Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Red Shoe Run: Rockin’ 5K set for April 11 downtown + how to get $10 off [CODE]
Reading time: 4 minutes
Sponsored
Pull on your silliest socks, tutus and running shoes for downtown Birmingham’s most whimsical and fun race, the Red Shoe Run: Rockin’ 5K presented by McDonald’s for Ronald McDonald House Alabama. The event is set for Saturday, April 11.
Bham Now is a proud sponsor of the race in support of the House, where families from throughout Alabama and beyond receive respite when their sick or injured children receive care at nearby hospitals.
Read on to learn about why one local family commits to this race every year, why you should, too + 🤩 EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: The first 50 folks to register for the Red Shoe Run + use our code BHAMNOW will get $10 off!
Why the race matters: One family’s story
Stan and Audrey Ball of McCalla have built one of the Red Shoe Run’s top fundraising groups, Team Dino Mighty. The name comes from a dinosaur craft a nurse made for them using the tiny footprint of their child Finn, who has been receiving care at UAB Women & Infants Center since his arrival in November 2025, weighing one pound and 13 ounces.
During these months, Finn’s family has found an oasis at the Ronald McDonald House Family Room at UAB—a dedicated area with a kitchen, snacks and even a few private spaces to rest or shower.
The connection to the House spans two generations for the Balls. When Stan was 5, his newborn sister was med-flighted to Children’s. Tragically, she lived only five days, and Stan remembers the warmth his family experienced as guests of Ronald McDonald House during that time.
Team Dino Mighty grew out of the Balls’ gratitude and desire to support the House’s mission to serve families in similar situations.
Details, how to register + DISCOUNT CODE
(Ronald McDonald House Alabama) 
(Ronald McDonald House Alabama) 
(Ronald McDonald House Alabama) 
(Ronald McDonald House Alabama) 
(Ronald McDonald House Alabama) 
(Ronald McDonald House Alabama) 
(Ronald McDonald House Alabama) 
(Ronald McDonald House Alabama) 
(Ronald McDonald House Alabama) 
(Ronald McDonald House Alabama) 
(Ronald McDonald House Alabama) 
(Ronald McDonald House Alabama)
SLIDESHOW: Use the arrows to see just some of the fun during last year’s Red Shoe Run: Rockin’ 5K.
- What: 2026 Red Shoe Run: Rockin’ 5K
- Where: Ronald McDonald House Alabama, 1700 4th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
- When: Saturday, April 11, 7AM-11AM
- What you’ll do:
- Register NOW to run or walk two course options: 5K or 1 mile, or choose the “Snoozer” option (no attendance required).
- Gather pledges to support your effort to help Ronald McDonald House Alabama.
- Wear rock ‘n’ roll-themed costumes + vie for the best-dressed prize.
- Enjoy the vibes, music, block party + award presentations.
🤩 EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: The first 50 folks to register + use our code BHAMNOW will get $10 off!
Join a support squad
Beyond race participants, organizers can use more folks to help out, too! Here are a couple of opportunities + how to sign up:
📣 Cheer stations: Set good vibes + give water to help runners keep their pace.
🚧 Set up: Help mark the course + arrange the space.
👉 Fill out this form to volunteer!
Save the date for a whole day of fun
By the way, have you seen the local calendar full of fun all day on April 11?
After the race, you can head over to Avondale Brewing for the annual Funky Fish Fry, to Cahaba Brewing for CahabaQue, to Festa Italiana at Sloss Furnaces or the Birmingham Barons versus the Chattanooga Lookouts at Regions Field.
We’ll see you downtown that morning to start the day at the Red Shoe Run: Rockin’ 5K! Visit RonaldMcDonaldHouseAL.org for more info.
Sponsored by:
