Reviewed by: Caleb Turrentine
30+ spring benefit runs happening across Alabama
Reading time: 14 minutes
Spring races in Alabama are returning across the state as runners lace up for charity 5Ks, memorial runs and community events.
From recovery initiatives and cancer awareness to memorial runs and community fundraisers, dozens of races are happening in March, April and May. Whether you’re chasing a PR, walking with friends or just showing up for a good cause, there’s a run near you.
Here are 30+ spring benefit runs taking place across Alabama this season.
Ben’s Race for Recovery 5K – Foley | March 7
In support of: The Benjamin Thomas Werner (BTW) Foundation
- What: A 5K fundraiser raising awareness for addiction recovery and supporting individuals and families in Baldwin County impacted by substance use. The course includes one symbolic obstacle at the start representing life’s challenges and perseverance.
- When: Saturday, March 7, at 8AM
- Where: Graham Creek Pavilion, 23030 Wolf Bay Dr, Foley
- More info / Register
Armadillo Dash 5K, Walk & Fun Run – Robertsdale | March 7
In support of: Rosinton Elementary School
- What: The Armadillo Dash brings the Robertsdale community together for a 5K run/walk and one-mile fun run supporting Rosinton Elementary School. The event also includes a post-race festival celebrating students, families and the local community.
- When:
- Saturday, March 7
- 5K Run/Walk at 9AM | 1 Mile Fun Run at 10AM
- Where: 19757 County Road 64, Robertsdale, AL 36567
- More info / registration
Bunny Hop 5K & Fun Run – Orange Beach | March 7
In support of: The Ann Reese Grote Memorial Scholarship
- What: The 15th Annual Bunny Hop 5K and Fun Run returns to The Wharf in Orange Beach, featuring a 5K run and a 1-mile walk. Proceeds fund scholarships for graduating seniors at Gulf Shores High School and Orange Beach High School who are committed to community service.
- When:
- Saturday, March 7
- 5K at 8:30AM | 1-Mile Walk at 8:45AM
- Where: The Wharf, 23101 Canal Road, Orange Beach
- More info / Register
Donut Dash 5K & Fun Run – Eldridge | March 7
In support of: Free Will Baptist Children’s Home of Alabama
- What: An annual community 5K and fun run raising funds for the Free Will Baptist Children’s Home, a nonprofit organization in Eldridge that has provided care and support for children in need since 1947.
- When:
- Saturday, March 7
- 5K at 8AM | Fun Run at 9AM
- Where: 86 Academy Dr, Eldridge, AL 35554, USA
- More info / Register
Honor Bash 5K – Gadsden | March 7
In support of: Down Syndrome Alabama
- What: The 3rd Annual Honor Bash 5K kicks off in downtown Gadsden and supports programs and resources for individuals with Down syndrome and their families across Alabama.
- When:
- Saturday, March 7
- Check-in at 7AM | Race begins at 7:30AM
- Where: 200 N 6th St, Gadsden, AL 35901, USA
- More info / Register
Greg Stone Memorial Pancake Run – Anniston | March 7
In support of: Parker Memorial Baptist Church Missions Ministry
- What: This annual 5K honors Greg Stone, an avid runner and church member, while raising funds for Parker Memorial Baptist Church’s missions ministry supporting outreach efforts abroad.
- When: Saturday, March 7
- Where: Parker Memorial Baptist Church, 1205 Quintard Avenue, Anniston
- More info / Register
APSO Power Run 5K – Trussville | March 7
In support of: Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama
- What: The 15th Annual APSO Power Run includes a community 5K and a children’s 1K fun run, raising awareness and funds for youth programs through the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama.
- When:
- Saturday, March 7
- 5K at 8AM | 1K Fun Run following the 5K awards
- Where: Trussville Entertainment District, 101 Beech Street Suite 111, Trussville
- More info/registration:
Run Your Guts Out – Owens Cross Roads | March 7
In support of: Russell Hill Cancer Foundation
- What: This family-friendly event includes a 5K and 1-mile fun run raising awareness for colon cancer and supporting local patients through the Russell Hill Cancer Foundation.
- When:
- Saturday, March 7
- 5K at 8AM | 1-Mile Fun Run at 9AM
- Where: 261 Old Highway 431, Owens Cross Roads
- More info/registration:
Bell Center 5K – Birmingham | March 14
In support of: The Bell Center
- What: This community 5K raises funds for The Bell Center, which provides early intervention therapy for infants and toddlers across Alabama who are at risk for developmental delays.
- When: Saturday, March 14 at 8AM
- Where: The Bell Center, 1700 29th Ct. S., Birmingham
- More info/registration
Relay For Life of Coffee County – Enterprise | March 14
In support of: American Cancer Society
- What: This community Relay For Life event brings residents together to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones and raise funds for cancer research, patient services and prevention programs.
