7 cause-worthy runs to participate in this November and December in Birmingham, including The Great Amazing Race

Birmingham, Noojin and White Race to the Courthouse
Are you ready to race? Photo via Noojin and White Race to the Courthouse

Are you looking to get active while supporting a good cause? Then sign up for one of these cause-worthy runs happening this Nov. and Dec. in Birmingham.

November 2018 Runs

Blow Away 5K

When: Sat., Nov. 10
Where: Trussville Mall. 225 Parkway Drive, Trussville, AL 35173
Registration Fees: 5K Run/Walk – $40; 1 Mile Fun Run – $10; Phantom Runner – I just want the T-shirt – $30
Run Times: 5K Run/Walk – 8am; 1 Mile Fun Run – $9am
Register

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Support Cystic Fibrosis during the Blow Away 5K in Trussville. Photo via Alabama Friends of Cystic Fibrosis

Dedicated to raising awareness and funding research for cystic fibrosis, the Blow Away 5K was created by three local families living with Cystic Fibrosis who decided they wanted to do more to find a cure.

Since its start in 2010, the race has continued to by leaps and bounds each year, drawing in more and more people who want to help support the cause.

During the Blow Away 5K, you’ll venture along a 3.1 miles certified flat race course through downtown Trussville.

Birmingham, Trussville, Cystic Fibrosis. Blow Away 5K
The Blow Away 5K in Trussville happens Nov. 10 in Trussville. Photo via Alabama Friends of Cystic Fibrosis

This year, the run will have:

  • Digital race timing (5K Run/Walk)
  • Cash prizes (for the overall top three male/female winners)
  • Door prizes

5K at The Junction

When: Sat., Nov. 10
Where: Ensley Health Club. 200 Avenue D, Birmingham, AL 35218
Registration Fees: 5K Run/Walk – $35; 1 Mile Fun Run – $20
Run Times: 5K Run/Walk – 8am; 1 Mile Fun Run – 9:30am
Register

Birmingham, 5K at The Junction, Birmingham 5K, 5K runs
For a one-of-a-kind racing experience, join the 5K at The Junction in Birmingham. Photo via 5K at The Junction

Are you ready for a one-of-a-kind racing experience? Then take part in 5K at The Junction. This annual event benefits the Sole and Socks Campaign, which helps provide shoes for Jesse’s Place and The Jimmie Hale Mission.

This event is perfect for a novice runner/walker looking to achieve a fitness goal. It is also family-friendly so bring your whole crew out to support a great cause!

HOPE Run 5K

When: Nov. 17
Where: King’s Home. Chelsea, AL
Registration Fees: NONE
Run Times: 5K – 8am; Awards Ceremony – 9am
Register

Birmingham, HOPE Run 5K, Birmingham 5K, 5k runs, King's Home
Photo via HOPE Run 5K

Join in on a brisk morning race benefitting King’s Home—a 501c3 nonprofit charity that provides hope and healing to abused youth, women and children in AL.

After the race there will be lots to do, including:

  • Inflatables
  • Fishing rodeo with Randy Howell
  • Live music
  • Hayrides
  • And more!

Be sure to register ASAP because the first 150 registrants get an event T-shirt!

Top Golf Magic City Half Marathon and 5K

When: Sun., Nov. 18
Where: Region’s Field
Registration Fees: Half Marathon – $95; 5K – $45; 1 Mile – $15
Run Times: Half Marathon – 8:00am; 5K – 8:10am; 1 Mile – 8:30am
Register

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Are you ready to race the Magic City? Photo via Magic City Half Marathon

Race the Magic City in the Top Golf Magic City Half Marathon and 5K. Who does it

Benefitting the Ruben Studdard Foundation for the Advancement of Children in the Music Arts, the race takes you through the heart of downtown Birmingham around Region’s Field. (During the final stretch of the race, you’ll actually venture onto the field behind home plate before hitting the finish line!)

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Finish the Top Golf Magic City Half Marathon and 5K on Region’s Field. Photo via Magic City Marathon and 5K

Starting out as a small local running event eight years ago, the race has drawn such a crowd that it is now AL’s premier fall running event. In 2017, an astounding 2,000 racers participated in the event!

