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 Huntsville Slam is an annual endurance challenge organized by the Huntsville Track Club, taking place in Huntsville, Alabama. Participants must complete four specific races: two 50k trail races on Monte Sano, one 50k cross-country race, and one road marathon. To qualify for the Slam, runners mus..

Mountain Mist is a renowned 50K trail run held annually in Monte Sano State Park, Huntsville, Alabama. Celebrating its 31st year, this event showcases the rugged beauty of the park with rocky trails, steep climbs, and scenic views. Participants navigate through challenging terrain, including creek c..

The Southern Freeze 50/50 is an exciting urban running event taking place along the picturesque Riverwalks of Columbus, GA, and Phenix City, AL. Participants can choose from various race options, including the Freeze and Fry combo, which allows runners to compete in both winter and summer races for ..

The Southern Singletrack Trail Series is a trail running event held in west central Georgia and east Alabama, featuring a series of four races designed to promote trail running in the community. Participants can choose between a Short Series and a Long Series, with races ranging from 5K to a half ma..

February 2025

The White Plains Chocolate 5K is a trail running event taking place in the scenic hills of Anniston, Alabama, organized by the White Plains Track Booster Club. Scheduled for February 8, 2025, the race welcomes both runners and walkers, featuring electronic timing and a certified course. Proceeds fro..

The Ultra Donut Dash is an exciting 5k trail run taking place at Oak Mountain State Park in Birmingham, AL. Scheduled for February 8, 2025, this unique event challenges participants to consume three donuts throughout the race—one at the start, one at the turnaround, and one at the finish—while navig..

Eagle Ridge is an exciting running event taking place at Guntersville State Park, Alabama, featuring a 50K, half marathon, and 5K race. Set against the stunning backdrop of over 6,000 acres of parkland, participants can enjoy scenic trails and multiple spectator-friendly access points. The event pro..

The ANC Critter Crawl 5K and Yeti Dash, hosted by the Alabama Nature Center, is set for February 15, 2025, in Millbrook, Alabama. This unique event features a 5K trail run that benefits the center's educational programs, taking participants through a scenic 5-mile trail system. Additionally, the Yet..

The Dueling Banjos 10K will take place in Huntsville on Saturday 15 February 2025. You can run between 5 and 10 kilometers.

The Tuscaloosa Marines 5K Memorial Run is an annual event held on the third Saturday in February at the Sokol Park Cross Country Course in Northport, Alabama. Sponsored by the Mike Spann Detachment of the Marine Corps League, this cross-country run honors the service and sacrifice of Marines. Partic..

The Mount Cheaha 50K is an annual ultra-marathon event held 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 within the..

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, offering a scenic route through the beautiful Russell Forest. Participants will enjoy a festive atmosp..

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 includes a self-serve aid station stocked with..

Delano Park is set to host a unique running event on March 8, 2025, 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 in Decatur, Alabama, which is flat and partially tree-lined, providing a scenic backdr..

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 Blue Heron Hundreds is a premier running event taking place at the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Mooresville, Alabama, featuring races of 100 miles, 100K, 40 miles, and a marathon. Scheduled for March 29-30, 2025, this event not only showcases the scenic beauty of the refuge, home to diver..

The Beaver Trail 5K in Montgomery, AL, is set to take place at Lagoon Park’s Pete Peterson Lodge. This event invites participants to enjoy a scenic run along the beautiful Lagoon Park Trails, a popular outdoor area. After the race, runners can look forward to complimentary refreshments and an awards..