McDowell 5K & Fun Run

Event 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

• Map: 5K Course Map
• Type: The 5K is a good mix of trail and road.
• Composition: About 75% trail/25% road.
• Environment: Has a good balance of shade and sun throughout.

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.
• Entry: All you have to do to enter is write down your name and grab a ticket!

Medals and Prizes

• Awards: For 5K 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 for 1 Mile Fun Run Overall 1st, 2nd, 3rd Overall Male/Female.

Aid Stations

• Locations: There will be two aid and recovery stations.
• Start/Finish: One aid station will be available at the START/FINISH line area.
• On Course: One aid station will be located between mile 1 and 2 of the course.
• Supplies: START/FINISH line station will have hydration, first aid, snacks, and electrolytes: on course station will have water and first aid.

Additional Information

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

• Beneficiary: Your contributions will go directly to supporting future generations overnight trips to the McDowell Environmental Center!
• Location: Camp McDowell Nauvoo, AL 35578.
• Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026 - 8:00 am CT RACE START.
• Arrival: Please plan to arrive prior to 7:15 AM to leave yourself adequate time for check-in and warm-up.
• Same Day Registration: Yes, up until 15 minutes before race start until 7:45 AM.
• Packet Pickup: You can pick up your race packet starting at 7:00 am race day morning at Camp McDowell.
• T-Shirts: Yes, if you register before the t-shirt deadline you're guaranteed your exclusive race tee!
• Registration Deadline: End of day September 1st for guaranteed t-shirt.
• Medals: Prizes for top overall male/female runners and awards for the top three in each age group.
• 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 with organized staff assistance.
• Strollers: Not allowed due to the trail sections of the course.
• Allowed Equipment: Only runners, joggers, and walkers are permitted on course.
• Pets: No pets allowed at this event.
• Timing: Yes, the event is professionally RFID chip timed by Race Ready Events.
• Course Certifications: The 5K course is measured but not certified: Fun Run is not certified.
• Course Terrain: Yes, there are rolling hills along the course with a grade up to 12%.
• Participation: All ages and paces are welcome: walking is encouraged!
• Other Questions: Please drop us a line and we'd love to help!