Killen Founder's Day 5K

A Shoals Summer Tradition

For over a decade, runners join us along the JC Mauldin Hwy to kick-off Founder’s Day weekend at the Killen Founder’s Day 5K and 1 Mile.

Event

The Killen Founder’s Day 5K celebrates the spirit of Killen's founding. This isn’t just a race, it's an annual tribute to the people who build, sustain, and celebrate the Shoals.

Course

• NEW: Certified 5K and 1 Mile courses welcome you to come test your spirit for State Records and Personal Bests.
• 5K USATF Certification: #TBD.
• 1 Mile USATF Certification: #TBD.

Amenities, Features, and Highlights

SWAG

• T-shirt: All runners registered before our T-shirt deadline on June 30th are guaranteed an awesome technical short-sleeve race shirt.
• Finisher Medal: All finishers of the 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run will receive a custom 2026 Killen Founder’s Day Finisher Medal.

Food

• Coffee: We will have a coffee truck on-site.
• Snacks: Available to help you replenish that race day energy.

Medals and Prizes

• Finisher Medals: All finishers of the 5K and Fun Run will receive a custom Finisher Medal.
• Awards: Prizes for 5K Overall Male/Female, Masters (40+) Male/Female, GrandMasters Male/Female (60+), and 1st, 2nd, 3rd Male/Female Age Groups (12U, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+).

Aid Stations

• Location: Two aid and recovery stations; one at the START/FINISH line area and one between mile 1 and 2 of the course.
• START/FINISH Aid Station: Hydration, first aid, snacks, and electrolytes available.
• On Course Aid Station: Water and first aid provided.

Additional Information

Early Packet Pick-up: Friday, July 31st at the Killen Founder’s Day at Killen Park from 4:00-7:00 pm.

Race Day Schedule:

• Packet Pick-up: 7:00-7:45 AM.
• Announcements: 7:45 AM.
• 5K Race Start: 8:00 AM.
• Fun Run Start: 9:00 AM.
• Awards: 9:30 AM.

FAQ

• Where is the race? First Baptist Church Killen, Killen, Alabama.
• When is the event? Saturday, August 1st, 2026 - 8:00 AM CT RACE START.
• What time should I arrive? If you can't make it to early packet pick-up on Friday, July 31st, please plan to arrive prior to 7:30 AM.
• Can I register on race day? Yes, race day registrations are allowed until 15 minutes before race start.

Where do I get my packet? Early Packet Pickup for the race will be held at the Killen Founder’s Day festivities in Killen Park on Friday, July 31st, or you can pick up your race packet starting at 7:00 am on race day morning at the First Baptist Church Killen.

I'm part of a group that’s running together. Can I pick up everyone’s bib? Yes! Just provide their full name.

Are t-shirts included with registration? Yes, if you register before the deadline your exclusive race tee is guaranteed!

When is the deadline to register and be guaranteed a t-shirt? End of day June 30.

Are there medals? Yes, all finishers of the 5K and Fun Run receive custom Finisher Medals.

What are the age groups? Male and Female groups for 1-12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.

Where do I park? FREE Parking is available on-site at First Baptist Church Killen.

Are strollers allowed? Yes, strollers are welcome at the back of the pack.

Are pets allowed? Yes! Well-socialized and leashed dogs are welcome at the back of the pack.

Is the race timed? Yes, this event is professionally RFID chip timed by Race Ready Events.

Is the 5K course certified? Yes, the 5K course is USATF certified #TBD.

Does the 5k course have hills? Yes, there are hills along the course with a grade of 8-12%.

I’d like to participate. Can I just walk? Absolutely! We always have walkers.

I have more questions! Please drop us a line and we’d love to help!

For more information, visit the race page: Killen Founder’s Day 5K.