In The Heat Of The Night

Event overview

In the Heat of the Night is a trail running event near Anniston, AL, at Frog Pond Overlook (GPS 33.714045, -85.6643037). The course is a loop on maintained dirt and gravel forest roads within Talladega Forest and adjacent to the Pinhoti Trail. The direction of the loop alternates by year: even years run counter clockwise and odd years run clockwise. This event included Alabama’s first 100k trail race.

Distances and course details

• 10k - out-and-back up a roughly 3.1 mile climb; total elevation gain 596 ft; cutoff 4 hours.
• 25k - one loop; total elevation gain about 1,980 ft; cutoff 6 hours.
• 50k - two loops; total elevation gain about 3,950 ft; cutoff 10 hours.
• 100k - four loops; total elevation gain about 7,920 ft; cutoff 18 hours.

Support, awards, and logistics

There are three fully stocked aid stations, including warm food at night, plus one water-only station; the water station is passed twice per loop. This is a cupless event. Each registrant receives a t-shirt (order deadline July 13). Finishers who complete their registered distance receive a handmade amulet. Handmade awards are given to the top three females and males of each distance as they finish. 100k finishers receive a BOCO Trucker hat with registration; other distances may purchase a hat at packet pickup. Packet pickup is held on race day at the start.

Registration is limited to 200 spots, with no waitlist. There are no refunds, deferrals, or transfers; in the event of a forest fire or natural disaster, registration may be deferred to the next year. A single preview run is planned on a Saturday in June or July; an email will announce the date. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.