Registration is open for the 2022 Cotton Row Run on Memorial Day, a decades-old tradition in Huntsville and one of the Southeast’s best events.
The 10K and 5K runs will be held May 30. The start/finish lines will be on Church Street, with runners winding through downtown, the Blossomwood neighborhood, past the historic Huntsville Cemetery, up the infamous Mountain Wood hill (Rocky music!), down Bankhead Parkway into Five Points and through downtown to finish by Big Spring Park.
The Cotton Row Run is one of the most popular and fun races in the city. It started in 1980. It attracts runners from multiple states including collegiate standouts. The 10K route is challenging enough to give runners a bit of a test yet still enjoyable. Mountain Wood for first-timers is an experience. One great aspect is how many people come out to cheer on the runners, especially in Five Points. Another is the Avenue of Flags presented in memory of those who served and gave their life in service.
The amount of support post-race also makes this event a winner. If you’re thirsty or hungry and go away without something, that’s on you. There will be plenty of water, fruit, pizza, coffee, ice cream and probably some other cool snacks. The assistance from a great group of sponsors helps make the day better, too.
I’ve run the Cotton Row 10K seven times and always enjoy it. There’s a great vibe. Everyone’s happy to be there. There’s a great mix of runners. You have quiet folks and chatty Cathys. Folks looking for a PR grinding hard and others having fun being out for a spring morning. It’s solid event top to bottom.
Bill Penney Toyota is back as the presenting sponsor this year, and will host late registration and packet pickup May 29 at its showroom on University Drive. Fleet Feet, The Orthopaedic Center and other exhibitors will have displays and sales. Packet pickup is from 1-6 p.m.
There is no race day registration.
On race day, May 30, the schedule is:
- 6-8:30 am – Late Packet Pickup
- 6:40 am – 10K Opening Ceremonies
- 7 am – 10K Race Start
- 8:40 am – 5K Opening Ceremonies
- Car Giveaway via drawing
- 9 am – 5K Race Start
- 9:10 am – Awards for 10K Race
- 9:50 am – 1 Mile Fun Run Opening Ceremonies
- 10 am – 1 Mile Fun Run Start
- 10:15 am – Awards for 5K Race
The 10K and 5K race courses are record eligible and certified by USATF #’s AL19031JE & AL19032JE.
