10 running races you don’t want to miss this spring

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The Mercedez-Benz marathon kicking off race season in 2018. (Photo via Mercedes-Benz Marathon Facebook)

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.

Screen Shot 2019 01 28 at 4.45.23 AM 10 running races you don't want to miss this spring
Photo courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Marathon

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.  

BEll baby 10 running races you don't want to miss this spring
Photo courtesy Mercedes-Benz 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.

Birmingham, Birmingham Trak Shak, Hollywood Bridge, BTC Saturday Social, Hollywood Bridge Fundraiser
A run through Homewood with Jen Grob Jackson. Photo via Birmingham Track Club’s Facebook page

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

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Wine, running and Lululemon? Yes, yes and yaaaas! (Photo via Wine 10k Facebook)

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

Birmingham, Alabama, Newcomers' guide to Birmingham, Mountain Brook
A nice run through the beautiful Mountain Brook villages? Sign us up! Photo by Terri Robertson for Bham Now

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.

Birmingham, Greater Birmingham Humane Society, Trinity Steel, economic redevelopment, Titusville
Do it for the puppies and kitties. Photo via Greater Birmingham Humane Society’s Facebook page.

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.

Birmingham Alabama
Will run 4 beer.

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.

Birmingham
Power through at the Power Run in Hoovwe

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.

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Shake your rump across the finish line at Regions Field at the Rumpshaker 5k. (Photo via Rumpshaker 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

Bulldog and Kitten
Run for the bulldogs at the Running for the Bulls 5k!

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.

bhm262 10 running races you don't want to miss this spring
Fresh views: BHM26.2 is Birmingham’s ONLY non-looping marathon. (Photo submitted)

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!

Christine Hull
Christine Hull
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