.

As race day approaches, please note: our team will have limited availability to respond to emails. Most questions can be answered on the website, so we recommend checking there first.