In 308 days · Sat, Aug 14, 2027
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Saturday, August 14th, 2027
Oak Mountain State Park, Pelham AL
5K
72–89°F · some rain risk
See last 10 years
On this date: rain 3 of the last 10 years
2025
72–89°F
rain
2024
73–91°F
dry
2023
73–86°F
dry
2022
73–94°F
rain
2021
72–88°F
dry
2020
72–87°F
dry
2019
74–95°F
dry
2018
72–93°F
dry
2017
73–85°F
rain
2016
74–90°F
dry
Best months to race in Alabama →
Race-day ready
Everything but the shoes.
Real running socks, a bib belt, anti-chafe — the cheap upgrades that matter.
Race-day forecast · Saturday, Aug 14
Partly cloudy · 72–98°F
Saturday, Aug 14starts near 72°F · 6% chance of rain · wind up to 7 mph
About this race
Race start is at North Trailhead
Beginning with a short service road start, runners will quickly sort themselves before entering the single track of Blue Trail. After some rolling uphill, you will take a hard left up one of Oak Mountain's gnarliest climbs, and my favorite training hill, Outback Highway! Once summitted, good news, the most grueling stretch is behind you. But you still have 2.5 miles of rugged Alabama terrain. After the next, shorter, and gentler hill, you will crest over onto one of my favorite top-outs with boulders towards a slippery pine straw downhill. Next is a walk-worthy climb to your halfway point, your water station, and the crown of this race: King's Chair! After a quarter mile of mostly runnable trail, you will come to your second toughest, but final climb to Eagles Nest. From there, it's about a half mile of technical downhill till you get back to Red Road for a fast finish. But make sure you watch your ankles here!
Each participant gets a headband, sticker, finisher pin, food, beer, coke, and some gnarly climbs!
There are only two awards in this race. The King, and the Queen. However, if a female wins overall she is both King, and Queen, unless another female gets second. In that case we will have a lady King (first overall), and a lady Queen (second overall). Men are not eligible to win the Queen award. However, anyone who beats 40 minutes will also be knighted.
So, come test your grit with the Southeast's toughest 5k. ~1,100 feet of climbing, and descending over only 3.1 miles, on Oak Mountain's rugged terrain.
Packet pickup will be morning of, at North Trailhead
Race start is at North Trailhead
Website
AllTrails
Strava
Course map
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Run clubs near Pelham to train with before race day.
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