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.

Race to the Lake in Pelham, Alabama, is a 10-mile trail running event held at Oak Mountain State Park. The course is a challenging lollipop-shaped route featuring about 2,000 feet of vertical gain, traversing some of Alabama’s best single-track trails. Starting and finishing at the Lakeside pavilion..

The Wild Thangs Trail Series is a summer trail running event held at Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville, Alabama. It features four races from June to August, offering both short and long distance options ranging from 4 miles to a half marathon. The courses showcase scenic mountain views, creek cros..

The Big Foot Trail Run, held in Huntsville, Alabama, is the opening race of the Wild Thangs Trail Series. Scheduled for June 14, 2025, it offers 5K and 10K trail distances suitable for both new and experienced runners. The course features scenic mountain views, creek crossings, waterfalls, and sever..

The FARM Barn Burner is a trail running event held in Birmingham, Alabama, offering both a half marathon and a 10K race. The courses start at Dunnavant Valley Fields and feature scenic routes along the Dunnavant Valley Greenway, Yellow Leaf Creek, and several trails including the Waterfalls trail an..

Delirium in Anniston, AL, is a unique trail running event featuring two distances: a challenging 32K and a 15K. The 32K race requires runners to complete four distinct loops—Bomb Dog, Baby Bear, Mama Bear, and Papa Bear—in any order, returning to the start/finish to check in after each. The course i..

The Night Howler 50 is a unique overnight 50-mile ultramarathon held at Hoover Sports Park East in Hoover, Alabama. Starting at sunset, runners tackle a 2.5-mile loop course featuring flat terrain with minor inclines, crossing a bridge over the Cahaba River and descending stairs into wooded trails...

July 2025

The Shiner Ridge Revival is a 7.4-mile trail run held in Pelham, Alabama, on Double Oak Mountain, an area historically known for moonshine during Prohibition. Taking place on July 4th, the race features a challenging course that culminates at King's Chair, one of Alabama’s most iconic overlooks. Par..

The BTC Peavine Falls Run is a celebrated annual event held on July 4th in Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham, Alabama. This 8.2-mile race has become a local tradition, attracting participants who prefer a more intimate running experience compared to larger city races. The event offers a scenic course..

The Jackalope Trail Run, held at Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville, Alabama, is the second race in the Wild Thangs Trail Series. Scheduled for July 5, 2025, it offers two distances: 4 miles and 8 miles. The event features scenic, spectator-friendly courses with bluff views, mountain scenery, creek..

The Hotter N' Hell Trail Run is a challenging trail race held at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama. Featuring 9- and 18-mile distances, the course includes climbs to the top of Double Oak Mountain and descents into Peavine Gorge, with an aid station near Peavine Falls. The race is part of t..

The Skunk Ape Trail Run, held at Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville, Alabama, is part of the Wild Thangs Trail Series. Scheduled for July 26, 2025, it offers 5-mile and 10-mile trail race options suitable for both new and experienced runners. The course features scenic mountain views, creek crossin..

August 2025

In the Heat of the Night is a unique night trail running event held in Anniston, Alabama, featuring distances of 10K, 25K, 50K, and 100K. The race takes place on a loop course through the Talladega Forest roads and the scenic Pinhoti Trail, starting at Frog Pond Overlook. The terrain consists of mai..

The Chupacabra Trail Race, held on August 16, 2025, in Monte Sano State Park, Huntsville, Alabama, is the fourth event in the Wild Thangs Trail Series. It offers two distances: a 10K and a half marathon, catering to both new and experienced trail runners. The course features scenic mountain views, c..

The Ridge to Blazing Ridge Trail Race, held in Pelham, Alabama at Oak Mountain State Park, offers challenging 20-mile and 10-mile trail runs. Known for its difficult course and hot conditions, the race requires participants to carry at least 15 to 20 ounces of water or electrolyte drink at all times..

The Zombie Backyard Ultra is an endurance running event held at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama. The race features a challenging 4.167-mile loop with approximately 500 feet of elevation gain and loss. Participants must complete each loop within one hour, with a new loop starting every hou..

September 2025

The Rebecca Mountain 50 Mile and 50K are point-to-point trail races held in Sylacauga, Alabama, featuring the scenic Pinhoti Trail across Horn Mountain. The 50-mile race covers 50 miles with about 5,171 feet of elevation gain, starting at Porter’s Gap and finishing at Lake Howard, while the 50K foll..

The Chewacla Cha Cha is a trail running event held at Chewacla State Park in Auburn, Alabama. It features scenic single-track trail loops with two distance options: a 5K and a 10K. The race is part of the Southern Singletrack Trail Series and benefits the Valley Rescue Mission.Participants enjoy a c..

The Darter Dash, hosted by the Birmingham Ultra Trail Society and Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, is an annual 5K and 10K trail race held in Pinson, Alabama. Set amidst the scenic Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, the course features moderate elevation and runs alongside the creek, with a short paved sect..

The Conquer the Cave 5K is a unique running event set in the scenic Cathedral Caverns State Park in Woodville, Alabama. Participants will experience a picturesque course that includes a thrilling 0.6-mile stretch through a cave, where they will receive glow sticks and enjoy decorative lighting. The..

October 2025

The Lake Yahou 50K is a trail running event held in Anniston, Alabama, featuring three race distances: 50K, 10 miles, and 5.5 miles. The course consists mainly of runnable, non-technical single-track dirt trails with some rocky and rooty sections, offering a natural but accessible challenge. The 50K..