Cookie Dash 5k and 1 Mile

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

Where it all started

Celebrating its 41st year in 2026, this race was the first Magic Sports (then Team Magic) event and honors local legend Buster Britton and his passion for pushing limits. Swim in a peaceful lake, bike rolling hills, and run a course inspired by Buster’s spirit.

Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete or trying your first race, you’ll find challenge and community here.

Join us and create your own lasting legacy on this iconic course.

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].