On your marks! 7 upcoming Huntsville races to register for now

Ready to lace up for some summertime running? Huntsville has nine excellent upcoming races, from your standard charity 5K to a triathlon and some very fun night runs. Keep reading to learn more and how you can sign up.

1. Tri for Ole Glory

Want to kick off your Fourth of July weekend with a challenge? Tri for Ole Glory is an annual triathlon, hosted by Team Rocket Tri Club and the US Space and Rocket Center. Run a 5K, bike eight miles on trails, and swim 200m on your own or as part of a team. The course is in reverse order of a traditional triathlon, so rather than finish with a run, you’ll swim your way to victory.

The course loops around the Space and Rocket Center and the nearby Huntsville Botanical Gardens.

• When: Saturday, July 3, 8AM
• Where: One Tranquility Base, Huntsville, AL 35805
• Sign up

2. 80s Technicolor 5k + 1-Mile Run

Break out those leg warmers (not that you’ll need them in July), neon colors and blue eyeshadow because the 80s Technicolor Run is back this year in Hampton Cove. The race raises money for Life Ministries in Huntsville, and it’s a great excuse to wear all that outlandish running gear you keep buying but don’t have occasion to wear (come on, I know it’s not just me).

• When: Saturday, July 10, 8AM
• Where: 261 Old Highway 431, Owens Cross Roads, AL US 35763
• Sign up

3. Huntsville Track Club Twilight 5k

With the oppressive July heat rolling into Alabama, a twilight run seems like the best idea to beat the sweltering temps and your previous personal record (PR). While evening races can throw off some runners’ pre-race traditions, they also prevent some heat-related issues like extreme fatigue. This summer race cruises through the University of Alabama Huntsville, making a full loop through the campus.

• When: Saturday, July 17, 7PM
• Where: 205 Spragins Hall, Huntsville, AL US 35899
• Sign up

4. Will Hanley Foundation Race of Champions

Another night race for you, the Will Hanley Foundation Race of Champions has a USA Track and Field-certified course. The trail sounds like a “true cross country course,” with grass, gravel, road and boardwalk. The Athens race raises money and awareness for the Will Hanley Foundation, which funds scholarships for people affected by childhood cancer.

• When: Saturday, July 30, 8PM
• Where: Athens High School Football Stadium, Athens, AL US 35613
• Sign up

5. Huntsville Sprint Triathlon

Hands down one of the most popular annual triathlons in Huntsville, the Huntsville Sprint Triathlon is going in reverse for its 41st year. The race will have a 5k, 7-mile bike ride and a 400m swim—in that order. If you’d rather not dip your toes in the water for the race, you can substitute a half-mile run for that portion of the race.

There’s also a virtual option available. 

• When: Saturday, August 7, 7:30AM
• Where: Huntsville Aquatic Center, 2213 Drake Avenue SW, Huntsville, AL
• Sign up.

6. Glow Run 5k

Huntsville has a ton of cool night races this year, including the Glow Run 5k, supporting the Downtown Rescue Mission. The Glow Run 5K turns the race into a party:

• DJ
• Laser light show
• Balloon art
• Glow performers
• And more

Even if you don’t run your fastest time here, you’ll still have a good time.

• When: Saturday, August 14, 6PM
• Where: Research Park, 901 Explorer Blvd NW, Huntsville AL 35806
• Sign up

7. Chupacabra Trail Race

Trail and ultra runners, get ready for a challenge. The Chupacabra Trail Race features both half- and full-marathon options on trails through Monte Sano State Park. If you want hills, rocks, and above all, a fun marathon, this is your race.

• When: Saturday, August 21, 7AM
• Where: Monte Sano State Park: 5105 Nolen Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801
• Sign up

Whether you’re looking for a casual 5k or gearing up for a full marathon, there’s a summer race coming up for you in Huntsville.

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