W.C. Handy Festival DaDooRon Run

Event Overview

Lace up, tune in, and move to the rhythm — the DaDooRon Run 5K is ready to swing, bringing that smooth‑as‑butter blend of music, movement, and community back into the W.C. Handy Festival lineup. This race came roaring back last year, proving the rhythm never really left — it was just waiting for the downbeat. Now in 2026, we’re tuning up for an even bigger crowd, a louder cheer, and a whole lot more groove. This isn’t just a run, it’s a stride‑for‑stride celebration of Florence Heritage and a Blues Legend; a chance to feel the pulse of the festival under your feet; and a way to support the Music Preservation Society and Florence High School Cross‑Country Team with tempo and heart. So don’t wait for the encore, register now and claim your spot on the starting line.

Course Details

• Distance: 5K
• Certification: USATF Certification #AL25019JE

Amenities, Features, and Highlights

• SWAG: All runners registered before our T-shirt deadline on July 11th are guaranteed an awesome short-sleeve race shirt.
• Medals and Prizes: Awards 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: Two aid stations will be available, one at the START/FINISH line and another between mile 1 and 2. START/FINISH line aid will provide hydration, first aid, snacks, and electrolytes, while the on-course aid will offer water and first aid.

Additional Information

• Early Packet Pick-up: Friday, July 17th at Solid Rock Running Company from 3:00-6:00 pm.
• Race Day Schedule:
• - Packet Pick-up and In-person Registration: 6:00-6:45 AM.
• - Announcements and 5K call to start: 6:45 AM.
• - 5K Race Start: 7:00 AM.
• - Fun Run Start: 8:00 AM.
• - Awards: 8:30 AM.

FAQ

• Who does this race benefit? The Music Preservation Society and Florence High School Cross‑Country Team.
• Where is the race? Downtown Florence with a combined START/FINISH in front of the W.C. Handy Museum.
• When is the event? Saturday, July 18, 2026 - 7:00 am CT RACE START.
• Can I register on race day? Yes -- race day registrations are allowed up to 15 minutes before the race start, but please arrive early as there may be a line.

Registration Information

• Packet Pickup: Early packet pickup is on July 17th or race day at 6:00 am at Burrell Slater School parking lot.
• Group Registration: You may pick up bibs for your group with their full names.
• T-Shirt Guarantee: T-shirts are guaranteed for registration before July 11th.
• Registration Deadline: End of day July 11th for guaranteed t-shirt availability.

Parking and Other Details

• Parking: FREE parking is available near the race START/FINISH area at the Burrell Slater School.
• Strollers: Strollers are welcome at the back of the pack.
• Pets: Well-socialized and leashed dogs are welcome at the back of the pack.
• Race Timing: The event is professionally RFID chip timed by Race Ready Events.

For more information and to register, please visit the official race webpage: DaDooRon Run Registration.