Mercedes run — image via Mercedes-Benz Marathon Facebook Page

If you’re like me, you’ve got a competitive side. I mean, c’mon, when you live in the home of the reigning College Football National Champions, you have to love a little friendly competition. Why not put that edge to good use? Here’s how you can get active, enjoy some competition, and do good in the Birmingham community.

Red Shoe Run – January 27th, 2018

Okay folks, this one is tomorrow, and if you’ve got nothing to do (or even if you do!), consider coming out to participate in either a 10 mile, 5k, or 1 mile fun run that benefits the Ronald McDonald House! More information can be found here.

Red Shoe Run 2018 — Red Shoe run benefits the Ronald McDonald House – image via www.rmhca.org

Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend – February 9th -11th

Perhaps one of the most well-known runs in Birmingham is the Mercedes Marathon. The run was inspired by a promise made by Paul, a father whose son Matt was born with Down Syndrome and several other birth defects. On the eve of one of Matt’s major heart surgery, Paul looked down out of UAB’s hospital window to see runners in the old Vulcan Marathon. He said to Matt: “You pull through this, Matt, and next year, Daddy will run a marathon for you.”

As Paul trained for this challenge, he turned to Valerie McLean, owner of the Trak Shak running shops, for guidance. Valerie was inspired by Paul and Matt’s story, and eventually began the Mercedes Benz Marathon in 2002. Since then, proceeds from the event have benefitted The Bell Center, where Matt had several critical therapy sessions.

the bell center Walk, run, and bike your way to helping the Birmingham community — The race weekend benefits the Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs – image via www.birmingham365.org

The event will consist of a Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5k Race. There is a relay option for marathon event. If you’re feeling super competitive, this race can qualify you for the Boston Marathon. Registration information can be found here.

Mercedes-Benz Marathon – image via www.mbusi.com

End Heroin BHAM Walk – February 24th, 2018

This event is hosted by the Addiction Prevention Coalition and aims to raise awareness about the effect of opioid addiction in our community. Registration for the event includes a tshirt and a “I am walking for” lanyard. A portion of all proceeds from the event will be used to fund scholarships for substance abuse treatment.

addiction prevention walk — End Heroin BHAM Walk – image via Addiction Prevention Coalition Facebook Page

Magic City Cycliad – March 24th, 2018

If you’re a biking enthusiast (or you might want to try it out), you’ll definitely one to check out this event that benefits the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. The registration fee and fundraising requirements have been waived for this event this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help! You can make a difference by fundraising, donating, volunteering, or spreading awareness about the event.

Ride options include a 10 mile, 30 mile, 64 mile, and 100 mile ride.

You can get more information from the cycliad’s website and register today!

bike ride — Magic City Cycliad 2018 – image via Iron CIty Ink on Twitter

eCO CU Foundation 3rd Annual Charity Trail Run – April 14th, 2018

For all of you nature lovers out there, this one is for you. The eCO CU Foundations is hosting their 3rd annual charity trail run at Red Mountain Park! This race is dog friendly (yay!!!) and will feature cash prizes for the top racers.

There are three race options: a 5K race, a 10K race, and 1 mile fun run.

The eCO Credit Union Foundation aims to provide financial literacy in the Birmingham area to help people get out of debt. They also provide scholarships to students, community and class rom seminars, and financial curriculum for the community!

trail run — eCo Credit Union Foundation Trail Run – image via eCo CU Foundation Facebook Page

BHM 26.2 – April 15th, 2018

A few months ago, Bham Now brought you the announcement from Children’s of Alabama and Magic Moments that a new race was coming to town. Race day is getting close folks. Are you ready?

BHM 26.2 run — BHM 26.2 benefits Magic Moments – image via Magic Moments

I absolutely love the idea behind this race. The marathon course showcases all the best of Birmingham’s top spots. Racers start at Railroad Park and pass by Children’s of Alabama, Alabama, Vulcan Park and Museum, The Birmingham Zoo, Avondale, Sloss Furnace, Uptown, Legion Field, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, and Alabama Theatre before circling back to finish at Railroad Park.

The half marathon course takes place entirely downtown, and gives racers an opportunity to see some of Birmingham’s histroy, as they pass by the Lyric Theater, the Pizitz building, and Rotary Trail.

There will also be a one-mile fun run that is open to all ages (parents must accompany children under 12)! And be sure to check out the after party, featuring food from Jim-N-Nick’s and “The Party of the Year” from the producers of The Black Jacket Symphony !

And the best part of it all is that these fun races benefit a great cause! All proceeds go towards Magic Moments, the only wish-granting organization devoted exclusively to children in Alabama with chronic life-threatening illnesses, as well as the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s of Alabama.

Get more info and register now here.

Birmingham Diabetes Walk for Camp Seale Harris – April 22nd, 2018

This event is a FREE 5k and 1 mile fun run! The purpose behind this run is to raise awarness, connect the diabetes community, and provide an opportunity for kids to attend Camp Seale Harris – Alabama’s only diabetes camp. There will be free music, snacks, a bounce house for kids, diabetes awareness information, and of course, PRIZES for the top racers! The event is free, but you can make a donation or create a fundraising page to help support Camp Seale Harris.