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

The 12th Annual #Judy5K will be held on Saturday, March 14!

Overview

• Event: Run, walk, or sleep in to support our great students.
• Proceeds: All proceeds from this race go to scholarships for JSCC students in need.
• Activities: Enjoy fun activities including free popcorn, cotton candy, and other tasty treats!
• Entertainment: DJ, face painting, and more!

About the Race

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:

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

Date

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

Registration

Price:

• 5K: $20 if registered before February 13
• Price Range: $25 if registered February 14 - March 13
• Day of Race: $30 if registered on March 14
• Discount: $15 for College Students and Ages 18 and under - Use Code STUDENT at Checkout

Virtual Options

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

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

Packet Pick Up

Dates:

• Thursday, March 12th, between 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Friday, March 13th, between 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Location: 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.
• Race Day: 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.

Award Ceremony

Winners will be announced, and medals awarded around 10:30 a.m. at the pavilion.

More Information

Race Registration