If you’re planning to run a half marathon in Alabama, don’t miss out on these races which are consistently rated the best by those who have run them.
Mercedes-Benz Half Marathon – Birmingham
When visiting Birmingham be sure to check out the Vulcan, the largest cast Iron statue in the world representing it’s roots in the Iron and Steel industry.
This race all started with a love story between a father and his Down Syndrome son who was going in for major surgery at the UAB hospital. Paul promised his son Matt that if he made it through the operation, he would run a marathon. With the help of friends that’s just what he did. The event he formed grew into something that now attracts mainstream attention and is highly acclaimed for it’s half marathon.
Each year the proceeds are given to the Bell center for early intervention programs. Click here to read more about the Mercedes-Benz half Marathon.
The Course
The course starts out fairly steady but by mile 4 you’ll need to be fully fueled as the road begins to go on a 4 mile incline and continues on with some effort needed till around the 10 mile marker when the route starts to run downhill from there. if you’ve got some reserves left in you save them for a final daring sprint perhaps?
Reviews
“Well organized event and awesome post race food and brews! Would certainly like to do this race every year!” – Richie, Facebook Review
“One of my favorite events all year. Always a first class production and a great challenge!.” – Aaron Freesmeier, Facebook Review
The First Light Half Marathon – Mobile
Get a taste for some proper seafood and some amazing Southern hospitality from the locals when you check into the Mobile half marathon. Support local small races like this and benefit the local community as a result. Click here for more information about registering.
The Course
As you run, be sure to check out some of the amazing ancient oaks that stretch out over the road as you run under them. This well made course is enjoyable but there are some testing hills around mile 12.
Reviews
“Downtown Mobile is beautiful. There are ancient oaks that stretch over the roads, and they are covered with moss and ferns. With the low, rising sun hitting them, they are quite striking.” – Runningtheglobe.com Review
“Course is well marked and the aid stations were stocked with enthusiastic volunteers and aid for participants: water and Gatorade.” -Ed L, Yelp Review
Montgomery Half Marathon – Montgomery
Enjoy a half marathon run in the capital City of Alabama. Named after Richard Montgomery who fought in the American revolution. It was incorporated in 1819. While you are there be sure to look at the Civil Rights memorial and the Montgomery museum of fine arts. Click here to discover the Montgomery half marathon.
The Course
Start in front of the water tower in downtown Montgomery with a steady pace as you are immediately put onto a 2 mile climb to get those calves working out. Enjoy the next 7 or so miles as you reach beautiful Old Cloverdale. At mile 10 be prepared to do battle with a hill at Perry Street. Thereafter it’s all downhill to the finishing post.
Reviews
“This was the first year for this marathon and they did a very nice job. Packet pick up was easy, course support was good, and the course had a nice variation of flat and modest rolling hills (just enough to give your legs some variety).” – L.M. from Richmond, Marathonguide.com review
“An enjoyable experience” – R.S. from Tennessee, Marathonguide.com Review
Tuscaloosa Half Marathon
Situated along the banks of the Black Warrior River sits Tuscaloosa. Enjoy it’s Southern hospitality and be sure to take in Lake Tuscaloosa, it’s premier golf courses and plenty of shopping venues. Steeped in Indian history that goes back as far as 1812, Tuscaloosa has lot’s of interesting facts. Discover this race.
The Course
Classified as an easy to medium course, as you run you are supporting local charities. You start out at the Tuscaloosa outdoor venue Ampitheater, taking in Capitol Park (the original seat of the government from 1826-1846) and other attractions. The run begins at 7am, but be there ready 45 minutes beforehand.
Reviews
“The race had several up hills for the first 5 miles. We left the amphitheater and ran along the river until we cut around to Jack Warner Parkway (hills, hills, hills!), Helen Keller, and onto University. The course flattened out on University and was pretty flat the rest of the way. Once we reached this point, the course, which was pretty boring up until that point, got fun.
