Lace up those running shoes, Birmingham—a new race series is coming to the state this year. The organizers of the BHM26.2 are launching the brand-new Alabama Race Series, kicking off with the Cookie Fix Cookie Crusher VH5K on Saturday, April 19, 2025.

Introducing The Alabama Race Series

Over the past eight years, the BHM26.2—Alabama’s only fully charitable marathon, held at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex—has grown a reputation as one of the premier races in the Southeast.

Now, BHM26.2 organizers Shelley Langham and Anna Martin are hoping to build on that success by launching The Alabama Race Series, a set of shorter distance running events across Alabama.

“The BHM26.2 Race in October is truly one of the most fun weekends of the year, so our primary goal with the creation of The Alabama Race Series was to be able to provide more opportunities for the community to come together, all across the state of Alabama, to support the incredible cause of Magic Moments, promote an active lifestyle through running opportunities, and support the local businesses.”
Shelley Langham, co-founder, The Alabama Race Series

100% of profits from The Alabama Race Series will benefit Magic Moments, a Birmingham-based nonprofit that grants non-medical “magical moments” to children facing chronic life-threatening or acute life-altering conditions.

The Alabama Race Series kicks off on April 19

The first event in The Alabama Race Series—the Cookie Fix Cookie Crusher VH5K—kicks off on Saturday, April 19 in Vestavia Hills’ Heights Village.

“The Cookie Fix Cookie Crusher VH5K is a really fun way to introduce these smaller scale events across the state.

Yes, expanding to new cities is our goal and it’s coming. But no better place to start this series than in our own backyard with the businesses and communities that have supported our vision from the very beginning of BHM26.2.

The goal for these shorter distance races is to be more inviting to anyone who wants to be a part of them. You don’t have to be a ‘runner’ to come complete the 5K and get a finish line cookie!”
Anna Martin, co-founder, The Alabama Race Series

The Cookie Fix Cookie Crusher will also include a Kids 200-Yard Dash, a fun way for young racers to experience the excitement of race day. In the coming years, The Alabama Race Series hopes to add events in cities across Alabama like Huntsville, Auburn and Tuscaloosa. Visit www.alabamaraceseries.com to learn more and register.

Planning to attend the Cookie Fix Cookie Crusher in April? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!