Autumn Equinox Ultra set for ninth year

The ninth annual Autumn Equinox Ultra trail run will take place Sept. 17 at Oak Mountain State Park. 

The event will consist of a 32-mile ultra-distance race, along with a 16-mile fun run. Runners who choose to participate in the 32 mile will traverse two loops on Oak Mountain’s Red Trail system — one in a counterclockwise direction and the other in a clockwise direction — while fun run participants will complete one counterclockwise loop. Three aid stations stocked with food and drinks will be positioned along the course. 

The AEU 32 mile will start at 6:30 a.m., and the 16 mile will start at 8:30 a.m.  Both races begin and end in a grass field near the Dogwood Pavilion. There will be an eight-hour time limit for the 32-mile race. 

Advanced registration is open until Sept. 15, with fees of $40 for the 32 mile and $30 for the 16 mile.

The top three overall male and female finishers in each race, along with the first-place male and female grandmasters finishers in each race, will win gift cards to Alabama Outdoors.

But there’s more at stake. 

The top 30 runners in the 32 mile will receive an AEU trucker hat, while the top 30 runners in the 16 mile will receive an AEU running hat. 

A post-race party with pizza, chips, beer and chocolate milk will begin at noon. 

To sign up or for more information, go to ultrasignup.com and search AutumnEquinox Ultra.