Top 25 Races in Alabama

Blast off at the Rocket City Marathon in Huntsville, Alabama—where 45+ years of running heritage meets America's space exploration legacy. Run past the U.S. Space & Rocket Center and experience the legendary Saturn V rocket flyover as you chase a Boston qualifier on this famously fast, flat course. The space-themed finish line celebration makes this 3,000-runner event an unforgettable journey through Rocket City.

The Cotton Row Run is a storied 10K held every Memorial Day morning in Huntsville, Alabama, featuring a moving living memorial flag raising by Fire & Rescue that honors fallen soldiers. This iconic race, now in its 46th year, draws approximately 3,500 runners annually who come to run alongside a meaningful patriotic tribute while supporting families of fallen soldiers. Perfect for runners seeking a race that combines competitive spirit with heartfelt commemoration on one of the South's premier Memorial Day traditions.

Experience Birmingham's premier winter marathon where you'll run past iconic landmarks and through 5 vibrant neighborhoods, all starting and ending at the legendary Vulcan statue. BHM26.2 offers Alabama's only fully looped marathon course with themed aid stations and an electric community atmosphere, capped off with a post-race festival at Railroad Park. This is the perfect race for runners seeking a unique Southern marathon experience with 2,000 fellow runners in 2025.

Run through over four decades of Southern tradition at the Azalea Trail Run 10K in Mobile, Alabama. This historic race winds through oak-lined streets and serves as the RRCA State 10K Championship, drawing 800 runners to a celebration rivaling Mardi Gras in scale and spirit. Whether you're chasing a PR or seeking that perfect blend of competitive racing and Southern hospitality, this 47-year tradition delivers an unforgettable race experience.

Run along Alabama's stunning Gulf Coast on the Big Beach Marathon, where sugar-white sands meet turquoise waters for an unforgettable finish. This flat, fast Boston-qualifier course winds through Gulf State Park trails and Beach Boulevard, offering breathtaking ocean views in a late-January setting that draws 1,500 runners seeking both speed and scenery.

Run through the heart of college football country on this scenic half marathon that passes legendary Alabama football landmarks including Bryant Denny Stadium and the iconic Denny Chimes clock tower. With rolling hills along the Black Warrior River and the energetic atmosphere of The Strip, this event showcases why Tuscaloosa hosts West Alabama's largest running event. Whether you're chasing a personal best or soaking in Crimson Tide territory, this race delivers an unforgettable Southern running experience.

Experience the ultimate half marathon finish at the War Eagle Run Fest—run through Auburn's historic campus and cross the legendary Jordan-Hare Stadium 50-yard line like a champion. This 1,000-runner event captures the spirit of Auburn with a post-race tailgate celebration that makes it perfect for runners seeking college football glory.

Run Alabama's Gulf Coast where the sand meets the finish line at this beach party marathon. As a USATF-certified Boston qualifier, this February race offers perfect running temps (46-66°F) followed by the ultimate celebration—two drink tickets, live music, and a post-race party right on the sand. Whether you're chasing a PR or your first marathon, this beach destination delivers sunshine, community, and serious fun.

Run the Mobile Marathon along Alabama's stunning Gulf Coast and discover why 1,500 runners made it their 2025 goal race. This pancake-flat coastal course showcases Historic downtown, bay views, and festive Mardi Gras-themed aid stations serving up live jazz between miles. It's where Southern hospitality meets world-class running on one of the most charming courses in the South.

This 10k in Birmingham, AL has been running for over 50 years, making it a established tradition in the AL running scene. It's a solid choice for runners of all levels looking for a 10k in the Birmingham, AL area.

Conquer Alabama's most demanding mountain marathon across Monte Sano Nature Preserve's rugged single-track trails. With a grueling 3,323 ft elevation gain featuring the legendary "Stairway to Heaven" climb, this race tests even the most seasoned trail runners. Limited to 250 participants, the Wade Mountain Marathon offers an exclusive, unforgettable challenge for those seeking true mountain running in the Heart of Dixie.

The Mt. Cheaha 50K is the flagship event of the Pinhoti Trail Series, taking runners on a challenging point-to-point journey to Alabama's highest point at 2,407 feet above sea level. This iconic race has been pushing trail runners to their limits for over 21 years with stunning creek crossings, beautiful waterfalls, and unforgettable ridge running. Whether you're chasing an ultra finish or your first 50K, the Mt. Cheaha 50K delivers an epic Alabama backcountry adventure.

