It’s rare around here to have only a handful of events in the running and biking communities, but this weekend update has a few to consider.
First, temperatures are forecast to be in the 30s and warming into the 50s or above. So if you’re going out for long runs, bike rides, trail work, hikes or just chillin’ with the fam, be prepared. Fortunately, no rain is forecast for north Alabama. That gusty wind on Thursday was a hoot, though, right?
On to the events:
Jan. 21: Huntsville Area Mountain bike Riders (HAMR) will be doing more trail work at Monte Sano State Park on a new trail build on the downhill side of the closed Bankhead Parkway. Volunteers should meet at the Monte Sano State Park bikers’ parking lot/HAMR tool shed at 9 a.m. Everyone must sign a new waiver. Minors must bring a printed version with their parent/guardian signature. Adult and minor waivers may be found at www.hamrhsv.com/group-rides. Be sure to have closed toed shoes/work boots, safety glasses/protective eyewear, and a portable water supply. This could be a long day, so snacks/packed lunches are also recommended.
Jan. 21: Rabid Raccoon 25K in Chattanooga, presented by Bad Beard Events, is a middle-distance race that begins atop Raccoon Mountain at Laurel Point. This event will take place on the north and western side of the mountain, utilizing the following trails: Megawatt, Grindstone Ridge, Lower Chunky, Live Wire 1 & 2, High Voltage, and Split Rock. Runners this year will follow the course in a clockwise fashion. Registration closes Jan. 18 at 11:59 p.m. (Eastern) so if you want in, jump in now. Sign up HERE
Jan. 21: MAD Backyard Ultra, presented by the Chattanooga Track Club and the Locomotion Endurance event’s race director. In 2022, MAD backyard ultra was slotted as a bronze ticket event for The Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra. Last year’s winner earned a free entry into Ohio’s Backyard Ultra. Participants will run a 4.1667-mile loop every hour until only one person is standing. You have one hour to finish the loop once it has started. If you finish a loop within the hour, you may start the next hour’s loop, provided you are in the start corral when the next hour starts. If you do not finish within the hour, you are out of the race and considered a DNF. Sign up HERE
Jan. 22 — If you’re running the Mountain Mist 50K the last Saturday of the month or are thinking about next year, Fleet Feet in Huntsville is holding a Q&A session with veteran Mist finishers. Lonnie Vogan (27 finishes), Rob Youngren (20 finishes), Eric Fritz (17 finishes) and Christy Scott (14) finishes will answer questions, give tips and ideas, and provide honest feedback about the course, trails and more. The session begins at 4 p.m.
Jan 22 — High Point Chinese New Year Rabbit Run, in Collegedale, Tenn., (east Chattanooga), is a 1-mile fun run at 12:30 p.m. (Eastern) and a 5K at 1 p.m. Raceday registration is available on-site with no t-shirt but entry into the concurrent Chinese new year festival. See info HERE
Jan. 28 — The Cheezy 5K will be on the Calhoun Community College campus in Decatur, hosted by Calhoun Fine Arts. The first 75 participants will receive swag bags. Registration includes bib, a completion medal and a supported race course. The flat, certified course will have two aid stations and will be timed. Awards for overall 1st, 2nd, and 3rd for men and women. All proceeds go to support the Calhoun Fine Arts students traveling to participate in the International Collegiate Theatre Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, in August 2023. Sign up HERE
Coming Soon
A few key dates and events to plan for:
Feb. 4 — The 2nd annual Frozen Falls 10k, Half, 50k and 50-miler at Fall Creek Falls State Park in Tennessee, with beautiful waterfalls, lake views, epic bluff and gorge views, and a mix of smooth single track and technical trails. The park has seven waterfalls and is one of the most scenic in the state. Registration closes Jan. 31. Sign up HERE
Feb. 4 — Mardi Gras 5K, in downtown Huntsville to benefit the Blount Hospitality House. This 5K celebrates Mardi Gras and all the beady-crawfishy laissez les bons temps rouler fun, starting at Cajun Kitchen. If you need a few miles for your morning workout or just want to walk and have a good time, this one’s for you. Don’t forget your beads and festive mask! Sign up HERE
March 11 — Looking ahead a bit, put the 45th Wild Irish Run on your calendar for a fun 5K and 10K. According to the event organizers, in 1979. the Wild Irish Run was called the Lake Guntersville 10,000 and hosted by the Lake Guntersville Track Club. This course became sanctioned in 1980 by the Road Runners Club of America and added two tenths of a mile to become an official 10K course. In 1984, the race was held on Saint Patrick’s Day and subtitiled the “1984 Saint Patrick’s Wild Irish Run”. And the “Wild Irish Run” name stuck. Sign up HERE
