Explore Alabama’s natural wonders. Register today for The Alabama Beta, the state’s first 48 hour adventure race benefiting local conservation efforts

Birmingham Alabama
Photo of Little River Canyon 2017 – by Pat Byington, Bham Now

Want to explore Alabama’s natural wonders, raise money for a good cause and do it all in one weekend? Register for the upcoming The Alabama Beta September 28-30.

Here is how this special, one of a kind event works.

The Alabama Beta  is a 48-hour adventure race that challenges teams of 2-5 to explore the best of Alabama.

This is not an ironman competition or endurance test of elite athletes. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. You can do this with your kids, family members, a group of friends or even by yourself.

Forever Wild
Family hiking DeSoto State Park which has been expanded by the Forever Wild Program. Photo from Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources/Billy Pope

One thing is guaranteed. You will make memories of a lifetime.

Step by step instructions – how The Alabama Beta works

Want to participate? Here is how it works.

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Railroad Park at sunset. Photo by AirFowl Photography

Register Immediately

Invite your friends and dream up a team name or sign up solo. Registration is $40 per person. T-shirts are not guaranteed for sign-ups after September 16th so register today!

alabama mockup 1 Explore Alabama's natural wonders. Register today for The Alabama Beta, the state's first 48 hour adventure race benefiting local conservation efforts

The schedule

The event, or more appropriately, the party begins on Friday night, September 28 at Cahaba Brewing, where teams will gather to pick up their race packets. Inside, teams will find beta maps and resources for 144 curated challenges across 24 destinations ranging from Birmingham’s “backyard” Railroad Park to the majestic Walls of Jericho in Jackson County.

Here are examples of the challenges (remember there are 144!):

Birmingham
Waterfall at the Walls of Jericho. – photo via alltrails.com
  • Catch the sunrise at a beta location
  • Gather around the Vulcan at Railroad Park
  • Hike up to King’s Chair at Oak Mountain State Park
  • Climb any route on Knob Wall at Cherokee Rock Village
  • Remove a tire from the Cahaba and bring it to Beta HQ
  • Hike down to the waterfall at the Walls of Jericho
  • Climb any route on Grace Wall at Little River Canyon
  • Paddle out onto the Coosa River at a Beta access point

Participants are encouraged to “scout out” their locations in advance. Additional objectives for each challenge will be revealed the week of the event.

Saturday and Sunday Adventures

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Photo via Coosa Riverkeeper Facebook page.

Beginning on Saturday morning, your team can venture out to perform the challenges. As it is described on The Alabama Beta website: “Do the thing.”

Sunday Celebration

The race ends Sunday, September 30, around sundown, at Birmingham Boulders, where winners and prizes will be announced at around 8:00pm (you must be present to win).  It will be a big celebration.

Birmingham, Oak Mountain State Park, fishing in Birmingham
Photo via Oak Mountain State Park.

A good cause

Most importantly, proceeds from the The Alabama Beta will benefit the Black Warrior Riverkeeper, Cahaba Riverkeeper, Coosa Riverkeeper and Southeastern Climbers Coalition.

“Black Warrior Riverkeeper is excited to join Cahaba Riverkeeper and Coosa Riverkeeper for The Alabama Beta, a first of its kind adventure race,” said Charle Scribner, Executive Director of Black Warrior Riverkeeper. “The event not only raises money for local Waterkeeper Alliance organizations but also promotes outdoor recreation, a multi-billion dollar industry for the great state of Alabama.”

Register today

Register today.  Make a difference while enjoying Alabama’s natural wonders.

 

Pat Byington
Pat Byington

Longtime conservationist. Former Executive Director at the Alabama Environmental Council and Wild South. Publisher of the Bama Environmental News for more than 18 years. Career highlights include playing an active role in the creation of Alabama's Forever Wild program, Little River Canyon National Preserve, Dugger Mountain Wilderness, preservation of special places throughout the East through the Wilderness Society and the strengthening (making more stringent) the state of Alabama's cancer risk and mercury standards.

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