Huntsville has earned the Runner Friendly Community distinction from the Road Runners Club of America, becoming one of two cities in Alabama to do so.
Mica Anderson, president of the Huntsville Track Club, and the HTC executive board submitted the application to the RRCA on behalf of the club and City of Huntsville. The national RRCA Runner Friendly Community program recognizes communities that excel in supporting runners, promote active lifestyles, enhance livability and deliver lasting social and economic benefits.
Huntsville and Anchorage, Alaska, were selected by the RRCA in its current winter period. The 5-year designation may be renewed in 2031. Huntsville and Anniston are the only cities in Alabama with the Runner Friendly Community designation.
“This is very exciting for the city to be selected,” Anderson said. “it is particularly exciting for me personally, as this was my big, long-term goal I had in mind when I first decided to run for HTC President. I am so happy that we were able to accomplish it before the end of my term.”
Anderson, the first woman elected president in the club’s 55-year history, is stepping down as president when her term ends January 27. That’s when the Huntsville Track Club will have its annual membership business meeting. Members in attendance meeting required criteria will vote for a new president and other executive board seats. Currently, the two known candidates running for president are Suzanne Swift and Dink Taylor, both of Huntsville.
Huntsville: Strong Attributes
The RRCA noted Huntsville’s strong running community, numerous events, and various places to run on roads and trails within and near the city.
Huntsville is recognized for its growing runner-friendly infrastructure and strong community engagement, supported by a long-term vision for connected trails, parks, and complete streets. The city’s Greenway Master Plan envisions approximately 312 miles of interconnected greenways, with 73 miles currently in place, including routes along Aldridge Creek, Indian Creek, Flint River, and Big Cove Creek. All are connected to nearly 65 parks and more than 3,000 acres of park land with runner-supportive amenities. The Huntsville Track Club (HTC), active since 1971, anchors the local running community by organizing 24 races and events annually, including Rocket City Marathon Race Weekend. Additionally, championship-caliber facilities like the John Hunt Cross Country Course / Running Park provide high-quality training and racing opportunities. Close collaboration among HTC, Huntsville Parks & Recreation, Police, Fire & Rescue, and the city’s Special Events Office ensures safe, well-supported races and community runs throughout the year.
RCCA criteria for its selections “include exceptional community infrastructure and strong support from local businesses and government. These communities boast pedestrian-friendly networks of sidewalks, multi-use trails, shared lanes, and other amenities that make running safe and accessible. They also demonstrate collaboration between public and private organizations to promote running as a sport and a healthy activity.”
Anchorage? Yes!
Anchorage might be a suprise to some, but the city is lovely in summer and provides ample opportunity for runners to enjoy stretching their legs.
Anchorage is the state’s largest city, with about 386,300 people in its metropolitan area, and in land mass at 1,706 square miles. That also makes it the fourth-largest city in the United States. The RRCA noted that even in winter, runners can hit the trails to safely enjoy the outdoors.
Anchorage exemplifies what it means to be a Runner Friendly Community, offering year-round access to an expansive, well-maintained trail system that supports running in every season. The Municipality of Anchorage maintains more than 120 miles of paved multi-use trails and an additional 200 miles of connecting park and greenbelt trails, providing runners with safe and scenic route options, including popular destinations like the well-lit Ship Creek Trail and Kincaid Park, which features 35–40 miles of paved and unpaved trails and year-round amenities such as restrooms, water, and warming areas.
Consistent support from the Parks & Recreation Department and Public Works teams—including snow removal and lighting—combined with safety efforts from the Anchorage Police Department, Parks & Recreation staff, and volunteer groups like Trail Watch, helps ensure a safe running environment. A strong local running culture, supported by organizations such as the Anchorage Running Club, Girls on the Run, the Anchorage School District, and local businesses like Skinny Raven Sports, along with more than 1,300 volunteers supporting annual events, reflects how deeply running is woven into Anchorage’s community identity.
The next Huntsville Track Club events are the Winter Winds road races on February 8, UAH 8K on March 1 and Rocket Run 10-miler on March 21. Each will be certified, offering runners a chance to set state age records.
