The Sam Lapidus Montclair Run

A Thanksgiving Tradition 50 Years in the Making | November 26, 2026

Lace up your sneakers and be part of Birmingham history!

This Thanksgiving, the Levite Jewish Community Center proudly marks an extraordinary milestone: the 50th Annual Sam Lapidus Montclair Run (SLMR). What began in 1976 as a small neighborhood run along Montclair Road has grown over five decades into one of Alabama’s most beloved holiday traditions—welcoming more than 1,500 runners, walkers, families, and out-of-town visitors each year.

Whether you are chasing a personal record or starting Thanksgiving morning with a festive family walk, we invite you to celebrate 50 years of community, tradition, and togetherness.

Race Start Times

5K and 10K - 8:30 AM start

1-mile Fun Run - 9:40 AM start (Please note this is an earlier start time than in years past.)

Running for a Reason: Honoring Sam’s Legacy
While we celebrate five decades of this community gathering, we run with deep shared purpose.

In 2009, the event was renamed in loving memory of Sam Lapidus, an inspiring young man who loved fitness, sports, and life. Sam passed away from Ewing’s Sarcoma in November 2008—just nine days before his 15th birthday.

In Sam’s honor, $5 of every registration is donated directly to the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s of Alabama. Thanks to our dedicated participants and sponsors, the LJCC has raised and donated over $100,000 to fund critical pediatric cancer research and patient care right here in Birmingham. When you run the SLMR, your strides directly support children and families facing pediatric cancer.

50th Anniversary Highlights & Awards
Costume Contest – Dress to Celebrate! In honor of our golden milestone, show off your holiday spirit. Awards will be presented to our best-dressed and most creative runners and groups!

Volunteers Welcome!
Interested in volunteering for our 50th year? Follow the link HERE and help us making this Thanksgiving the best yet!

Interested in sponsoring this year's Sam Lapidus Montclair Run?
As an event sponsor, you and your organization will contribute to the continuation of more than half a century of service in Birmingham. Contact Brooke Bowles (205-383-4373) for more information, or fill out the form HERE to officially pledge your sponsorship.

Commemorative 50th-Anniversary Shirt Deadline: To ensure sound stewardship of community and charitable funds, participants must register by Tuesday, November 10, 2026, to guarantee a 50th-anniversary race t-shirt in their preferred size. Registrations after this date will receive remaining shirt inventory on a first-come, first-served basis.

Packet Pick-Up Schedule

Location: Levite Jewish Community Center | 3960 Montclair Road, Birmingham, AL 35213

Pre-Race Packet Pick-Up:

Wednesday, November 25 | 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Location: LJCC Main Lobby (Avoid race-morning lines by picking up your bib and shirt early!)
Race Day Packet Pick-Up:

Thursday, November 26 (Thanksgiving Day) | 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Location: LJCC Wood Gym

About the Host: The Levite Jewish Community Center
With “Community” as our middle name, the LJCC is an open, welcoming gathering place dedicated to enhancing and uplifting neighbors across the greater Birmingham region. Nestled on 70 wooded acres along Montclair Road, our campus serves thousands of residents year-round through:

• A state-of-the-art fitness center, diverse group fitness classes, and personal training.
• Indoor and outdoor aquatics facilities, a seasonal splash pad, and community swim instruction.
• A scenic, five-mile wooded trail system for hiking and mountain biking.
• Renowned early childhood education programs, community summer camps, and enrichment for all ages.
  
  

Don’t miss this historic holiday celebration! Register today, secure your commemorative 50th-anniversary shirt, and start your Thanksgiving with purpose.