Death by 5k Oak Mountain

Death by 5k Oak Mountain

Death by 5k is a 24 hour challenge hosted at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama. The event requires participants to complete ten separate 5k races, with each 5k starting 2.5 hours after the previous one. Participants must be present at the start of each 5k and finish each 5k before the next one begins. Running in the dark is part of the challenge, so a headlamp, hand light, or other illumination is required.

The course starts and finishes near the Dogwood Pavilion at the South Trailhead and follows the Lake Trail onto Rattlesnake Ridge in a counterclockwise loop back to the start. Camping options include sleeping in vehicles in the parking lot or tent camping in a grass camping field across the road. Tent sites are first come first served, cost $20 per night, and allow up to four people per site; truck campers and camper vans may park in the lot using a single parking space. Tent campers must complete park camping paperwork at the park entrance. Parking lot overnight stays do not carry a separate camping fee.

Five hot meals are provided during the event along with snacks and drinks. Participants receive an event shirt and finishers receive a custom made coffin. Registration is initially limited to 200 participants with a waitlist used if spots fill. An entry fee to Oak Mountain applies unless covered by a season pass or a campsite fee. The registration fee is $165. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.