Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Meet 2 runners who are defying limits in KultureCity’s Birmingham Race on Nov. 21—how to join them
Reading time: 6 minutes
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Lace up those running shoes, Birmingham—it’s almost time for the third annual KultureCity Birmingham Race! Held on Saturday, November 21, 2026, the sensory inclusive running event supports KultureCity’s mission of sensory accessibility and inclusion for individuals with invisible disabilities.
To learn more about the Birmingham Race and its impact, we spoke with Alie Gorrie and Jack Knight—two Birmingham runners who aren’t letting their disabilities keep them from crossing the finish line.
What is KultureCity’s Birmingham Race?
Launched in 2024, the KultureCity Birmingham Race is an annual inclusive running event that supports KultureCity—a leading nonprofit dedicated to promoting sensory inclusion and accessibility for people with sensory sensitivities, including autism, PTSD and dementia.
Held on the third weekend of November, the Birmingham Race consists of three running events:
- A chip-timed Half Marathon | 7:30AM start | $95 + fees
- A chip-timed 5K | 8AM start | $55 + fees
- A one-mile Fun Run Dash | 8:10AM start | $35 + fees
- A virtual option for runners who can’t make it on race day | $35 + fees
Designed to be fully sensory-accessible, the Birmingham Race will be staffed with trained personnel and volunteers throughout the course to provide immediate onsite support to anyone experiencing sensory overstimulation.
- What: KultureCity Birmingham Race presented by HADRIAN
- When: Saturday, November 21
- Where: Powell Steam Plant (home to the future National Accessibility Park) | 1830 Powell Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35233
Meet 2 runners participating in the KultureCity Birmingham Race
Alie Gorrie
Birmingham-born Alie Gorrie is an actor, arts educator, podcast host and disability advocate running KultureCity’s Birmingham Race. Alie—who has lived with low vision her entire life—has been a longtime supporter of KultureCity’s work.
“One thing I love about KultureCity is that it supports people with invisible disabilities like myself. When I see a place that is KultureCity certified, I know that the staff there are trained on how to interact with people with all kinds of disabilities.”
Alie Gorrie
Although Alie is a practiced distance runner, she chose to participate in the 5K event at the Birmingham Race. That’s because three weeks earlier, she will be running her first-ever marathon on behalf of KultureCity at the 2026 New York City Marathon.
“I still wanted to support an organization I love so much, even though my body will still be recovering from being run into the ground. Luckily, I’ve got a big team—Bee’s Kees—running with me, so I can still have fun and run to support KultureCity.”
Alie Gorrie
Whether she’s running a marathon in New York City or a 5K in Birmingham, Alie sees every mile as an opportunity to brag about KultureCity.
“I would encourage anyone to participate in the race and learn about the work of KultureCity! When you’re running for something bigger than yourself, it’s easier to keep going. Join a team, run together and help support KultureCity so it can continue doing its important work!”
Alie Gorrie
Want to join in on all the fun? Visit KultureCity’s website to learn more about the Birmingham Race and sign up.
Jack Knight
For Jack Knight and his mom, Diane, running has been a place where Jack can simply become part of the crowd. Jack—who is autistic and non-speaking—has been running for seven years with Diane, his trainer Kevin Burke and a group of supportive runners known as “Jack’s Pack.”
Over the years, Jack and his running crew have completed 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and marathons, including several benefitting KultureCity. However, his running journey hasn’t been without obstacles.
“After one marathon, we discovered that Jack had been running on a broken foot—he has a very high pain threshold! Then, he started experiencing seizures; shortly thereafter, he was diagnosed with a tumor and a lesion on his brain. That scared the bejesus out of me, so we took a break from running.”
Diane Knight
But after stepping away from running for about a year and a half, Diane decided they couldn’t let fear keep them from doing something that had brought them so much joy. When she learned the KultureCity Birmingham Race was returning this year, she signed them up and began working with Jack to get back on the road.
“During those moments we were running, no one saw Jack as autistic. No one saw Jack as anything other than this kid who just wants to be like everybody else. That’s why KultureCity’s work is so powerful, and that’s why Jack and I found the courage to lace back up our gym shoes and start trying again.”
Diane Knight
And while this year’s 5K may be a smaller distance than some of the races Jack has run before, Diane says the goal is the same: keep moving forward, one foot at a time.
“Whether it’s the Half Marathon or the One-Mile Fun Run Dash, you’ve gotta do it. Run it, walk it, skip it, dance it—you just have to believe in yourself. Believe that you can make the nevers possible.”
Diane Knight
How can you participate in KultureCity’s Birmingham Race?
Whether you’re a seasoned runner, first-time participant, looking for a way to volunteer or just want to be present to cheer on your neighbors, there are plenty of ways to support KultureCity during the Birmingham Race.
Ready to get involved? Sign up for the KultureCity Birmingham Race or click here to learn more about the 2026 Birmingham Race and volunteer opportunities.
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