- When: Saturday, March 14 at 2PM
- Where: Enterprise Performing Arts Center, 1801 Boll Weevil Circle, Enterprise
- More info/registration
The Rozzy Run – Glencoe | March 14
In support of: The Rozlyn Foundation
- What: This annual event includes a 10K, 5K and fun run raising awareness for childhood cancer and supporting families currently battling the disease.
- When: Saturday, March 14 at 9AM
- Where: Wilson Park, 313 Nancy Carol Avenue, Glencoe
- More info/registration
Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K & Family Fun Day – Birmingham | March 14
In support of: Jefferson State Community College student scholarships
- What: This annual 5K honors longtime Jefferson State Community College president Dr. Judy M. Merritt while raising funds for scholarships for students in need. The event also includes family-friendly activities, music and treats.
- When: Saturday, March 14 at 9AM
- Where: Veterans Park, 4800 Valleydale Road, Birmingham
- More info/registration
First Southern State Bank Mustang 5K Run/Walk – Rainsville | March 21
In support of: Northeast Alabama Community College scholarships
- What: This campus 5K run/walk invites participants to race through the scenic Northeast Alabama Community College campus while raising funds for student scholarships.
- When: Saturday, March 21 at 8AM
- Where: Northeast Alabama Community College, 138 Alabama Highway 35, Rainsville
- More info/registration
Smoke Rise 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run – Warrior | March 21
In support of: Restoring Joy Recovery
- What: This inaugural community race features a scenic 5K and 1-mile fun run through the Smoke Rise area, raising funds for Restoring Joy Recovery and supporting wellness initiatives in the community.
- When:
- Saturday, March 21
- 5K at 8AM | 1-Mile Fun Run at 9AM
- Where: 1550 Scenic Trail, Warrior, AL 35180, USA
- More info/registration
Canyon Climb 8K, 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run – Anniston | March 28
In support of: Regional Medical Center (RMC) foundation
- What: This annual race features a certified 8K, a newly designed 5K course and a 1-mile fun run, taking runners through the hills of Anniston before finishing at the Tyler Center.
- When:
- Saturday, March 28
- 8K & 5K at 8AM | 1-Mile Fun Run at 8:10AM
- Where: Tyler Center, 731 Leighton Avenue, Anniston
- More info/registration
Grow in Grace 5K – Odenville | March 28
In support of: North Valley Early Learning Center
- What: This community 5K and kids fun run raises funds for recreational equipment for preschoolers at North Valley Early Learning Center. The event welcomes runners and walkers of all ages, including strollers.
- When:
- Saturday, March 28
- 5K at 8AM | Kids Fun Run at 9:15AM
- Where: North Valley Church, 900 Woodland Circle, Odenville
- More info/registration
River City Run – Decatur | March 28
In support of: The Committee on Church Cooperation
- What: One of North Alabama’s longtime spring races, this event features a 5K, 10K, kids fun run and a double race option along scenic routes near the Tennessee River at Point Mallard Park.
- When:
- Saturday, March 28
- 5K at 7:30AM | 10K at 8:20AM | Kids Fun Run at 8:30AM
- Where: Point Mallard Park, 2901 Point Mallard Drive SE, Decatur
- More info / registration
Rumpshaker 5K – Birmingham | March 28
In support of: Colorectal cancer awareness and patient support through Rumpshaker, Inc.
- What: The annual Rumpshaker 5K raises awareness for colorectal cancer while supporting patients and local hospitals across Alabama. Participants can choose from a chip-timed 5K run or walk, a one-mile fun run or a virtual 5K option. The event also features team fundraising opportunities and awards for top finishers.
- When:
- Saturday, March 28
- 5K at 8AM | 1 Mile Fun Run at 9AM
- Where: Regions Field, 1401 1st Ave S, Birmingham
- More info / registration
Visit Tuscaloosa Half Marathon + 5K – Tuscaloosa | March 28
In support of: Kiwanis Club of Greater Tuscaloosa and Arts ’n Autism
- What: One of Tuscaloosa’s biggest annual race weekends, this event includes a half marathon, 5K and one-mile fun run through the city. The race also features a post-race celebration and attracts runners from across the region.
- When:
- Saturday, March 28
- Half Marathon at 7AM | 5K at 7:15AM | 1 Mile Fun Run at 10AM
- Where: Downtown Tuscaloosa, 2106 6th St., Tuscaloosa, AL, United States, 35401
- More info / registration
Saints Run – Mobile | March 29
In support of: The Chad Saucier Memorial Scholarship Fund
- What: This annual community race features a USATF-certified 5K through the Spring Hill neighborhood along with a one-mile fun run for all ages. The event includes post-race festivities with kids activities and refreshments.
