McDowell 5K & Fun Run

Race Overview

Camp McDowell has 1,140 acres located in Nauvoo, Alabama on the edge of the Bankhead National Forest. If you love coming to camp, haven't had a chance to come yet, or just want another excuse to run a race at a beautiful place, then this is the race for you! This race was born out of wanting to further connect our local communities and to support future endeavors of the McDowell Environmental Center. Your contributions will go directly to supporting future generations overnight trips to the McDowell Environmental Center!

Course

• Course Map: 5K Course Map
• Track Mix: The 5K is a good mix of trail and road, about 75% trail/ 25% road.
• Scenery: It has a good balance of shade and sun throughout as well!

Amenities, Features, and Highlights

• T-shirts: All runners registered before our T-shirt deadline on September 1st are guaranteed an awesome short-sleeve race shirt.
• Raffles: Raffles will be held on site, so make sure to enter your name after you finish your race. Just write down your name and grab a ticket!

Medals and Prizes

• 5K Awards: Awards for Overall Male/Female and 1st, 2nd, 3rd Male/Female Age Groups (12U, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+).
• Fun Run Awards: Awards for 1 Mile Fun Run Overall 1st, 2nd, 3rd Overall Male/Female.

Aid Stations

• Station Locations: Two aid and recovery stations available, one at the START/FINISH line area and one between mile 1 and 2 of the course.
• Services: The START/FINISH line aid station will have hydration, first aid, snacks, and electrolytes: On Course aid station will have water and first aid.
• Advice: Make sure to bring your own re-usable water bottle/cup as there will be no disposable cups provided on the course.

Additional Information

Race Day Schedule

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

FAQ

• Beneficiary: Your contributions will go directly to supporting future generations overnight trips to the McDowell Environmental Center. Donations can also be made on the race page or Camp McDowell's donation page on their website.
• Location: Camp McDowell Nauvoo, AL 35578
• Date and Time: Saturday, September 26, 2026 - 8:00 am CT RACE START
• Arrival Time: Please plan to arrive prior to 7:15 AM to allow adequate time for check-in, receive your runner packet, and warm up.
• Registration: Yes, race day registrations up until 15 minutes before race start will be allowed: arrive early to avoid lines as registrations will close at 7:45 AM.
• Packet Pickup: Race packets can be picked up starting at 7:00 am race day morning at Camp McDowell.
• T-shirts: Yes, if you register before the t-shirt deadline, your exclusive race tee is guaranteed!
• T-shirt Deadline: End of day September 1st: after the deadline, shirts will be available in limited quantities.
• Medals: Prizes for top overall male and female runners, with awards for the top three finishers in each of the age groups for the 5K and Fun Run.
• Age Groups: Male and Female groups for 1-12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+.
• Parking: FREE Parking is available near the race, organized by staff on site.
• Strollers: No, due to trail sections, strollers are not allowed.
• Other Vehicles: Only runners, joggers, and walkers are allowed: no bikes, hoverboards, scooters, etc.
• Pets: No pets allowed at this event.
• Timing: Yes, the event is professionally RFID chip timed by Race Ready Events.
• Course Certification: The 5K course is not certified, but is measured and includes a mix of 75% trail/25% road.
• Hills: Yes, there are rolling hills with a grade up to 12% along the 5K course.
• Experience: No, all ages and paces are welcome!
• Walking Participation: Absolutely! Walking is encouraged and participants will not be alone.
• Questions: If you have more questions, please drop us a line and we'd love to help!

For more information and registration, visit the race page: McDowell 5K & Fun Run.