Reviewed by: Gabby Gervais
Register now for the final Mercedes-Benz Marathon, Feb. 10-12, 2023
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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
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
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?
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.
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
- What: Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend of Events – Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, The Bell Center Children’s Run, Regions Superhero 5K and Kids Marathon
- When: Friday, February 10-Sunday, February 12 | Times vary by race + activity
- Where:
- Races: Linn Park, 710 20th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Expo and After Party: Boutwell Auditorium, 1930 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35203
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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