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 Conquer the Cave 5K is a unique running event set in the scenic Cathedral Caverns State Park in Woodville, Alabama. Participants will experience a picturesque course that includes a thrilling 0.6-mile stretch through a cave, where they will receive glow sticks and enjoy decorative lighting. The..

October 2025

Lake Yahou 50K is an exciting trail running event taking place in Anniston, Alabama, featuring three race distances: 50K, 10 miles, and 5.5 miles. The trails are primarily non-technical, single-track dirt, making them accessible for both new and experienced runners. Participants can expect a scenic..

The Wade Mountain Marathon is a premier trail running event held in Huntsville, Alabama, featuring a marathon, half marathon, and 10K options. Set against the backdrop of stunning fall foliage, participants can enjoy the scenic trails while experiencing perfect autumn temperatures. The event emphasi..

The Endless Mile is a unique running event taking place at Veteran's Park in Alabaster, Alabama, from October 23 to 26, 2025. Participants can challenge themselves in various time categories, including 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours, as well as marathon and 50K distances. The course is a certified, fla..

November 2025

The Kettlebell Kountdown is a unique running event taking place at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama. This competition challenges participants to complete a one-mile loop while carrying a 20-pound kettlebell, with specific time limits for each lap that decrease as the event progresses. Runn..

The Pinhoti 100, taking place in Sylacauga, AL, is a premier 100-mile trail running event and a qualifier for the Western States 2026. This point-to-point race starts in Heflin, AL, and features a challenging course that includes 83 miles of single track, 17 miles of jeep road, and 2 miles of paveme..

The XTERRA Appalachian Trail Fest, taking place on November 8, 2025, in Pelham, Alabama, offers an exciting blend of endurance racing and outdoor celebration. Participants can choose between a Full Distance 35K and a Half Distance 15K trail run, both qualifying for the XTERRA World Championship. The..

The Standing Boy Trail Festival, taking place in Columbus, GA, features a variety of running events including a 50K, 10 Miler, and 5 Miler, all set on the beautifully designed trails of Standing Boy. The course consists of a 5-mile loop around the park's perimeter, with participants in the 50K compl..

The Cathedral Caverns Trail Run, taking place at Cathedral Caverns State Park in Woodville, AL, features both 5K and 15K races designed for runners of all experience levels. The scenic course includes a unique segment that runs through a cave, providing a memorable experience. Participants will rece..

Death by 5k Oak Mountain is a unique 24-hour running challenge held at Oak Mountain State Park. Participants must complete ten 5k runs, each starting 2.5 hours apart, testing their mental and physical endurance through fatigue and sleep deprivation. The course features a scenic loop starting on the..

December 2025

The Blood Rock 100 is an exciting trail running event held at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama. Scheduled for December 5, 2025, it features multiple race distances, including the 100-mile, 50-mile, 50K, and 25K, all utilizing the scenic Belcher Tract. Participants will experience beautiful..

The Frozen Yeti is the inaugural race of the Winter Wild Thangs Trail Series, taking place in Monte Sano State Park, Huntsville, AL. Scheduled for December 20, 2025, participants can choose between a 5-mile or 10-mile trail run. This event is designed for both novice and experienced runners, featuri..

The Recover From The Holidays 50K is an annual running event organized by the Huntsville Track Club, designed to help participants shake off the holiday indulgences and kickstart their fitness goals for the new year. This challenging trail run takes place at John Hunt Running Park, offering a scenic..

January 2026

The Frozen Trash Panda is a running event taking place in Huntsville, AL, as part of the Winter Wild Thangs Trail Series. Participants can choose between a 10K and a half marathon, both set in the scenic Monte Sano State Park. This event is designed for runners of all experience levels, featuring be..

February 2026

The Russell Forest Run is a popular running event held at Russell Crossroads in Lake Martin, Alabama, featuring both 10K and 5K races. Set against a scenic backdrop, the course includes a mix of sand, clay, and gravel roads, designed for runners and cyclists. The event not only promotes fitness but..

March 2026

McClellan Madness is an exciting trail running event taking place at the historic Fort McClellan in Anniston, Alabama. Participants can choose between 4-hour and 8-hour races on a scenic 4.1-mile loop trail, featuring a manageable elevation gain. The event emphasizes community and support, with a fu..

The Southern States 200 is a unique endurance event featuring the only known point-to-point 200-mile mountain trail race east of the Rockies. Set along the scenic Pinhoti Trail, the race spans from near Dalton, Georgia, to the summit of Mt. Cheaha, Alabama's highest point, with a total elevation gai..