Registration for the 46th annual Cotton Row Runs is the highest in several years going into the final days before the iconic Memorial Day races.
As of midday Tuesday, more than 3,360 were registered for the 10K, 5K and 1-mile races. That includes more than 1,650 for the 10K, 1,180 for the 5K, 258 for both and 273 for the 1-mile. Runners have the option to do all three.
“To me, Cotton Row is the Huntsville running community’s yearly reunion,” said Brian Carter, president of the Huntsville Track Club. “Over its nearly 50-year span, it’s established itself as the thing to do for runners on Memorial Day. I look forward to Cotton Row every year because I get a chance to see so many people whose only race every year is at Cotton Row.”
Online registration is closed. In-person registration will be available from 1-5 p.m. Sunday at the race expo and bib pickup at Bill Penney Toyota on University Drive. There is no race-day registration. Bibs may be picked up Monday before the race, starting at 6:15 a.m. on Church Street by Big Spring Park.
The Cotton Row 10K begins at 7 a.m. and winds through Twickenham, Blossomwood, by Maple Hill Cemetery and up Mountainwood Drive. After that little hill, runners hit Mile 4 bombing down Bankhead Parkway into downtown. After a few blocks through Old Town and along west Courthouse Square, they pass the stirring memorial of flags honoring fallen soldiers. Then it’s a little downhill sprint back to the finish line on Church Street.
“Cotton Row is an iconic road race marking the beginning of summer in North Alabama,” Carter said. “From the heat and humidity to the Rocky theme song as you struggle up Mountainwood, Cotton Row can always be counted on to deliver year-in and year-out. Whether runners show up for the patriotism and the flag line, or they’re looking for the community camaraderie, Cotton Row means something different to all of us.”
Huntsville native Ryan Ford sped to the 10K title in 29:04 last year. Ford is a graduate of Westminster Christian Academy and among the Top 100 distance runners in the world. He posted a 2:05:46 in April to finish 12th overall at the Boston Marathon. That was his personal best for the marathon. Ford also was sixth in the Houston Half Marathon with a 59:48.
In the thrilling 5K race, 14-year-old Ethan Reyes of Shelbyville, Tenn., clipped Josh Whitehead of Madison by 14 seconds. Reyes crossed in 16 minutes; Whitehead, then 46, finished in 16:14. Kaden Pease, 15, of Spring Hill, Tenn., was third in 16:20.
Dolla Dolla Bills, Y’all
Along with being a cool holiday event, $20,000 is awarded in prize and incentive bonus payouts for certain benchmarks in the 10K race.
- Male and Female Open – 1st $1,200, 2nd $600, 3rd $500, 4th $400, 5th $300, 6th $200, 7th $100
- Male and Female Masters (40+) – 1st $600, 2nd $400, 3rd $300, 4th $200, 5th $100
- Male and Female Grandmasters (50+) – 1st $300, 2nd $200, 3rd $100
- Male and Female Alabama Resident – 1st $500
Race records set in four categories also can earn cash awards. Current records are:
- Open Male: Linus Kiplagat, 2018, 28:39
- Open Female: Catherine Syokau Mwan, 2019, 32:51
- Master Male: Andrew Masai, 2000, 29:38
- Master Female: Ramilia Burangulova, 2003, 33:34
Awards are presented for age group winners, as well. Cash prize winners are subject to drug testing.
Bill Penney Toyota is the presenting sponsor for the Cotton Row Runs.
VOLUNTEERS: If you’re interested in volunteering or have a group that needs community service hours, multiple possibilities still exist for pre-race and race day. Check out the possibilities here and register.