- When:
- Sunday, March 29
- 1 Mile Fun Run at 3PM | 5K at 3:30PM
- Where: St. Paul’s Episcopal School, 161 Dogwood Lane, Mobile
- More info / registration
Azalea Trail Run 10K, 5K & 2K Fun Run – Mobile | March 28
In support of: Mobile area community programs and local charities
- What: One of Alabama’s most historic races, the Azalea Trail Run returns for its 48th year in downtown Mobile. The event features USATF-certified 10K and 5K courses along with a 2K fun run and walk. Participants run through flat, fast routes beginning and ending at Mardi Gras Park before a post-race celebration with music, food, vendors and family activities.
- When:
- Saturday, March 28
- 10K + 5K at 8AM | 2K Fun Run/Walk following
- Where: Mardi Gras Park, 150 S Royal St, Mobile, AL 36602
- More info / registration
Shepherd’s Cove Race to Remember – Boaz | April 4
In support of: Shepherd’s Cove Hospice
- What: This evening race features a chip-timed 5K and one-mile fun run along the certified trail at Old Mill Park. Participants are encouraged to wear glow gear to honor loved ones while supporting hospice care.
- When:
- Friday, April 4
- 5K + 1 Mile Fun Run at 7PM
- Where: Old Mill Park, AL-168, Boaz
- More info / registration
Book It For Drake 5K + Fun Run – Auburn | April 11
In support of: Drake Middle School
- What: This Auburn race at Town Creek Park features a one-mile fun run followed by a 5K for runners and walkers of all ages. The event is supported by AORTA and welcomes participants from the community and local schools.
- When:
- Saturday, April 11
- 1 Mile Fun Run at 8:30AM | 5K at 9AM
- Where: Town Creek Park, 1150 S Gay St, Auburn
- More info / registration
Boones Chapel Missions & Meals 5K – Prattville | April 11
In support of: Boones Chapel mission trips and the Welcome Food Pantry
- What: This community 5K run and walk brings runners together to support outreach efforts from Boones Chapel. Participants are also encouraged to bring canned food donations for the Welcome Food Pantry.
- When:
- Saturday, April 11
- 5K Run/Walk at 8AM
- Where: Boones Chapel, 460 Doster Road, Prattville
- More info / registration
D1 Life 5K + 1 Mile Fun Run – Auburn | April 18
In support of: The D1 Life Foundation
- What: This community race at Town Creek Park features a one-mile fun run followed by a 5K for runners and walkers of all ages. The event honors the memory of Auburn High student Dylan Pegues and supports youth scholarships and programs through the D1 Life Foundation.
- When:
- Saturday, April 18
- 1 Mile Fun Run at 8AM | 5K at 8:30AM
- Where: Town Creek Park, 1150 South Gay Street, Auburn
- More info / registration
Steps Against Melanoma 5K Walk/Run – Hoover | April 18
In support of: AIM at Melanoma
- What: This community 5K walk and run raises awareness about melanoma while supporting research and patient programs. The event also includes pre-walk activities and free visual skin screenings for participants.
- When:
- Saturday, April 18
- 5K Walk/Run at 9AM
- Where: Veterans Park, 4800 Valleydale Road, Hoover
- More info / registration
Tuscaloosa Mayor’s Cup 5K – Tuscaloosa | April 25
In support of: The Tuscaloosa Pre-K Initiative
- What: This annual downtown race brings the community together for a 5K supporting early childhood education programs in Tuscaloosa. The event promotes health, wellness and education while raising funds for local preschool students.
- When:
- Saturday, April 25
- 5K at 8AM
- Where: Government Plaza, Downtown Tuscaloosa
- More info / registration
Race for a Summer of Second Chances 5K & Walk – Auburn | May 16
In support of: CARE Humane Society
- What: Hosted by CARE Humane Society, this annual race helps raise funds to support animal rescue, shelter care and adoption programs across Lee County. Participants can choose between a 5K run or a one-mile walk/run, with an option to participate virtually.
- When:
- Sunday, May 16
- 1 Mile Walk/Run at 8AM | 5K Run at 8:30AM
- Where: Town Creek Park, 1150 S Gay St, Auburn, AL 36832
- More info / registration
Trussville Trail Run – Trussville | May 16
In support of: The Troy Ellis Foundation
- What: This annual trail race at the Trussville Sports Complex features Alabama’s only 8K trail run, taking runners through off-road terrain and scenic wooded paths. The event welcomes runners looking for a unique challenge beyond traditional road races.
- When:
- Saturday, May 16
- 8K Trail Run at 7AM
- Where: Trussville Sports Complex, 504 Cherokee Drive, Trussville
- More info / registration
Cotton Row Run – Huntsville | May 25
In support of: Honoring fallen military members
- What: One of Alabama’s longest-running races, the Cotton Row Run features a 10K, 5K and one-mile run through downtown Huntsville. The Memorial Day event honors fallen service members with a living memorial flag line along the course.
- When:
- Monday, May 25
- 10K at 7AM | 5K at 9AM | 1 Mile at 10AM
- Where: Downtown Huntsville (Start/Finish on Church St SW)
- More info / registration
Did we miss your favorite race? Let us know by tagging us @thebamabuzz.
