Photo courtesy of Suman Silwal.
Runners take off at the starting line of the 2017 Hotter ‘N Hell run at Oak Mountain State Park.
There’s nothing quite like Alabama in the summer, especially if you’re running 9 or 18 miles through the heat.
This year’s Hotter ‘N Hell trail race, scheduled for July 14 at 7:30 a.m., will once again take place at Oak Mountain State Park.
All runners — for both the 9- and 18-mile races — are required to carry water during the competition, be it a handheld bottle or a hydration belt or pack.
This is a very demanding race and no matter how conditioned a runner is, they will become dehydrated if they don’t carry water, according to the Southeastern Trail Runs website.
The race starts and ends at the Lakeside Pavilion, and the first aid station will be set up at mile 4.97, which is located at the overlook off Peavine Falls Road. Then participants climb to the top of the ridge on Double Oak Mountain and eventually head down the White Trail to the lower falls, where the climb down to the gorge is steep and challenging. A rope will be set up if preferred or switchbacks can be used. After that, there will be a few more steep hills to the route and more aid stations.
According to the website, the Hotter N’ Hell 18-mile race last year included over 3,162 feet of elevation gain. Male and female awards will be given for first, second and third place overall, in addition to group awards given for various age categories.
Hotter ‘N Hell
WHEN: July 14, 7:30 a.m.
WHERE: Oak Mountain State Park
DETAILS: 9- and 18-mile races; all runners are required to carry water during the competition
WEB: For more information go to southeasterntrailruns.com/hotter-n-hell-trail-race or ultrasignup.com to join the competitors
