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 Running Retreat at Oak Mountain State Park, scheduled for April 4-6, 2025, offers an immersive experience for runners of all levels amidst Alabama's scenic trails. Participants can choose from five different runs, ranging from 5 miles to 50K, and enjoy a variety of activities including a running..

The Etowah County School Foundation Student Scholarship 5K Run/Walk is an exciting event scheduled for April 5, 2025, at Noccalula Falls in Gadsden, Alabama. This trail run features a scenic gravel path, making it suitable for both runners and walkers. Participants will navigate the clearly marked N..

The RDM Trail Race, taking place in Trussville, AL, offers participants a choice of three distances: 10 miles, 5 miles, and 5K. The course features a scenic single-track trail through the Appalachian foothills, with a mix of technical terrain, elevation changes, and beautiful scenery. Runners, rucke..

The Glenwood Trail Run is an annual event taking place on a scenic 363-acre campus in Birmingham, Alabama, aimed at promoting Autism Acceptance. Participants can choose from a 5K Trail Run, a 1K Fun Walk, or simply register for a t-shirt. The event features various trails and fun activities at the f..

The Lake Martin 100 is an exciting trail running event taking place in Alexander City, Alabama, featuring three race distances: 100 miles, 50 miles, and 27 miles. Designed to help runners transition from shorter distances to ultra-marathons, the course consists of 75% single track and minimal paved..

The Running for the Bulls 5K and Fun Run is a family-friendly event organized by Bama Bully Rescue, taking place at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama. This annual event, which has been running since 2008, aims to raise funds for the rescue of pit bull-type dogs from local shelters. Particip..

The Chief Ladiga 100 is an annual trail running event held in Jacksonville, Alabama, 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, fores..

The Dueling Banjos 5K & 10K is a unique running event taking place in Huntsville, AL, featuring a challenging uphill 5K trail race followed by a fast downhill 10K. Participants must register for both races to receive a bib, as the event aims to test runners' endurance and speed across rugged terrain..

The Devils Race Track Backyard Ultra is an exciting running event set in the scenic Wade Mountain Preserve in Huntsville, Alabama. This unique race format challenges participants to complete a 4.167-mile loop within one hour, with the race starting anew at the top of each hour. Runners must remain i..

The Tranquility Trail Run, part of the Southeastern Trail Series, features 3-mile and 6-mile races set in the scenic Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, AL. The event is designed for both beginner and experienced runners, with the 3-mile course consisting of a single loop around Tranquility Lake, whi..

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 gradually increasing in length and difficulty, cu..

Lost Falls is an exciting running event taking place at Desoto State Park in Fort Payne, Alabama, featuring a 10K and a Half Marathon. Set in a stunning 3,500+ acre park with over 30 miles of scenic trails, participants can enjoy breathtaking views of waterfalls and creek crossings. The race emphasi..

The Rockin Choccolocco 50K and Half Marathon is an exciting annual running event taking place on April 26, 2025, in Heflin, Alabama. Participants can choose from a 50K ultra-marathon, a half marathon, a 10K, or a Kids Fun Run, all set against the scenic backdrop of the Pinhoti Trail. The courses fea..

May 2025

The Run for Kids Challenge is a fundraising event held at Oak Mountain State Park, designed to support Smile-A-Mile, an organization dedicated to helping families affected by childhood cancer. This event features a 12-hour challenge and a 10K race, with participants completing a scenic 3.4-mile loop..

The Noccalula Falls Spring Trail Run, set in the scenic Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden, Alabama, features two main events: a 5-mile run and a half marathon. The course meanders through beautiful wooded trails, offering participants views of the surrounding landscape and highlights the new Black Cre..

The Smoke Rise Trail Run, taking place at Blevins Gap Land Trust in Huntsville, AL, features a scenic course designed for both novice and experienced trail runners. Participants can choose from three distances: a Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K. The event emphasizes sustainability by being a "cupless rac..

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..

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, alongside a 5..

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 four 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 park..

The Do It In The Bush 5K is a trail running event organized by the Port City Pacers, taking place at Medal of Honor Park in Mobile, Alabama. This event supports the Port City Pacers Scholarship Fund and features a cross-country course through scenic trails. Participants can compete for various award..