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.

Muddy Crudd's Ultra Trail Party is an exciting running event taking place along the scenic banks of the Chattahoochee River in Valley, AL. This year marks the third edition of the event, featuring timed challenges such as 12-hour and 6-hour races for those looking to push their limits, as well as a..

The "Run to the MAX" for Mental Health is a 5k trail run and fun walk taking place at Noccalula Falls Black Creek Trails in Gadsden, Alabama, on May 10, 2025. This event aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and support the nonprofit organization MAXimizing Mental Health, Inc., which pr..

The Smoke Rise Trail Run takes place at Blevins Gap Land Trust in Huntsville, Alabama, offering a scenic trail running experience along Green Mountain. The event features three distances: a half marathon (two loops), a 10K, and a 5K, catering to both new and experienced trail runners. The race empha..

The Do It In The Bush 5K is a trail running event organized by the Port City Pacers, taking place at Medal of Honor (Cottage Hill) Park in Mobile, Alabama. This event supports the Port City Pacers Scholarship Fund and features a cross-country course designed for participants of all ages. Awards are..

The Race to the Tower Trail Run, taking place in Oneonta, AL, offers a thrilling challenge for runners of all levels on May 17, 2025. Participants can choose from various distances: 5K, 10K, 15K, and 20K, with the unique option to climb a tower for a finisher's medal. The course features a mix of pa..

The Memorial Day Trail Run is a trail running event held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama. Participants can choose between a 6-mile or 12-mile race, with awards for top finishers and age groups. The event features packet pickup on the day before and race day m..

June 2025

The Race to the Lake is a 10-mile trail running event held at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama. Organized by BUTS, the race features a challenging course with significant elevation gain, traversing some of the best single-track trails in Alabama. The course includes steep climbs, technical..

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 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..

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..

Delirium is an exciting running event taking place in Anniston, AL, featuring two distances: a challenging 32K and a 15K. Participants will navigate four distinct trails, each requiring runners to check in at various checkpoints and collect colored wristbands to confirm completion. The 32K course in..

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 annually on July 4th at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama. Celebrating the area's rich moonshine history from the Prohibition era, the race features a challenging course that culminates with a climb to King's Chair, offering runners a st..

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 race held at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama, featuring 9 and 18-mile trail courses. Participants will navigate a rugged terrain that includes climbs to the top of Double Oak Mountain and descents into Peavine Gorge, with added elements of hea..

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 nighttime 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 course consists of..

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 is the fifth event in the Southeastern Trail Series, held at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama. It features 20-mile and 10-mile trail races known for their challenging courses and hot weather conditions. Runners must carry water at all times during the..