Race to the Heights 5K
A runner hits the trails at the Race to the Heights 5K.
Dirty Spokes Duathlon
3.1-mile run, 11-mile bike
Nov. 9 • 9 a.m.
Oak Mountain State Park
Individuals: $40 before race day, $45 day-of
Teams: $65 before race day, $75 day-of
Register online at active.com, or get mail-in entry at dirtyspokes.com/alabama-duathlon
Grab your running shoes and bike helmet for the fifth annual Dirty Spokes Duathlon at Oak Mountain State Park. Runners will start at the south trailhead and follow a 3.1-mile path through the woods and along the park roads before crossing the finish line and hopping on their bikes. The 11-mile bike route makes two loops through the Lake Trail, Rattlesnake Ridge and the Family Trail.
Participants who register before race day are guaranteed a Dri-Fit T-shirt with their entry. A portion of the race proceeds will benefit the Birmingham Urban Mountain Pedalers (BUMP), a group that has built and maintained bike trails in Oak Mountain State Park since 1994.
The race starts at 9 a.m., but participants should check in by 8 a.m. so they can attend the pre-race meeting and set their bikes up in the transition area. All participants will be given official time-keeping chips. The overall top three male and female finishers will receive prizes, and medals will be given to the top three male and female finishers in each age group.
To learn more, visit dirtyspokes.com/alabama-duathlon.
XTERRA Alabama Trail Run
3.1, 6.2 or 13.1 miles
Nov. 9 • 8:30 a.m.
Oak Mountain State Park
5K: $30 preregister, $35 day-of
10K: $35 preregister, $40 day-of
21K: $40 preregister, $45 day-of
*Race day registrations include $10 late fee
Register online at active.com
Don’t let distance get in the way of a good run. The XTERRA Trail Run at Oak Mountain State Park gives runners and walkers the option to compete in the 5K, 10K or 21K race.
The XTERRA run starts on Terrace Drive, and the three races share a few parts of the trail. However, each race quickly leaves the road and gets its own unique view of Oak Mountain in the winter, including woods, lakes, ridges and hills. The trails will include challenging climbs and some technical sections.
Alabama Outdoors will be sponsoring the race, which is hosted by Dirty Spokes. Dri-Fit T-shirts will be handed out, but there is no guarantee of a shirt for late registrants. Part of the proceeds will be given to BUMP for their work in creating the running trails.
Participants should arrive between 7 and 8 a.m. to pick up their race packets. Medals and prizes will be given to the overall top three male and female finishers in each distance. The top male and female finishers in each of the 13 age groups will also receive medals.
To learn more, visit dirtyspokes.com/oak-mountain-state-park.
Race to the Heights 5K
3.1 miles
Nov. 22 • 7 a.m.
Church of the Highlands Grants Mill campus
4700 Highlands Way
Preregistration: $30
Day-of registration: $35
Register online at active.com
How do you like to run? At the Race to the Heights 5K, you get to choose your terrain.
The Race to the Heights offers both a road and trail course. They have the same start and finish lines in the Church of the Highlands parking lot, but the road course takes runners down Overton Road while the trail course loops around the church property so runners can enjoy the trees and a nearby creek. Stephen Bischoff, the Church of the Highlands event project manager, said the road course offers a more relaxed run while the trail is more challenging.
“The race coordinators will have fruit, water, bagels and other refreshments available, and vendors will also be on site. Runners will receive a T-shirt if they preregister, and prizes will be given to the top three male and female finishers.
Proceeds will benefit the A21 Campaign, an international charity dedicated to fighting human trafficking. The A21 Campaign works to create global awareness while also providing shelters and medical, legal and vocational help for victims of trafficking. Bischoff said supporting this organization should remind runners and church members that the effects of human trafficking hit close to home.
