Register now for the final Mercedes-Benz Marathon, Feb. 10-12, 2023

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Mercedes-Benz Marathon
Lace ’em up and run. (Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend Events)

It’s the final countdown… after a remarkable 21-years, the Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend holds its final race in Birmingham, February 10-12, 2023. Over the years, the race has been more than just a marathon, uplifting The Bell Center in their mission to provide crucial therapy services to local children and families. Read on to learn why you should sign up to run.

21 years of making an impact

Mercedes-Benz Marathon
Be a superhero to a sweet child. (Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend Events)

After 21 years in Birmingham, the news that 2023 is the final Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend may come as a shock. The race is Alabama’s premier running event and the country’s largest kids marathon, after all. A race series produced by Birmingham Marathon, Inc and led by Valerie McLean Cuddy, owner of The Trak Shak Running Shops, the race weekend has:

  • Attracted more than 200,000 runners
  • Helped local charities raise over $5M
  • Provided more than $60M in direct economic impact for the Greater Birmingham region

Helping The Bell Center

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Even kids can participate in the run. (Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend Events)

The Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend has had a huge impact on its beneficiary, The Bell Center. Founded in 1984, The Bell Center is the first place parents call when learning about their child’s diagnosis of down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, brain injuries, blindness and more than 100 other genetic diagnoses and delays.

During the race’s history, the race has raised $3M for The Bell Center.

“With this being the finale, we want to say how tremendously thankful we are of all the support we have received from Mercedes-Benz US International, the community and countless sponsors throughout our more than two decades in existence.

We hope this year will be the biggest and best race weekend we’ve ever put on and we can’t wait to give participants an incredible experience. We hope the future holds plans for other events to come that will benefit The Bell Center.”

Valerie McLean Cuddy, Founder, Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend of Events

Why should YOU participate in the 2023 Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend?

Copy of KYE 5944 ZF 3639 73428 1 002 Register now for the final Mercedes-Benz Marathon, Feb. 10-12, 2023
Run to make an impact on the lives of local children and families. (Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend Events)

You’ll help a great cause and be part of an unbeatable marathon experience. But that’s not all! When you sign up to be a BellRunner, the most rewarding part is being paired with a child receiving life-changing early intervention therapy at The Bell Center and raising funds in their name.

Here are the races you can take part in during the event:

  • Regions Superhero 5K
  • Mercedes-Benz Marathon (26.2 miles)
  • Mercedes-Benz Half-Marathon (13.1 miles)
  • Mercedes-Benz Marathon Relay
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama Kids Marathon
  • The Bell Center Children’s Run

The 2023 marathon weekend is expected to draw 10,000 runners. Each race begins and ends at Linn Park with courses leading participants through historic downtown Birmingham, UAB’s campus, Five Points South, Highland Park, Avondale and Lakeview. 

Don’t want to run? No worries! Walking is A-okay, and you can also just show up to the event to cheer on the runners! There will be lots of family-friendly, wellness activities, awards ceremonies and even a Jim ’N Nick’s Post Race Block Party throughout the marathon weekend, too, so race participants and spectators will have plenty to do. 

Copy of DSC 3898 ZF 4649 05134 1 028 Register now for the final Mercedes-Benz Marathon, Feb. 10-12, 2023
The reason to run. (Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend Events)

One of the most heartwarming parts of the Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend is The Bell Center Children’s Run on Saturday, February 12 from 10-11AM at Linn Park. 

During the run, children from The Bell Center get their chance to shine by crossing the last 50 feet to the marathon finish line to receive Mercedes-Benz medals. Whether carried, pushed in strollers or walking on their own two feet, race participants and spectators will see first-hand the true reason behind this marathon weekend event.

Event info + race schedule

Mercedes-Benz Marathon
Ready to run? (Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend Events)

Sign up now for one of the races below:

  • Regions SuperHero 5K | Sat, February 11, 8-9:30AM
  • Mercedes Marathon | Sat, February 12, 7AM-1PM
  • Mercedes Half Marathon | Sat, February 12 | 7-11AM
  • Mercedes Marathon 5 Person Adult Relay | Sat, February 12, AM-1PM
  • Mercedes Marathon 5 Person Middle/High School Relay | Sat, February 12, 7AM-1PM

Can’t participate, but still want to show your support? Donations are a great way to help!

For info, updates + more about the Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend, visit the race’s website, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

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