Trail Running Calendar Alabama 2024-2025

Adventure-seekers looking for the best trail running experiences in Alabama should mark their calendars for a variety of events in 2024 and 2025. 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 Fountain City 5 is an exciting running event taking place in Columbus, GA, featuring multiple race distances including 5K, 10K, 15K, 25K, and 50K, all on the same scenic 5K loop. Participants will enjoy a picturesque route along the Columbus Riverwalk, showcasing the city's vibrant atmosphere an..

The Blood Rock 100 is a premier trail running event held at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama. Participants can choose from multiple race distances, including 100 miles, 50 miles, 55K, and 25K, all starting and ending at the Redbud Pavilion. The event features a scenic course approved for u..

The RunningLane Cross Country Championships is a premier event scheduled for December 7, 2024, in Huntsville, Alabama. This championship offers a unique opportunity for athletes to compete without the need for prior qualification at regional meets. Participants can run on one of the fastest 5k cross..

The Small Town Christmas 34Hr event takes place in Valley, AL, and is a unique ultrarunning experience designed to support a local holiday tradition. Participants will run a 2-mile loop along the scenic Chattahoochee River, with the goal of completing 100 miles within a 34-hour timeframe. This donat..

The Winter Wild Thangs Trail Series is an exciting new trail running event taking place in the scenic mountains of Huntsville, AL. Designed for both novice and experienced runners, the series features three races with varying distances, including 5-mile, 10-mile, 10K, half marathon, 15K, and 30K opt..

The Frozen Yeti is the inaugural race of the Winter Wild Thangs Trail Series, taking place in Monte Sano State Park, Huntsville, AL. Participants can choose between a 5-mile or 10-mile trail run, designed for both novice and experienced runners. The series aims to provide a competitive yet enjoyable..

The "Recover From The Holidays 50K" is an annual running event organized by the Huntsville Track Club, taking place on New Year's Eve. This low-frills, budget-friendly race features a 50K distance, consisting of ten 3.1-mile loops on rolling cross-country grass trails. Participants have an 8-hour cu..

The Run Undead Ultra Trail Party is a unique running event held at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, AL, designed for trail runners in the southeast. Scheduled for New Year's Eve, participants can choose from various distances, including 25K, 50K, 50 miles, 100K, and 100 miles, all featuring a flat..

January 2025

The Frozen Trash Panda is the second race in the Winter Wild Thangs Trail Series, taking place in Monte Sano State Park, Huntsville, AL. This event features a 10K and a half marathon, catering to both novice and experienced trail runners. Participants can enjoy scenic views, creek crossings, and var..

The Frozen Goat is the third race in the Winter Wild Thangs Trail Series, taking place in the scenic Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville, AL. Participants can choose from three distances: 30K, 15K, and a 4-mile race. This event is designed for both novice and experienced trail runners, offering a co..

The Mountain Mist is a renowned 50K trail run held annually at Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville, Alabama. Celebrating its 31st year, this event showcases the rugged beauty of North Alabama's trails, featuring rocky paths, creek crossings, and significant elevation changes, including the challengi..

The Huntsville Slam is an annual endurance challenge organized by the Huntsville Track Club, taking place in Huntsville, AL. 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 must reg..

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 Columbus, GA, featuring both Short and Long Distance series. This series includes four races throughout the year, designed to promote trail running and showcase local parks. Participants can choose between the Short Series (5K to..

February 2025

The Ultra Donut Dash is an exciting 5k trail run taking place at Oak Mountain State Park in Birmingham, AL. 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 navigating a 3-mile loop with nearly ..

Eagle Ridge is a running event held at Guntersville State Park in Alabama, featuring a 50K, half marathon, and 5K. The park, known for its stunning scenery and extensive trail system, offers a spectator-friendly course with multiple access points. Participants can enjoy a long sleeve race shirt and ..

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 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 and includes scenic routes over sand, clay, and gravel roads, starting and finishing at Russell Crossroads. Participants can enjoy a pos..

The Mount Cheaha 50K is an annual ultra-marathon event held in Delta, Alabama, featuring a scenic point-to-point trail run that culminates at the summit of Cheaha Mountain, the highest point in Alabama at 2,407 feet. Participants will traverse approximately 80% of the course on beautiful single-trac..

March 2025

McClellan Madness is a unique running event held at the historic Fort McClellan in Anniston, Alabama. Participants can choose between 4-hour and 8-hour races on a scenic 4-mile loop trail, which features a manageable elevation gain. The event emphasizes community and sustainability, with a portion o..