Trail Running Calendar Alabama 2026-2027

Adventure-seekers looking for the best trail running experiences in Alabama should mark their calendars for a variety of events in 2026 and 2027. 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.

Pinhoti 100 is a point to point 100 mile trail race near Sylacauga, Alabama, with 83 miles of single track, varied terrain and a 32 hour cutoff. The route crosses the state high point and finishes at Lake Howard.

5K and 15K trail races at Cathedral Caverns State Park in Woodville Alabama feature a lit cave out and back in the final 1.2 miles. Aid stations are supplied and all finishers receive a shirt and medal.

A backyard ultra at Lake Lurleen where runners complete a 4 mile loop each hour until they stop. Male and female Last Runner Standing titles are awarded and options include a post 12 hour shoot out or a tag team division.

Dizzy Fifties is a looped trail race at Monte Sano State Park offering 50K, 20 mile and 10 mile options. The event features a pavilion aid station, reusable cups, medical support and a 200 runner field cap.

A 24 hour challenge at Oak Mountain State Park where participants run ten 5k races spaced 2.5 hours apart, with required illumination, camping options, five hot meals, an event shirt, and a finisher coffin.

December 2026

Trail races at Oak Mountain State Park around Tranquility Lake, offering 100, 50, 50K and 25K courses with extensive single track and backcountry sections, lake views and frequent aid stations.

A 34 hour timed ultrarun on a 2 mile loop in Valley, AL along the Chattahoochee River. The event supports the town's holiday carousel tradition and includes event shirts, finisher awards, and a 100 mile belt buckle.

Trail races at Monte Sano State Park offering 5 Mile and 10 Mile distances as the opening event of the Winter Wild Thangs Trail Series. Courses feature bluff views, creek crossings and aid stations; the event is cupless and capped at 400 ru..

A three-race winter trail series at Monte Sano State Park offering multiple distance options, aid stations with food and drink, and series rewards including a tri blend shirt, finisher awards and a plaque.

A fifty-kilometer event at John Hunt Running Park on December 31, 2026, listed on the Huntsville Track Club calendar. Registration is not available on race day and the race is part of the Huntsville Slam series.

A New Year’s Eve trail event at Oak Mountain State Park with a 5 mile loop, multiple ultradistance options, oncourse aid and nighttime music including a midnight ball drop and finisher medals and 100 mile buckles.

January 2027

A trail 10K and half marathon at Monte Sano State Park, part of the Winter Wild Thangs Trail Series, with bluff views, creek crossings, aid stations, and a cupless race policy.

February 2027

A lap-based last man standing event at Oak Mountain State Park where runners complete repeated 2-mile loops under a time limit, earn poker chips convertible to cash at milestones, and compete until one runner completes the final solo lap to..

A 50K trail race that finishes at the summit of Cheaha State Park, the highest point in Alabama. The route follows Pinhoti, Skyway and Silent trails through single-track forest, creeks, lakes and waterfalls.

A scenic 5K and 10K at Russell Crossroads on Lake Martin, Alabama, held February 27, 2027, with the 10K reaching viewpoints atop Heaven Hill; proceeds support the Alexander City Schools Education Foundation.

March 2027

McClellan Madness is a timed trail run on a 4.1 mile single track loop in Anniston, Alabama, offering 4 hour and 8 hour formats that lead to 25k and 50k loop totals, with a stocked self serve aid station and a soft event shirt for entrants.

A mountain trail point to point endurance event along the Pinhoti Trail from near Dalton Georgia to Mt. Cheaha covering 202.41 miles with 27,933 feet of elevation gain. The event includes staffed aid stations, sleep tents and a 100 hour cut..

April 2027

Trail races at Oak Mountain State Park near Pelham, AL feature 50K, 25K and a 6 mile course on single track trails with notable climbs, Peavine Falls, aid stations, and park entrance requirements.

A two-day obstacle course event in Tuscaloosa on April 9-10, 2027, with 20+ obstacles including a Marine regulation O-Course. The program includes competitive, open, team, and multiple children's race categories.

A multi-distance event on the Chief Ladiga paved trail in Jacksonville AL offering 100 mile, 50 mile, 50K and half marathon courses, aid stations roughly every 8 miles, and a 32 hour cutoff for the 100 mile race.

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