2026 Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K & Family Fun Day

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Hoover's Veterans Park, Birmingham AL

Saturday, March 14th, 2026

🎉 Welcome to the 12th Annual #Judy5K

Run, walk, or sleep in to support our great students, as all proceeds from this race go to scholarships for JSCC students in need.

All are invited to enjoy fun activities including free popcorn, cotton candy, and other tasty treats! PLUS a DJ, face painting, and more!

👩‍🏫 About Judy M. Merritt

The annual Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K is held in honor of Jefferson State Community College’s former president Dr. Judy M. Merritt. Serving as President for 35 years, she was the first female president of an Alabama college: her leadership and vision were unparalleled. Judy, as she preferred to be called, embodied the spirit of Jefferson State and our mission to serve all in our community. “While the dream for many has been achieved, the fight for pathways to education, equality, and inclusion continues.” ~ Judy M. Merritt

🏅 Awards

Medals will be awarded as follows:

Overall Winners: 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Top Male & Female Overall
Category Winners: Top male and female runners in the following categories: 12 & Under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+

📅 Date and Time

March 14, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

💵 Pricing

5K - $20 if registered before February 13: $25 if registered February 14 - March 13: $30 if registered on March 14 (day of race)

$15 for College Students and Ages 18 and under - Use Code STUDENT at Checkout

😴 Virtual Participation

Out of state but still want to support? Want to sleep in on race day? Just want the T-shirt? Choose the Sleep In 5k / Virtual Challenge!

Price: Sleep In 5k / Virtual Challenge - $15

5K participants and Virtual Challenge/Sleep In 5K participants will receive a swag bag, including the race day shirt (*T-Shirt - only guaranteed if registered before February 13th).

📍 Location

Hoover's Veterans Park, 4800 Valleydale Road, Birmingham, AL 35242

📦 Packet Pick Up

Thursday, March 12th, between 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., and Friday, March 13th, between 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Packet pickup is in the lobby of the Judy M. Merritt Health Science building on JSCC's Shelby-Hoover campus, located across from Veterans Park at the corner of Valleydale Road and Jaguar Drive.

Packets will also be available for pickup on race day, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the Veterans Park Pavilion. All runners should be checked in by 8:30 a.m.