Organizers of the Run 4 Kidtopia 10K and 5K in Grant have rebranded to help runners and contributors more clearly understand the focus of the annual races.
It formerly was the Dan Robinson Memorial 10K and 5K. Both start at the Kidtopia playground in Grant Town Park, this year on May 2. The events are put on by the Kidtopia Playground Association. The site is designed for all children but specifically for those with special needs, such as wheelchair access.
It’s a fantastic playground and the races are fun. For runners who enjoy doing events in which registration money is used for a good cause, and not just a bank account, this is one for your consideration. Both races are run-walk friendly, but the 10K has some fun “Oh, really?” hills that might get your attention. They’re all runnable, though, and the post-race goodies are enjoyable.
This year, the 10K will go first and then the 5K, so you can pull a double to maximize your fun.
Check out all of the race and registration info here, and jump in for a fun time.
Oak Barrel Weekend
Julie Andrews won’t be twirling up Whiskey Hill, but almost 2,000 runners will Saturday morning in the 17th annual Oak Barrel Half Marathon.
Thirteen miles of scenic country roads and hills of Moore County will come alive during the popular event. Last year’s race saw Josh Whitehead of Madison and Tay Cavett of Huntsville claim top honors. Whitehead and Christian Thompson are registered; both have battled for the OB win the last few years in stiff competition.
North Alabama is represented well at the race. starts at 8 a.m. downtown and finishes on the Moore County Courthouse square. The event is a fundraiser for several Moore County organizations. Local support is strong. Lynchburg is home, of course, to the famed Jack Daniel’s distillery. It has about 6,500 residents, so an influx of almost 2,000 runners and frens-fams is a jolt.
Also, remember to stay hydrated. Even with the multiple aid stations on the course, it’s going to be hot at the start and hotter at the finish. Drink up today and in the morning and along the way. No fainting!
Check here Saturday afternoon for a wrapup and photos.
Sunrise Over Cecil
If you’ve ever driven over Cecil Ashburn Drive in southeast Huntsville, no doubt you’ve considered running it. Or maybe you’ve seen some early morning folks getting it done. Perhaps a rider or two on a bike.
Back in the day it was the 4 Mile Post extension, a dark, narrow road connecting Jones Valley and Hampton Cove. After it was 4-laned and the median divider added, the city could’ve renamed it Cecil Racetrack. Soem folks need a rock under their gas pedal (me included, guilty at times).
Your dreams of running up and down the mountain can be fulfilled on April 12 with the inaugural Sunrise Over Cecil 10K and 4-Mile races.
Yep, a closed course and two options to get your hill climbing — and thigh-busting descent — accomplished. Both mileage options start at 6 a.m. and have a 2-hour cutoff. If you’re walking, then get some pep in your step. No lollygagging. The road will be closed to traffic thanks to assistance from the City of Huntsville.
Check out the race and registration info here for this new toodle.
Longer Fun!
A heads-up for two other awesome events to put on your calendar, if you want to test your endurance or trail chops:
Multiple distance options exist at the Blue Heron Hundreds in Mooresville on April 11. The 20-mile loop course on Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge gives you a shot at the 100-mile, 100K and 50K distances. It’s a certified, flat course on gravel roads, with super aid stations and support from Fringe Events. Register here and lace up.
If you’re up for trail fun, don’t forget about the upcoming Smoke Rise Half, 10K and 5K at the Land Trust’s Blevins Gap Preserve. That’s the one atop Cecil Ashburn and the course is a humdinger. Challenging without being too much. Rocky and rooty, with some awesome views east and west. Some super fun climbs and descents, with runnable flats. Also, burgers and hot dogs at the finish. Register here for this great May 9 kickoff to summer.
