PNC Bank is the new title sponsor of the 50th Rocket City Marathon Race Weekend, which will help fund a new Kids Care Ambulance for specialized pediatric emergency transport in North Alabama.
The race weekend is Dec. 11-13, with an expected record 6,500 athletes participating. It is put on by the Huntsville Track Club. It consists of the marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K and kids’ races and expo, all based at the Von Braun Center. The new relationship with PNC Bank aligns one of the Southeast’s premier endurance events with one of the nation’s leading financial institutions.
“For 50 years, the Rocket City Marathon has brought people together through fitness, perseverance and a shared pride in North Alabama,” said Nick Willis, PNC regional president for North & Central Alabama. “At PNC, we know that lasting success is built through consistency, preparation and showing up for the communities we serve year after year. That’s why we’re honored to support the Huntsville Track Club as it celebrates this milestone anniversary and continues creating meaningful impact across the region.”
The Huntsville Track Club has organized the Rocket City Marathon since 1976. It is a nationally recognized destination race that showcases the spirit, innovation and hospitality of Huntsville. In 2025, more than 5,500 athletes representing 48 states and five countries participated in the race weekend. They generated an estimated $5.1 million in economic impact through lodging, dining, retail and tourism.
More Than a Number
The marathon route takes runners through Old Town, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville Botanical Garden and through Big Spring Park. It finishes in the VBC South Hall, where a raucous crowd, music and post-race recovery zone await. The first marathon, 50 years ago, started atop Monte Sano and came downhill, through town and finished at the University of Alabama-Huntsville.
Since then, thousands of runners have put on a bib and embraced the suck. Mid-December temps can be chilly but good for a marathon, or it can be like last year with temperatures and wind chills in the teens. The amount of history along with support to civic causes has helped make it a Southern icon.
“Reaching the 50th running of the Rocket City Marathon is about so much more than a number,” said Eric Fritz, Race Director of the PNC Bank Rocket City Marathon Weekend. “It represents five decades of runners, volunteers, community partners and supporters who have helped build this event into what it is today. This anniversary gives us an opportunity to honor that incredible history while welcoming thousands of runners to Huntsville for what we believe will be the most memorable race weekend in our history.”
The anniversary celebration marks Fritz’s third year leading the event. A longtime volunteer and former Huntsville Track Club president, Fritz continues to build upon a legacy established by generations of dedicated volunteers while positioning the PNC Bank Rocket City Marathon for continued growth.
“Our responsibility is to honor the traditions that have made the Rocket City Marathon special for 50 years while continuing to evolve and create an exceptional experience for today’s runners,” he said. “Having PNC Bank step forward as title sponsor during this milestone year is an investment not only in this race weekend, but in its future.
“Together, we have an opportunity to build on 50 years of momentum and ensure the Rocket City Marathon continues to make an impact on Huntsville and the running community for decades to come.”
Civic Impact
The marathon reinforces a shared commitment to community investment. The 2025 campaign generated more than $115,000 for a pediatric therapy playground through the Huntsville Hospital Foundation. Proceeds from the 2026 race weekend will help fund a new Kids Care Ambulance, expanding access to specialized pediatric emergency transport across North Alabama.
The Huntsville Sports Commission also is an integral partner whose collaboration has helped strengthen the event’s legacy and establish Huntsville as a premier sports tourism destination.
PNC Bank Rocket City Marathon Weekend:
Friday, Dec. 11 – Expo & Packet Pickup
Saturday, Dec. 12 – 10K, 5K, 1-Mile Family Fun Run, Expo, Packet Pickup
Sunday, Dec. 13 – Half Marathon & Marathon
