Serving You - Race for The Grace Place

Race start is at North Trailhead

Beginning with a short service road start, runners will quickly sort themselves before entering the single track of Blue Trail. After some rolling uphill, you will take a hard left up one of Oak Mountain's gnarliest climbs, and my favorite training hill, Outback Highway! Once summitted, good news, the most grueling stretch is behind you. But you still have 2.5 miles of rugged Alabama terrain. After the next, shorter, and gentler hill, you will crest over onto one of my favorite top-outs with boulders towards a slippery pine straw downhill. Next is a walk-worthy climb to your halfway point, your water station, and the crown of this race: King's Chair! After a quarter mile of mostly runnable trail, you will come to your second toughest, but final climb to Eagles Nest. From there, it's about a half mile of technical downhill till you get back to Red Road for a fast finish. But make sure you watch your ankles here!

So, come test your grit with the Southeast's toughest 5k. ~1,100 feet of climbing, and descending over only 3.1 miles, on Oak Mountain's rugged terrain.

Race start is at North Trailhead

Website

AllTrails

Strava

H.O.P.E. 5K and Fun Run

Saturday, September 12, 2026

At Veterans Park in Alabaster

Benefiting: Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

Join us for the H.O.P.E. 5K, a powerful event dedicated to raising awareness and supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Every step we take together is a step toward healing, empowerment, and hope.

This race is more than just miles—it’s a movement. Whether you're a survivor, advocate, or supporter, your participation makes a difference. At H.O.P.E. – "You're Not In It Alone", we are committed to amplifying voices, providing support, and fostering a future where no survivor has to walk alone.

🏃‍♀️ Sign up today and be part of the change.

Packet Pickup and Schedule

Thursday, September 10, 2026

• Location: Veterans Park in Alabaster, 7305 Hwy 119, Alabaster, AL 35007

• Packet Pickup: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Friday, September 11, 2026

• Location: Veterans Park in Alabaster, 7305 Hwy 119, Alabaster, AL 35007

• Packet Pickup: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, September 12, 2026

• Location: Veterans Park in Alabaster, 7305 Hwy 119, Alabaster, AL 35007

• Packet Pickup: 7:30 a.m. - 8:45a.m.

• 5K Start: 9:00 a.m.

• Fun Run Start: 9:30 a.m.

• 5K Awards Ceremony: 11:00 a.m.

• Awards given for the fastest female, fastest male, and most spirited

Course Map

• Click here for detailed 5K Map: 5K Map or for the Fun Run: Fun Run Map

About H.O.P.E.

H.O.P.E. – “You’re Not In It Alone” is a nonprofit organization based in Alabama, dedicated to supporting and empowering women survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Through advocacy, education, and access to essential resources, we help women reclaim their strength, rebuild their lives, and walk forward with hope.

💜 Ready to make an impact?

Join us in creating safer, stronger futures for women.

👉 Learn More About Our Mission or Donate Today

Cancellation and Refund Policy

All race entries are non-transferable and non-refundable. The event will occur rain or shine, hot or cold. We reserve the right to cancel in extreme circumstances. All plans are subject to change contingent upon state and local restrictions at time of event. In that event of a cancellation, there will be no refunds. Entry fees will be considered a donation to Crisis Center, Inc.

Oak Mountain State Park.

200 Terrace Dr, Pelham, AL 35124

The Annual Hold the Fort Races are a timed 5k and 10k race and a 1-mile Warrior Walk held at Oak Mountain State Park in Alabama on Saturday, SEPTEMBER 20, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. This year's race begins at the DOGWOOD Pavilion. You will enter the FRONT gate of Oak Mountain State Park. Check-in starts at 7 a.m.

Early packet pick-up will be on Friday, September 19, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Full Moon BBQ in Pelham Address: 2252 Pelham Pkwy, Pelham, AL 35124

Proceeds from the race this year are dedicated to raising $250,000 to finalize the construction of our Restoration Home – a home needed to care for children rescued from human trafficking. To ensure ongoing operations in community training, development, and advocacy. To find out more about their mission, visit BlanketFortHope.org.

• Cash prizes for the top overall 10k Male & Female

• Cash prizes for the top overall 5K Male & Female

• Complimentary event t-shirt for first 200 people to sign up (sizes subject to availability)

• Road Run in beautiful Oak Mountain State Park: Park Admission is included with your registration this year! (Thanks Mills Pharmacy!)

• Awards for 14 categories

• Every runner and walker has a chance to win a fabulous prize!

Learn more about Oak Mountain State Park.

We are so grateful to Mills Pharmacy for sponsoring registrant entry into the race. If you bring a spectator, please be prepared to pay for their entry, according to Oak Mountain's website

10K Map:

https://www.strava.com/routes/3388272267858096642

5K Map:

https://www.strava.com/routes/3388271359372016196

If you are interested in sponsoring, please email [email protected].

BHM26.2 2026 is Alabama's only fully charitable race series, benefitting Magic Moments on Sunday, October 4th. Comprised of a full marathon, 5-person marathon relay, half marathon, 10k, 5k and kid's fun run, BHM26.2's Race Series brings exciting courses to the Birmingham Metro area! With over 2,000 runners, this event is one of Alabama's most highly attended races with a family-friendly After Party for participants and anyone supporting the cause!

Our specialized Marathon course is a beautiful but challenging 13.1 looped run through the city and neighborhoods of Hoover with a mix of rolling hills, flat terrain, and a beautiful waterfront. This course will have frequent water stations, cheer stations, and medical stations to ensure you are safe and have an incredible race day experience!

Our Marathon Relay is RETURNING for the 2026 race and is intended for a fun team building activity to tackle our marathon course with your team! The leg options are set to be 5 miles, 5 miles, 3.1 miles, 6.2 miles, and 6.9 miles. Teams may opt for less than 5 runners if the team member chooses to run consecutive legs. All members of the relay team will receive their medals together as their team crosses the official BHM26.2 finish line! Registration for this event will open February 1st.

Our popular Half Marathon, which sold out last year, is back and better than ever. This year’s course takes you through scenic views, winding through the city and neighborhood streets and along a beautiful waterfront. With improved logistics, enhanced support, and a festive race-day atmosphere, we’re making sure your experience is unforgettable. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a first-timer, this is a race you won’t want to miss.

The 10K and 5K races are perfect for runners of all levels looking for a challenge or a fun fitness goal. Both courses offer a great mix of flat stretches, rolling hills, and scenic views, ideal for those looking for a good challenge and fun race environment. These will have a vibrant crowd support, water stations, a medical station, and a finish line celebration you won't forget. Whether you’re racing for time or just for fun, these events are designed to inspire you every step of the way!

The Kid’s Fun Run is geared towards children and patients who wish to be a part of our race weekend. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult. This event is a stroller friendly event and is around ¼ mile!

We are bringing back our EXPO on Saturday, October 3rd at the Finley Center from 10am - 4pm! All Packet Pickups will take place at the Expo, where you'll also have the chance to walk through a great lineup of local vendors, businesses, and race sponsors. Come out, grab your race gear, and enjoy the energy of our amazing community!

Don't forget our After Party for everyone to enjoy right after you cross the Finish Line on Sunday! Join us at The Finley Center, right inside by the Finish Line, for a post race meal, live music, drinks, a kids zone, and more happening from 7:30 am to 2 pm!

The best part? ALL proceeds benefit Magic Moments, the only wish-granting organization devoted exclusively to children in Alabama with chronic life-threatening or acute life-altering conditions. Lace up your shoes and join us October 4th as we run for the children who are chasing a cure.

#RunForTheKids