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.

The Mount Cheaha 50K is an annual ultra-marathon event taking place in Alabama, featuring a scenic point-to-point trail run that culminates at the summit of Cheaha Mountain, the highest point in the state. Participants will traverse approximately 80% of the course on beautiful single-track trails wi..

The Russell Forest Run is an exciting running event taking place in Alexander City, Alabama, featuring both a 10K and a 5K race. The course is designed for runners, cyclists, and electric vehicles, winding through scenic sand, clay, and gravel roads. Participants will enjoy a picturesque route start..

March 2025

McClellan Madness is an exciting trail running event taking place at the McClellan bike trailhead in Anniston, Alabama. Participants can choose between 4-hour and 8-hour races on a scenic 4-mile loop trail, featuring a moderate elevation gain. The event emphasizes community and sustainability, with..

Delano Park is set to host a unique running event on March 8, 2025, in Decatur, Alabama, featuring a 50-mile solo race, a 12-hour solo challenge, and a 12-hour relay option. The race takes place on a USATF-certified 1-mile loop course that is flat and unpaved, with aid stations available on each lap..

The RDM Trail Race, taking place in Trussville, AL, offers participants a chance to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Appalachian foothills. The event features three distances: a 10-mile loop, a 5-mile loop, and a 5K, with the course primarily consisting of technical single-track trails. Runners, rucke..

The Southern States 200 is a unique endurance event featuring the only known mountain trail, point-to-point, 200-mile race east of the Rockies. Set along the scenic Pinhoti Trail, it spans from near Dalton, Georgia, to the summit of Mt. Cheaha in Alabama, with a total elevation gain of 27,933 feet.P..

McKay Hollow Madness is an exciting trail running event held in Huntsville, Alabama, featuring two challenging distances: a 25K (approximately 15.5 miles) and a 12K (around 7 miles). Participants will navigate through the scenic and technical trails of Monte Sano, including notable sections like Sin..

The Singing River 10K is part of the annual Singing River 5K & 10K event, taking place in Mooresville, Alabama, on March 29, 2025. This race benefits the Singing River Trail, a planned 200+ mile greenway system aimed at enhancing health, wellness, and economic opportunities in North Alabama. The cou..

The Beaver Trail 5K in Montgomery, AL, is set to take place at Lagoon Park’s Pete Peterson Lodge. This scenic race will guide participants through the beautiful Lagoon Park Trails, promoting outdoor activity and community engagement. Runners can enjoy complimentary refreshments post-race and partici..

The Oak Mountain 50K, taking place on March 29, 2025, is a premier trail running event held in Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham, Alabama. Celebrating its 24th year, this race features a challenging 50K course that winds through the park's scenic forested hills, including climbs to Double Oak Mountain..

The Blue Heron Hundreds is an exciting running event taking place at the scenic Wheeler Wildlife Refuge in Mooresville, Alabama, on March 29-30, 2025. This event features multiple race distances, including a 100-mile, 100K, 40-mile, and marathon, making it North Alabama's first of its kind. Particip..

April 2025

The Running Retreat at Oak Mountain State Park is a rejuvenating 3-day event scheduled for April 4-6, 2025, designed for runners of all levels. Participants can enjoy a variety of guided runs ranging from 5K to 50K, set against the stunning backdrop of Alabama's premier outdoor park. The retreat inc..

The Lake Martin 100 is an annual trail running event held in Alexander City, Alabama, featuring 100-mile, 50-mile, and 27-mile race options. Designed to help runners transition from shorter distances to ultra-marathons, the course consists of 75% single track and minimal paved roads. Participants ca..

The Glenwood Trail Run is an annual event held on a scenic 363-acre campus in Birmingham, Alabama, celebrating Autism Acceptance Month. Participants can choose from a 5K Trail Run, a 1K Fun Walk, or a non-running option that includes a t-shirt. The event aims to promote awareness and support for ind..

The Dueling Banjos 5K & 10K is an exciting trail running event set in Huntsville, Alabama, designed to challenge participants with a unique combination of uphill and downhill courses. The 5K features a steep climb of over 1,000 feet, while the 10K offers a fast, net downhill route. Runners are encou..

The Devils Race Track Backyard Ultra is an exciting running event set in the scenic Wade Mountain Preserve in Huntsville, Alabama. This unique race follows the traditional backyard ultra format, where participants complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour. Runners must finish each loop within the hour t..

The Chief Ladiga 100 is an annual trail running event held in Jacksonville, AL, featuring a 100-mile, 50-mile, and 50K race. Set against the scenic backdrop of the Appalachian foothills, participants will traverse the Chief Ladiga Trail, experiencing diverse landscapes including wetlands, forests, a..

The Tranquility Trail Run, part of the Southeastern Trail Series, features 3-mile and 6-mile races around Tranquility Lake at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, AL. This event is designed for both beginner and experienced runners, offering a scenic course with minimal elevation gain. Participants ca..

The Full Southeastern Trail Series is a popular running event held annually in the Birmingham area, designed to promote trail running and cater to both new and experienced runners. The series consists of six races, starting with shorter distances and progressively increasing in length and difficulty..

Lost Falls is an exciting running event taking place at Desoto State Park in Fort Payne, Alabama, featuring a 10K, Half Marathon, and 50K race. Set in a stunning 3,500+ acre park with scenic trails, participants can enjoy breathtaking views, waterfalls, and creek crossings. The event emphasizes sust..