Registration is open for the 48th Rocket City Marathon and other race weekend events in December, one of Huntsville’s oldest and most popular sports events.
The Dec. 14-15 weekend includes the marathon, two half-marathons, Rocket City 10K, Rocket City Mural Run 5K and kids’ event, along with the Fitness Expo and Packet Pickup. All events are based at the Von Braun Center. The marathon is presented by the Huntsville Sports Commission. Additional sponsorship comes from the City of Huntsville, Fleet Feet, Mission Driven Research, Therapy South, SportsMed, Ray Pearman Lincoln, Straight to Ale and Hops ‘n Guac.
Virtual and team relay options also are available for the weekend. An app is available for easy info and updates including tracking during the race.
“There are no changes this year,” said race weekend co-director Dana Debardelaben. “We also have put in our order for perfect weather that weekend!”
RCM Courses
The marathon begins on Sunday at 7 a.m. All events are certified. See the courses here, with elevations per mile. Marathon runners route through parts of Old Huntsville, historic Maple Hill Cemetery, have longer straights, go through the University of Alabama-Huntsville campus, U.S. Space and Rocket Center and the Huntsville Botanical Gardens. The return through downtown includes a final jaunt through Big Spring Park and around the VBC to the indoor finish line.
The 10K and 5K events route through Old Huntsville, Five Points and back through downtown. Runners can register for challenge awards by entering two or three events. Other than those in the Front Half-Marathon, runners will finish inside the VBC South Hall. Those in the Front Half-Marathon start at the VBC but will finish at UAH; those in the Back Half-Marathon start at UAH and finish at the VBC.
David Too of Tallahassee, Fla., won the 2023 Rocket City Marathon in 2:27:40. Maura Lemon of Dayton, Ohio, won the women’s title in 2:47:04. More than 3,100 runners competed in the events in 2023.
This will be the final RCM for co-directors Dewayne and Dana Debardelaben, who are retiring.
RCM Volunteering
Volunteers are needed to help put on the event, with a variety of tasks before, during and after the weekend.
Civic groups or others such as fraternities, sororoties, youth organizations, etc., may be able to earn service hours for volunteering. On course sentries, aid stations and assistance in the VBC for myriad tasks always are needed.
Find out here how to help with volunteering for the RCM.
The Rocket City Marathon is put on by the Huntsville Track Club.