We ran past Denny Chimes, the President’s Mansion, Bryant Denny Stadium, and The Strip. At the end of The Strip, the course doubled back on itself and we passed it all again. This part of the race was a little congested because only one side of the road was blocked and because it doubled on itself, there was little room to pass.
We turned onto Bryant Drive and took several more turns through closeby neighborhoods and ended running down the Riverwalk until we crossed the finish line back at the amphitheater. And received the most awesome medals I think I have ever gotten. ” – Original post on RunningSouthern.com
“I had it in my brain that I was going to set a PR at this race. And I don’t really know why other than I just wanted to run hard, make it hurt just a little and really be proud of myself for running through this great city. And set a PR I did! 2:07:52 was my official time and I couldn’t have been happier because this race was HILLY! And yes, it did hurt..but it was a good kind of hurt. :).” – BamagirlRUNS Review
The Scottsboro Half Marathon
This quaint half marathon runs in early Spring. If you like the great outdoors then you will quickly be charmed by what Scottsboro has to offer. It’s nestled within the Sequatchie Valley along the banks of the Tennessee River and Guntersville Lake. Discover the superb race.
The Course
Fancy setting your own personal best record? Set out from the Goose Pond Colony Resort, an outdoor recreation destination that offers world class dining, boating, golf, triathlons and running events. Follow along past the water for a mile, then past the golf course and out into the local neighborhoods before the second part has you running along the lake shore and then heading down Ed Hemdree Drive and on to the finishing line!
Reviews
“The course consists of several out and backs that branch out to various areas around Lake Guntersville. Although the course boasts beautiful views, I never really felt like we saw much of the lake, but I will admit that it was raining the entire time so the view was not my biggest concern and I paid little attention to it. There were rolling hills the entire time, however, because there were several out and backs, you knew what you were getting into.” -Carson Phillips, RunningSouthern.com
Bridge Street Town Center Half Marathon – Huntsville
Take in bridge Street‘s stunning picturesque sights as you race in April. Stunning and well kept, Bridge Street town center provides some of the backdrop for the race while the rest is taken up by Huntsville’s research park.
The Course
“With chipped timing, this certified fast course will have you enjoying every step! When you make it through, enjoy a free unique hand made finishers medal, Post race food and finish line party at Bridge Street Town Centre”
Reviews
“This is the second year for this half marathon in Huntsville, AL. I worked this race the first year and ran it this year. In both cases, it is quite clear that Suzanne and Dink Taylor, the race directors, know how to put on a race. From the selection of the race location, which offers easy access to ample parking, a great location for the finish (finishing on a bridge inside the outdoor Bridge Street Mall), a large research park to hold the race with little traffic on a Sunday morning, and a nice venue for post race snacks and awards, this race is a nice, somewhat low-key, half marathon. I see this race growing bigger each and every year.” – Jim Clemens, Bibrave.com Review
“My favorite portion of the race ran through a double helix. Behind the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology there is a park that is a mile long double helix. It was a neat feature of the course.We had some snacks after the race including my favorite post race drink CHOCOLATE MILK! All in all it was a nice race with cool swag (cups and koozies) and an awesome shirt and huge medal. We will be back next year!.” – Beth House, Bibrave.com Review
Andalusia Civitan Holiday Half Marathon
First settled in 1841, Andalusia was formed when the Conecuh river burst forcing people to higher grounds. It’s believed to have gotten it’s name from Spanish explorers or settlers from the similarly named “Andalucia” in Spain. Get on down to Covington County to enjoy a wonderful run that leads you up to the holidays. Click here to learn more or to register.
The Course
Come and run an early December race. Winding out in the beginning from Springfield estates you pass through the aptly named “cANDYland”. A specially built Christmas cottage themed area (for kids) surrounding a giant Christmas tree. A great pre-festive run to add to your collection.
Reviews
“Thanks for a great race! We enjoyed it and were impressed with the amount of course support. Love the medals!!” – Sarah Grano, Facebook Review
“Definitely one of the best medals I’ve ever received at a race. They are beautiful!.” – Sharon Spurlin, Facebook review