In the latest TVO Notebook, we check on a few upcoming events, race results and find out what’s happening around the region:
One big event coming up is the HAMR Fall Fest biking event at Monte Sano State Park. It’s Oct. 16-19, requires registration and has a slam-jammed agenda of cool events. Also check out the TVO Calendar for more events.
Huntsville Half Marathon
One of the city’s oldest running events, the 47th Huntsville Half Marathon, is Nov. 8 and registration is filling up.
The half is separate from the Rocket City Marathon weekend half. If you need a RCM warmup or want to do both then you have two opportunities. It starts and ends at Hillwood Baptist Church on Kohler Road in south Huntsville. The fast, flat course winds through adjacent neighborhoods.
The race currently has almost 500 runners from 11 states including Texas, Illinois, Maryland, New Hampshire and Florida. It is sponsored by Fleet Feet Huntsville/Madison and presented by the Huntsville Track Club.
Josh Whitehead of Madison won the 2024 half, his ninth, and set a state age record. Melissa Miller of Huntsville won the women’s title.
Find out more here about the event and registration.
Tiny Toes 5K Results
Nathaniel Pierce won the Tiny Toes 5K on Oct. 4 in downtown Huntsville with a time of 17:09.
Michael Loutzenheizer was second in 17:45, and Phillip Traylor third in 18:15.
Mallory Schmidt won the women’s division in 22:11. She was 21st overall. Joy St. John was second in 22:59, and Hannah Smith third in 23:07.
Michael Niederhausen took Men’s Masters honors in 18:25, and Teresa Berlin won the Women’s Masters in 23:15.
The event had 271 official finishers. See all of the Tiny Toes 5K results here.
Run Into 2026 5K
If hard partying and a morning headache isn’t your thing, or isn’t anymore, the Run Into 2026 5K to kick off the new year might be a better option.
About 150 folks showed up at Fleet Feet in Jones Valley on Dec. 31 for the inaugural event. Three loops in the empty Valley Bend Shopping Center parking lot were just about perfect. There was no traffic and aside from the boomy fireworks echoing through the valley, it was a cool, comfortable and fun event.
The course is flat, so no issues with hills. It’s also well-lighted, and post-run goodies will be available. Then you can head home to snooze before waking up for a day of football games and noshing. Or more snoozing.
Go here for more info and registration.
Rocket City Marathon Update
As of Oct. 9, more than 3,300 runners are registered for the Rocket City Marathon and its four sister events Dec. 11-14 in Huntsville.
Registration continues to climb for the marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K and 1-mile runs. The first two are on Sunday, Dec. 14, and the 10K, 5K and 1-mile are on Dec. 13. All will start and end at the Von Braun Center. The weekend kicks off on Friday at the VBC with the race expo and bib pickup.
Registration has surpassed the 2023 numbers and is close to the 2024 tally. Race officials anticipate selling out several distances. A new marathon and half-marathon course are expected to be revealed soon following months of planning, consultation and finalization.
Future dates for the RCM Weekend are Dec. 11-13 in 2026, Dec. 10-12 in 2027 and Dec. 8-10 in 2028.
For registration and race info click here.
Huntsville Pub Run Inflatable Fun
If you’re downtown Wednesday evening around Big Spring Park, don’t be shocked to see dinosaurs, monsters, cartoon characters and other waddling gigantos on the streets.
It’s just the annual Huntsville Pub Run inflatable 1-mile fun run, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Hampton Inn & Suites on Clinton Avenue. That’s across from the VBC and by the parking deck. Yes, arrive early to park for free in the deck, inflate your whatever and get ready to jaunt-run-walk-waddle for a mile.
For those wanting more miles, opt for the 3- or 5-mile routes. Turn directions will be available for all events.
Dozens of runners will be decked out in a variety of inflatable costumes. Last year’s event included a few T-Rex dinos, unicorns, ducks, dragons, a chicken and more. Post-event festivities will be at Launchpad 39B in the hotel (bring money if you plan to eat or drink).
See more here on the Huntsville Pub Run Facebook page.
