10 running races you don’t want to miss this spring
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The Mercedes-Benz Marathon will be kicking off the 2019 running season in Birmingham this Saturday, Feb. 9. It *might* be too late to start training for that one, but here are 10 other Birmingham races to set your sights on for 2019. Sign up and lace up your running shoes, it’s time to hit the pavement!
Warmer weather is around the corner. Why not set a few goals to get you motivated on your fitness journey? From wine to superheroes, we’ve compiled a list of the Birmingham metro’s top running races for 2019.
Mercedes-Benz Marathon
What: Kicking off our list is the upcoming Birmingham Mercedes-Benz marathon. It is by far the most anticipated running event of the year here in Birmingham.
Distances: Marathon, half-marathon, five person marathon relay
When: February 10
Where: Downtown Birmingham
Cost: $105-$275
How to register: Mercedes Marathon website.
Check out the official map for the Mercedes Marathon.
Regions Superhero Race
This race is the kickoff to the big Mercedes Marathon and allows the whole family to participate!
What: Regions Superhero Race
Distance: 5k
When: Saturday, February 9th
Where: Downtown Birmingham—Linn Park
Cost: $35
How to register: Mercedes Marathon website.
Steeple to Steeple Run
What: Presented by United Methodist Children’s Home, the Steeple to Steeple chip-timed race takes runners through the historic streets of Homewood. Both races start and finish at Seeds in West Homewood.
Distances: 5k and 10k
When: Saturday, February 23
Where: Homewood, Alabama
Cost: $20 -$55
How to register: Sign up through Run Signup
Birmingham Wine 10k
What: This run is sponsored by LuLuLemon and features a beautiful course through Homewood. Fun fact: This year, 2014 Boston Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi will be running in the race!
Distances: 10k
When: Saturday, March 2
Where: Starting line located at Patriot Park inHomewood, Alabama
Cost: $55
How to register: Visit the Wine 10k Run Sign-up
Village 2 Village
What: This popular race hosted saw 1,000 runners last year through the scenic Mountain Brook. This year, runners will enjoy a finisher’s medal, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and mimosas at the finish line.
Distances: 10k and 7.5k
When: Saturday, March 9th
Where: Mountain Brook
Cost:$50
How to register: Sign up at the Run Sign Up.
Paws 4 the Cause
What: Shelby Humane Society is holding this run to help raise funds for the 5k animals they save each year. The race will be dog friendly off road cross-country race.
Distances: Off-road 5k and 1 mile “obstacle” course run
When: March 9th
Where: Veteran’s Park in Hoover, Alabama
Cost: $30
How to register: Sign up through their race website.
Tour De Brewers
What: Tour de Brewers really delivers on the “fun” part of fun run! This year, the run will take you by Birmingham’s top breweries such asAvondale Brewing Company, Back Forty Birmingham, Birmingham District Brewing, Cahaba Brewing Company, Ghost Train Brewing, Good People Brewing Company, Hop City Birmingham (hosting Intergalactic Ginger Beer), and TrimTab Brewing Company.
Distance: 11k
When: Saturday, March 16
Where: Starting line at Tin Roof Birmingham
Cost:$30
How to register: Visit the Tour De Brewers Run Sign Up.
Power Run
What: The Power Run will benefit the YMCS’s youth development program.
Distances: 5k and half mile fun run
When: Saturday, March 23
Where: Veteran’s Park in Hoover, Alabama
Cost: $10-$35
How to register: Visit the Power Run website.
Rumpshaker Run
What: The Rumpshaker 5k has a funny name, but a serious cause benefiting colorectal cancer awareness. The 11th annual event takes place at Regions Field and winds through gorgeous southside streets.
Distances: 5k and 1 mile fun run
When: Saturday, March 23
Where: Regions Field in Birmingham
Cost: $18-$28.50
How to register: Sign up at the Rumpshaker website
Running for the Bulls
What: Join the Bama Bully Rescue for the first annual Running For The Bulls. This trail run in beautiful Red Mountain Park is dog friendly and benefits the Bama Bully Rescue.
Distances: 5k and 1 mile fun run
When: Saturday, March 30
Where: Red Mountain Park in Birmingham
Cost:$25
How to register: Visit the Running for the Bulls website to sign up.
BHM26.2
What: Presented by Medical Properties Trust, the BHM26.2 race series will benefit Magic Moments and Children’s of Alabama. Each race will start and finish at scenic Railroad Park, where more than 2,500 runners are expected to participate in the second annual BHM26.2 event. The new course takes participants past multiple iconic Birmingham landmarks with no repeats or loops – making BHM26.2 the only non-looping Birmingham marathon.
Distances: Marathon, half marathon, marathon relay and fun run
When: Sunday, April 14
Where:Railroad Park – 1600 1st Ave. S.
Cost: From $25 for the fun run to $260 for the five person marathon relay team
How to register: Visit the BHM26.2 website to sign up
What races are you running this spring? Be sure to tag us on social @Bhamnow with your race photos!
