Southeastern Trail Runs has another fun option in its Southern States trail series with the addition of a 100-mile race in spring 2025.
The Southern States 100 will coincide with the Southern States 200. James Ebert of Huntsville won the inaugural race in April in 48 hours, 58 minutes. The course begins in Dalton, Ga., and ends atop Alabama’s highest point, Mt. Cheaha, following the acclaimed Pinhoti Trail.
The 200 currently is one of only three point-to-point mountain trail races in the United States. It is a collaboration of Southeastern Trail Runs in Birmingham and Running Lane Events in Huntsville.
This year’s races are scheduled for mid-March. The 100-mile option starts on March 21, a Friday, at the midpoint of the Southern States 200. Runners in the 100-miler will follow the same course to the finish line atop Mt. Cheaha and have a 44-hour cutoff. Anyone finishing in less than 24 hours will receive a special belt buckle.
Thirty-six runners from more than 15 states have registered for the 200-mile race as of mid-September, with 10 signed up for the 100-mile. Registration is open here for both, along with pertinent information.
Ebert, Hardesty in STR Chase
James Ebert and Jill Hardesty, both of Huntsville, are amid striking range to win the Southeastern Trail Runs long series points championship going into the home stretch.
Ebert (pictured above) has 108.413 points after three races and leads the men’s division by almost 20 points. The second- and third-place runners have 89 and 86 points, and fourth-place has 82. Chad Woods of Huntsville sits in fifth place with 68.812 points
Hardesty is in fourth place in the women’s standings with 64.024 points. But the leader, Tanya Twerdowsky of Remlap, has just 72 points.
The final event is in December at the Blood Rock 55K and 25K at Oak Mountain State Park.
Racin’ the Station Duathlon
Registration is open for the annual Racin’ the Station Duathlon on Sept. 28 at MSFC on Redstone Arsenal.
If you’ve had a little curious itch for a triathlon but don’t want to jump in whole hog just yet, the duathlon is a perfect starting point. It consists of a 1.95-mile run, 14.3-mile bike ride and 1.95-mile run. The runs are pancake flat and the bike ride has a couple of gentle, small inclines.
Along with competing against some other cool folks you’ll be hoofin’ and pedalin’ against the International Space Station. The race starts with a model rocket blast when the ISS is overhead. You’ll have 91 minutes 12 seconds to finish the duathlon to beat the ISS and get a little extra swag. If not, you still have fun.
The arsenal has virtually no traffic on the weekends so the course is safe. The Team Rocket Tri Club has scads of volunteers on hand for directions, aid and other assistance. You’ll need an RSA recreation pass if you don’t have one to get on the base, so read the instructions and registration info carefully. It’s not difficult to get a rec pass, which is good for a year.
See all of the registration info here.
Autumn Chase Fun Run
Get the kiddos out for a fun event at the annual Autumn Chase 1-mile fun run, hosted by Delta Zeta and the Huntsville Track Club.
It’s on Sept. 19 at John Hunt Park from 4-6:30 p.m. and is free for children in Pre-K and K through 8th grade. Runs will be grouped separately for safety. There’s also a Faculty run at 4:45 for any teachers, admins and staff.
Race-day registration is available (remember, it’s free) but you also can register your little scooterbug here.
On the TVO Calendar
Local events on the schedule:
TODAY
— Space Race 5K, billed as “Huntsville’s Happy Hour,” downtown starting at Big Spring Park with a 5K, entertainment, food trucks and more, 5-9 p.m. Register here
SATURDAY
— Glow in the Park 5K, at John Hunt Park in Huntsville, an evening 5K with glow sticks and lighted course. Benefits Team Redstone’s entry fee and travel to the Army 10 Miler in Washington, D.C. Register here
— St. Jude Walk/Run, at Big Spring Park in Huntsville, 8:30 a.m. opening and 9 a.m. start. Register here