The Lake Martin 100 is one of the Southeast's most breathtaking ultra marathons, taking runners along the pristine shoreline of Alabama's largest lake. Choose from 100, 50, or 27-mile distances through stunning landscapes with exceptional aid stations. Perfect for experienced ultra runners seeking a beautiful spring challenge in April.

The Blood Rock 100 Mile is a legendary ultra endurance event held each December in the rugged terrain of Oak Mountain State Park, Alabama, known as one of the hardest 100-mile races in the eastern United States. This brutal challenge draws elite ultrarunners seeking to test their limits on technical trails, steep climbs, and relentless terrain. With 100, 50, 55K, and 25K distance options, it's the ultimate December endurance test for serious trail runners.

The Railway Marathon takes runners on an unforgettable point-to-point journey through Birmingham's urban renaissance, tracing the scenic Kiwanis Trail along converted railroad corridors. This unique race showcases the city's industrial transformation, passing historic train depots and greenways that tell the story of rail history reborn. Perfect for runners seeking a marathon with character, community spirit, and a connection to Alabama's transportation heritage.

Experience Alabama's capital like never before at the Montgomery Half Marathon, where you'll start your journey at the beautiful Riverfront Park with stunning views of the Alabama River. This well-organized race offers a perfect blend of scenic urban landscapes and riverside beauty, finishing right at Riverfront Stadium. Ideal for runners seeking a smaller, community-focused event with big-city charm and competitive energy.

Run Alabama's coastal trails the Saturday after Thanksgiving on the stunning Gulf State Park Backcountry Trail. This beloved regional tradition draws 1,000 runners to Gulf Shores each year for cool fall weather, spectacular scenery, and family-friendly vibes with 5K and 1-mile options. Perfect for runners seeking a post-holiday escape that combines scenic beauty with small-town community charm.

This half marathon in Huntsville, AL, organized by Huntsville Track Club, the half-marathon complement to alabama's best-known city marathon.. It's a solid choice for runners of all levels looking for a marathon in the Huntsville, AL area.

Lace up for Birmingham's biggest St. Patrick's Day celebration at the St. Patty's Day Southside 5K! Run through the festive Southside neighborhood while supporting Children's of Alabama, then join the city's legendary post-race party. Whether you're chasing a PR or just want to wear your green with pride, this 1,000-runner strong event is the ultimate way to celebrate the holiday.

Tackle Alabama's largest lake in this perfect early-season ultra, where cooler March temperatures give you the ideal conditions to run 50K or 50 Miles before summer heat arrives. The stunning Russell Lands course showcases breathtaking lake scenery that makes every mile memorable. Whether you're chasing a personal best or your first ultra finish, this Southeastern gem delivers an unforgettable race experience.

Run America's first circle road at the Dothan Running Festival Half Marathon in Alabama. The historic Ross Clark Circle route showcases Dothan—known as the Peanut Capital of the World—offering runners a unique blend of challenge and Southern charm. Perfect for half marathoners seeking a distinctive course with strong community support and authentic local flavor.

The Endless Mile in Alabaster, Alabama, is the ultimate test of human endurance where runners choose their own challenge from 6 to 72 hours and see how far mind and body can take them. Held at scenic Veterans Park each October, this Southeastern Trail Runs event attracts dedicated ultra runners seeking to push beyond traditional race distances. Whether you conquer 6 hours or survive all 72, the Endless Mile isn't just a race—it's a personal battle against your own limits.

Join hundreds of runners at the UAB Veterans Day 5K in Birmingham, Alabama, a meaningful race that honors military veterans while supporting UAB veteran and dependent student programs. Held near the nation's oldest Veterans Day parade route, this community-focused event offers a scenic course through historic Birmingham perfect for runners of all levels who want to celebrate Veterans Day with purpose and patriotism.

Conquer the Southeast's most ambitious ultra challenge — a point-to-point journey from Georgia to Alabama's highest peak at Cheaha Mountain. The Southern States 200/100 offers experienced ultrarunners an extraordinary test of endurance with a remarkable 86% finish rate, making this bucket-list adventure accessible despite its extreme distance. Perfect for those seeking to push their limits east of the Rockies.

Run from Birmingham's iconic Vulcan statue to a Statue of Liberty replica on this historic 33+ year tradition. The gentle downhill course winds through Mountain Brook's most scenic neighborhoods for the first 6 miles, making it perfect for goal-seekers and history buffs alike. This isn't just a race—it's a journey through Alabama's most storied running institution.