The 50th Annual Sam Lapidus Montclair Run
Lace up your running shoes and join us for a historic milestone! This Thanksgiving marks the 50th annual Sam Lapidus Montclair Run (SLMR). What began in 1976 as the Montclair Run has grown over five decades into one of Alabama's most cherished holiday traditions, bringing together families, neighbors, and out-of-town visitors.
Running for a Reason: Honoring Sam's Legacy
While we celebrate 50 years of this incredible community event, we also run with deep purpose. In 2009, the event was renamed to honor Sam Lapidus, who lost his battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a form of childhood cancer, in November 2008—just nine days before his 15th birthday.
- Donation Impact: $5 of every runner’s registration is donated directly to the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s of Alabama.
- Fundraising History: To date, the Levite Jewish Community Center (LJCC) has raised and donated more than $100,000 to support this vital organization.
- Participation: Today, the SLMR welcomes approximately 1,500 runners of all ages.
- Community Impact: The race serves as a pillar of local opportunity, community well-being, and Thanksgiving tradition.
Event Details & Awards
- A Festive Tradition: In honor of our 50th year, come dressed to celebrate! Awards will be given to our creative friends who arrive best-dressed in costume.
- Guaranteed Shirt Deadline: To ensure we remain excellent stewards of our community funds, there is a registration cutoff for a guaranteed event t-shirt. Register by November 10, 2026, to guarantee your 50th-anniversary shirt in your preferred size.
- Shirt Inventory: Remaining shirt inventory will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis after the cutoff date.
About the Levite Jewish Community Center
With “Community” as our middle name, the LJCC takes immense pride in being an active partner to the broader Birmingham area. We make it our daily responsibility to serve, enhance, and uplift our neighbors through high-quality fitness, recreational, and educational programming.
- Fitness Center: A premier fitness center with dozens of weekly group classes and personal training options.
- Aquatics Facilities: Indoor and outdoor pools, a baby pool, and swim programs.
- Trails: A scenic five-mile hiking and biking trail.
- Child Programs: A highly respected early childhood education program, summer camps, and year-round youth activities.
Packet Pick-Up Information
Location: Levite Jewish Community Center (3960 Montclair Road, Birmingham, AL 35213)
- Pre-Race Packet Pick-Up: Wednesday, November 25 | 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Race Day Packet Pick-Up: Thursday, November 26 | 7 a.m. – 8 a.m.
Register
Be a part of Birmingham history—register today to secure your spot in the 50th annual milestone run!
Register Here