Run/Walk Guide
10k Ruck Challenge
(National Veterans Day in Birmingham 3rd Annual Family 5k Fun Run / Walk and 10k Veteran’s Challenge)
When: Oct. 10 at 8 a.m.
Where: Veterans Park
Website: active.com
The National Veterans Day Foundation in Birmingham will host its third annual Family 5k Fun Run and 10k Ruck Challenge on Oct. 10 at Veterans Park. All proceeds from the event will be donated to veteran charities.
The ruck challenge is for individuals or teams, and each participant must wear a ruck in the form of a weighted backpack or vest. Men’s rucks will weigh 40 pounds, and women’s will weigh 25 pounds.
The three top military teams and the top civilian team participating in the ruck challenge will have the opportunity to donate varying percentages of the proceeds to a veterans’ charity of their choice.
Registration fees are $25 for the 5k fun run/10k individual ruck, and $100 for the team ruck challenge. T-shirts and prize bags are guaranteed for the first 200 entrants.
Run for Down Syndrome
When: Oct. 31 at 8 a.m. (5k/10k), 9:30 a.m. (1 mile)
Where: Oak Mountain State Park
Website: downsyndromealabama.org
Southeastern Trails Runs and Down Syndrome Alabama will be hosting the “Boo Run Run” Alabama Down Syndrome Trail Race at Oak Mountain State Park on Saturday, Oct. 31. The race winds along the Lake Trail to Rattle Snake Ridge and returns to the start/finish line at Cedar Pavilion. Proceeds from the event benefit Down Syndrome Alabama. There will be a post-celebration featuring food, beverages, live entertainment and a costume contest for both runners and kids. Registration fees are $10 (mile), $35 (5k) and $40 (10k).
Blue White Color Dash
When: Oct. 17 at 7 a.m. (registration), 8:30 a.m. (5k)
Where: Chelsea Middle School
Website: chmsathleticbooster.org
The Chelsea Middle School Athletic Booster Club will host the third edition of the Blue White Color Dash, an untimed, mob-style 5k fun run, on Saturday, Oct. 17. Participants are invited to walk, jog or run while being showered with an array of colored powder. Proceeds from this event support Chelsea Middle School’s 14 athletic programs. Advanced registration costs $25 for students 18 & under and $35 for adults. Pre-registrants signed up by Oct. 3 are guaranteed a race T-shirt. Race day registration will also be available beginning at 7 a.m. and will cost $35 for students 18 & under and $40 for adults. Teams of six or more can pre-register at a discounted price.
10th Annual Out of the Darkness Walk
When: Nov. 1 at 1 p.m. (check-in/registration), 2:30 p.m. (walk)
Where: Heardmont Park
Website: afsp.donordrive.com/event/Birmingham
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) will host its annual Birmingham Out of the Darkness Walk on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 2:30 p.m.
As Alabama’s largest Out of the Darkness Walk, the event serves as an AFSP fundraiser and seeks to shine a light on mental health and suicide. Last year’s walk raised $180,000 for the AFSP, which goes toward funding research, education and other awareness initiatives.
The paved walking route will accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. Leashed pets are also welcome to accompany their owners on the walk. Mental health non-profit groups will be there to inform people about community resources available to them. There will also be a survivor area where people can honor and commemorate loved ones lost to suicide.
There is no registration fee to walk.