With both the Magic City Marathon and Mercedes Marathon coming to an end in 2023, many local runners began to lose hope for the future of races in Birmingham. Recently, a new marathon was announced—the Railway Marathon and Half Marathon presented by CraneWorks will take place February 3, 2024.

Marathons are a huge economic benefit for the city

When: Saturday, February 3, 2024
Where: <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/eF5GydeYux4ZDsiP6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">777 Yarbrough Rd, Fultondale, AL 35068

As we reported in November, the Magic City Marathon scheduled for November 18 was canceled and organizers announced that 2023 would be the final Magic City half marathon. The end of the Magic City Marathon and Mercedes Marathon for 2024 were a huge economic loss for the city.

While marathons may not seem very lucrative for the economy, many runners travel from around the country to participate in races. Runners often bring friends and family for support, stay in local hotels, eat at local restaurants and participate in numerous fundraisers for the race.

About the 2024 Railway Marathon

Jefferson County’s newest race will begin and end at Black Creek Park in Fultondale, race director Jeremey Davis told WBRC. Runners will race on the Five Mile Creek Greenway and have the option between a marathon, half marathon, 50K, 5K or kids fun run.

For die-hard runners, the Railway Marathon will also be a qualifying marathon for larger races like the Boston Marathon.