The area’s newest marathon takes place this weekend, one of several upcoming events to benefit a charity or organization that helps others in need.
The River City Micro Marathon, 10K, 5K and Marathon Relay starts at 8 a.m. at Point Mallard Park in Decatur. It is the city’s first marathon, a bit surprising given the long history of running in the River City. The catch? It’s not a 26.2-mile track, but a loop within Point Mallard Park.
Don’t cringe. One, it’s flat and fast and USATF-certified. You could post a qualifing time for Boston, New York or other bigger events. Two, being within the park is safer than skeedaddling around the city. And, third, if it’s not your day then you’re closer to your vehicle.
The marathon has a 6-hour time limit, and a cutoff for anyone not through halfway by the 3-hour mark, or 11 a.m. Net proceeds go to help the Decatur High School Track and Field team.
Lock These In, Too
If your calendar is open and you want to help a good cause, or two, a pair of fun 5K races coming up in Huntsville should be on your radar.
First is the Mardi Gras 5K, which starts downtown at Cajun Steamer at Twickenham Station. It’s a fun layout, usually with some fast winners, and proceeds benefit the Blount Hospitality House. If you do the annual Rudolph Run in December, that race benefits the Blount house, as well.
Second for your radar is the annual Free2Teach Paper Chase 5K, set for February 28 at Twickenham. The familiar course will take runners by the courthouse, through town and parts of Old Huntsville, and back to the finish. Proceeds benefit the area’s public school teachers and children with free supplies through Free 2 Teach. Register here for this one.
Be sure to check the TVO Calendar for more events with charitable donations.
Final Shot at Spine
Martin Schneekloth of Huntsville is set to take on the Winter Spine race this weekend along the Pennine Way in England and Scotland.
This will be his final shot at the winter race, he said.
“I’ve done the full one in summer of 2023 and attempted the winter in 2025, (but had an) early injury DNF,” Schneekloth told TVO via message from England. “This will be my final go at this event. No excuses, I am under trained and dealing with a small foot issue. But this event is a week of problem solving. I believe I’m up to it.”
Participants will face challenging weather and terrain this weekend. They’ll follow the Pennine Way, including through Northumberland, Yorkshire Dales and Peak District national parks. Among the potential course diversion advisories from race officials: deep water crossings, obstructive cattle, wet-muddy fields in winter, severe wind gusts in passes, river flooding or heavy ice. The diversions never have been used, officials say, but are planned for extreme situations.
Veteran photographer Pete Schreiner of Huntsville tackled the summer Spine in 2022.
