A guide to local runs

Autumn Equinox Ultra

• Oak Mountain State Park
• Sept. 20, 6:30 a.m. (32 miles), 8:30 a.m. (16 miles)
• ultrasignup.com
• Registration: $30 (16 miles), $40 (32 miles), $50 (race day), plus $4 park admission

Oak Mountain State Park will once again be the setting for the Autumn Equinox Ultra run on Sunday, Sept. 20. Runners can get ready for the upcoming season with this long training run, or even try an ultra for the first time.

“We just want to celebrate Oak Mountain State Park,” race co-director Jessie Burton said. “We really want to get more people to take advantage of it. It’s just a good local, down home race.”

The race will be similar to the ones in years’ past. A 32-mile ultra run will begin at 6:30 a.m. that will include two loops of the Red Trail. The 16-mile “fun run” follows at 8:30 a.m. and feature one counter clockwise loop of the Red Trail. 

“The 16-mile course only has one hard section to it, going up BUMP Trail,” Burton said. “People end up hiking that anyway. The 32-mile is a little tougher. A lot of people came out last year and did the 16 and said that was a perfect race for them.”

Burton said most people take between two and four hours to finish the shorter run, and the longer takes anywhere from four to seven hours. 

This year’s presenting sponsor, Alabama Outdoors, will provide gift cards for the top three male and female runners, and will also provide door prizes.

When the race is finished, Burton said the after party is a good time for everyone. 

“We have pizza and beer after the race. We always do local beer. People that aren’t from Birmingham can enjoy what we have to offer for the beer scene,” Burton said.

Register on ultrasignup.com. Fees are $30 for the 16-mile run, $40 for the 32-mile run or $50 on race day.

Head Over Teal 5K/10K

• The Hoover Preserve
• Sept. 12, 8 a.m.-noon
• thinkoflaura.org/headoverteal
• Registration: $40 (Individuals), $35 (Individuals on teams of 5+), $20 (children 12 and under)

In line with National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, the Laura Crandall Brown Ovarian Cancer Foundation is holding its annual Head Over Teal 5K.

Executive director Mary Anne King said the event helps spread information and support research. Last year there were almost 1,000 runners.

The day includes a 5K, 10K, 1-mile fun run and family fun activities after the race, as well as informational and sponsor booths.

“It’s a mix of serious and fun, informational and whimsical,” King said.