Trail Running Calendar Alabama 2025-2026

Adventure-seekers looking for the best trail running experiences in Alabama should mark their calendars for a variety of events in 2025 and 2026. These races will take you through some of the most picturesque landscapes. Each race is a unique experience, offering a variety of trails that will challenge and invigorate runners of all skill levels.

Near Birmingham, the trail running scene thrives. With a variety of landscapes from rolling hills to dense forests, it's a top destination for runners seeking diversity in their routes. Montgomery, steeped in history, also grants trail runners the chance to connect with nature along the serene paths of its nearby parks. Travel south to Mobile to experience trail running in a coastal setting, where the city’s geographic diversity and lush greenery add to the satisfaction of trail runners.

Further north, Huntsville's proximity to the Appalachian foothills provides a more rugged terrain for those seeking a challenge amidst the beauty of the Monte Sano State Park and its surrounding areas. Tuscaloosa, with trails located along the Black Warrior River, offers runners the delightful combination of water views and woodland landscapes. Lastly, in Hoover, the suburban settings give way to unexpected natural retreats.

Run Cathedral Caverns State Park on Nov 15 with 5K and 15K trail options, culminating in a lit cave out and back where runners grab a glow stick at the turnaround. All finishers earn a tri blend shirt and a finisher medal.

Run the Dizzy Fifties at scenic Monte Sano State Park with 50K, 20 mile or 10 mile looped routes featuring big climbs and a lively pavilion aid station. Join the Huntsville Track Club for a challenging and festive fall trail day.

Explore Red Mountain Park at the BUTS Bearly Ultra on Nov 15 with 13.5 mile or double loop 27 mile options across root filled single track, old rail beds and scenic overlooks. Stocked aid stations and park support make for a rugged but welc..

December 2025

Blood Rock at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama on December 5 to 7 2025 serves rugged single track and scenic lake views with course options from 25K to 100 mile. Aid stations every 5 to 7 miles and hot food overnight create a welc..

Take on a continuous 34 hours on a scenic two mile loop along the Chattahoochee River in Valley, Alabama. This festive ultrarun supports the town carousel and offers event t shirts for early registrants plus unique finisher awards.

The New Balance RunningLane XC Championships brings high school teams and community runners to John Hunt Cross Country Park in Huntsville on Dec 6, 2025. Race a fast single loop 5k on a spectator friendly course.

Join the Jingle Jog 5K and Santa Stroll on December 6 for a festive trail 5K and family friendly one mile fun run. Dogs welcome, prizes for best dressed and team spirit, with proceeds benefiting the local child advocacy center.

Join the inaugural Elkmont Holiday Hustle 10k on December 13, 2025, for a festive run along the scenic Elkmont Rails to Trails. Enjoy a community vibe, bring a toy for the drive, and support Make A Wish.

Take on the Frozen Yeti at Monte Sano State Park on scenic 5 mile or 10 mile trail routes that showcase bluff views, creek crossings and waterfalls. Limited to 400 runners, this winter trail kickoff includes a tri blend race shirt and finis..

Winter Wild Thangs Trail Series at Monte Sano State Park features three winter trail race days with distances from 5 miles to 30K amid bluff views, creek crossings and waterfalls. Expect well stocked aid stations, pizza at the finish and a..

Celebrate year end with the Recover From the Holidays 50K in Huntsville, a challenging ultramarathon on rolling grass trails with big climbs and a strict nine hour cutoff. Finishers earn a Santa sanctioned hoodie.

Celebrate New Year's Eve at the Run Undead Ultra Trail Party in Oak Mountain State Park. Choose from multiple ultra distances on a roughly five mile loop while music, a midnight ball drop, and party activities keep spirits high.

January 2026

Run the Frozen Trash Panda at Monte Sano State Park with 10K and half marathon options, scenic bluffs, creek crossings, and waterfalls. Part of the Winter Wild Thangs series, capped at 400 runners, and cupless so bring your own bottle or cu..

Kick off 2026 with a scenic 6K trail run through Trussville Trails along the Cahaba River at the Trussville Sports Complex. Open to runners and ruckers, the fun event supports Designs for Hope and offers race shirts for early registrants.

Frozen Goat at Monte Sano State Park serves up bluff views, creek crossings and waterfalls across 4 mile, 15K and 30K trail options. Limited to 400 runners, this winter series race delivers scenic challenge and solid on course support.

The Huntsville Slam is an endurance challenge from the Huntsville Track Club that asks runners to complete four designated races between November and January. Complete all four to earn a custom embroidered Lululemon finisher garment.

Tackle Monte Sano's Mountain Mist 50K, a rugged trail challenge in Huntsville, AL, with rocky single track, creek crossings, and big climbs finishing through McKay Hollow. Limited spots make it a must for experienced trail runners.

Run scenic riverwalks between Columbus GA and Phenix City AL at the Southern Freeze on Jan 24, 2026 with 25k, 50k and 50 mile options. Finish at Scofflaw Brewing and warm up with hearty aid station fare plus a beanie and finisher medal.

February 2026

Run scenic single track trails and bluff overlooks around Guntersville State Park with options of 50K, half marathon, or 5K in a friendly field capped at 350. This cupless event offers multiple spectator vantage points and beautiful lake vi..

Run a certified 5K or 10K over scenic sand, clay and gravel roads around Lake Martin, starting and finishing at Russell Crossroads. Finish with a Grits Bar and live music and help support the Alexander City Schools Education Foundation.