This year, event highlights include:

  • Unique race t-shirts
  • Post-race craft beer
  • One of the best finisher medals in Birmingham

December 2018 Races

Noojin & White Race to the Courthouse

When: Sat., Dec. 1
Where: Railroad Park. 1700 1st Ave S., Birmingham, AL US 35233
Registration Fees: 
$40 (Now-Nov. 30); $45 (Race Day)
Run Time: 9am
Register 

Birmingham, Noojin and White Race to the Courthouse, Birmingham runs, YMCA of Greater Birmingham, YMCA
Who’s ready to run? Photo via Noojin and White Race to the Courthouse

I’m sure you know about the YMCA of Greater Birmingham. Well, now you can help strengthen the community and create a healthier Birmingham by participating in the Y’s 31st annual Noojin and White Race to the Courthouse.

Proceeds from the race fund the Y’s financial assistance program, which provides financial scholarships to families and individuals who otherwise would not be able to benefit from the Y’s membership, programs and services.

Birmingham, Noojin and White Race to the Courthouse, Birmingham runs, YMCA of Greater Birmingham
30th annual Noojin and White Race to the Courthouse benefitting the YMCA of Greater Birmingham. Photo via Noojin and White Race to the Courthouse

There will be lots of individual and team awards given to:

  • Top overall male/female runner
  • Fastest Community Team
  • Fasted Lawyer Team
  • Fastest YMCA Branch Team
  • Largest Team

This year’s race will end with a Post-Race Bash at Good People Brewing company.

The Great Amazing Race Birmingham

When: Sat., Dec. 1
Where: Red Mountain Park. 2011 Frankfurt Dr., Birmingham, AL 35211
Registration Fees: 

  • GAR#1: Entry for Two Person Team – $49.99
  • ​GAR#2: Entry for Two Person Team + 2 T-Shirts:  $69.99
  • GAR#3: Entry for Two Person Team + 2 Finisher Medals:  $69.99​
  • GAR#4: Entry for Two Person Team  + 2 T-Shirts + 2 Finisher Medals:  $84.99

Run Time: 2pm
Ages: 4-84
Register

Birmingham, The Great Amazing Race
Teamwork is key in The Great Amazing Race Birmingham. Photo via The Great Amazing Race

Are you looking for an exciting family-friendly adventure race? You can have it while supporting Pediatric Cancer and 30-Minute-A-Day Academic Initiative during The Great Amazing Race Birmingham. Modeled after the popular TV show “The Amazing Race”, teams of two will race to complete a variety of fun physical challenges at multiple stops along the course.

This race is all about team work. Be prepared to get a little dirty and wet!

Jingle Bell Run

When: Sat., Dec. 8
Where: Railroad Park. 1600 1st Ave S., Birmingham, AL 35233
Registration Fees:

  • 5K Chipped Timed:  $40 – Now-Nov. 30; $45 – Dec. 1-8;
  • 5K Not Chip Timed: $35 – Now-Nov. 30; $40 – Dec. 1-8
  • 1 Mile Fun Run: $35 – Now-Dec. 8
  • Jingle in Your Jammies: $30 – Now-Dec. 8
  • Santa Chase: $25 – Now-Dec. 8
  • VIP: $75 – Now-Nov. 14 (earns you extra registration swag: express packet pickup, express gear check, unique performance wear Jingle Bell Run Event shirt, limited edition Jingle Bell Run swag)

Run Times: 5K Run/Walk – 9am; 1 Mile Fun Run – 10am; Santa Chase – 10:25am
Register

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Get festive during the Jingle Bell Run in Birmingham this December. Photo via Jingle Bell Run

It’s time to get decked out and festive for the longest-running holiday-themed 5K race series—the Jingle Bell Run. So throw on some antlers or dress as the Grinch and help raise awareness and funds for the Arthritis Foundation.

Through your support, the arthritis community will gain access to tools and resources to better manage their disease and the opportunity to connect with others who are fighting the disease.

Kids 12 and under can participate in the run, too, when signing up for the Santa Dash—a 100-yard dash! Those who participate will receive a Jingle Bell Run event long-sleeved T-shirt.

Are there other races happening in Birmingham during Nov. and Dec.? Let us know what we missed!

Patience Itson
Patience Itson
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