Night Howler 50

The Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue 5K Meow-A-Thon is a 5k race and the Whisker Walk is a 1 mile fun run/walk benefiting Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue, a no-kill, cage-free shelter for cats and kittens.

The race will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026 at Veterans Park, 4800 Valleydale Road, Hoover, AL. Veterans Park offers a varied terrain for running, including fields, trails and pavement.

The race will be held rain or shine. In the event of severe weather we will operate on a delay. Check-in begins at 7:00 am. The 5K Meow-A-Thon will start at 8:00 am. The 1 mile Whisker walk/run will start at 9:30. This will allow time for 5k awards and to allow 5k runners to participate with family in the whisker walk!

Register online through midnight May 1, 2026.

The entry fee for the 5k Meow-a-Thon is $25, or $15 for children 10 and under.

The entry fee for the 1 mile Whisker walk/run is $15, or $5 for children 10 and under.

Packet pickup will be available Friday May 1st at Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue, 3432 Old Columbiana Rd Birmingham, AL 35226 between 12:30pm and 6pm. You may also register in person at Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue Friday May 1st between 12:30pm and 6pm.

Packet pickup and day of registration will be available Saturday morning May 2nd at Veterans Park starting at 7am.

Meow-A-Thon entry fee the day of the race is $30, or $20 for children 10 and under.

Whisker Walk entry fee the day of the race is $20, or $10 for children 10 and under.

If you don't want to run but want the T-shirt? Or have opted for the 1Mile Whisker Walk (which does not include a race shirt). You can order a shirt from the Race Store - Just click on the "More" menu item and select "Store'. Shirts must be picked up at the Haven or the day of the race. There will be no shipping option. We will do our best to guarantee sizes but due to the order deadline for the T-shirt, signups after April 15th cannot be guaranteed their selected size.

Prizes will be awarded for overall male and female 5k finishers (1st thru 3rd) as well as age group awards for male and female 1st thru 3rd finishers!

We have made it our mission to save abandoned, stray, and injured animals, provide them with the care they need in a safe and loving environment, and adopt them into forever homes. To find out more about Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue visit our website at http://www.kittykathavenrescue.org or join us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kittykathavenrescue .

The award-winning trails of Oak Mountain State Park are set to host one of the biggest events on the 2026 calendar. This three-day festival will feature a stop of the XTERRA World Cup, the 2026 North American Championship, and the Youth North American Championship for athletes aged 14–19. This year, the event is also honored to host the 2026 Youth & Junior Cross National Championship. Expect food, music, and the vibrant energy of the XTERRA community at a race location that is second to none.

The 2nd Annual Alabama Pride Hike is back — bigger, bolder, and even more intentional.

What started as the first Pride event ever hosted at an Alabama State Park is now becoming a movement — and 2026 is where it levels up.

This year, we’re proud to partner with REI, bringing their local hike guides to lead three thoughtfully designed routes:

-Beginner Route – Welcoming, social, and perfect for first-time hikers, families, and anyone wanting a relaxed, community-focused experience. 3 miles

-Intermediate Route – A steady climb with rewarding views and that “I did that” feeling at the finish. 5 miles

• Advanced Route – Technical, challenging, and built for those who want to earn their Pride with sweat and grit. 8 miles

• ADA-Friendly Option – Because belonging isn’t optional. We are committed to creating space where everyone can participate, move their body, and be part of this day. 1.5 miles

This isn’t just a hike.

It’s visibility in outdoor infrastructure.

It’s community in motion.

It’s Pride where it hasn’t always existed before.

Expect vibrant energy at the trailhead, music, local partners, photo moments, and the kind of welcoming atmosphere that makes you immediately feel like you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. Whether you’re an elite trail runner, a parent with kids, brand new to hiking, or simply showing up in support — there is a place for you here.

Last year we made history.

This year we build momentum.

Join us for a day that celebrates movement, nature, inclusion, and the simple power of being outside together in Alabama — boldly, safely, and joyfully.

Let’s fill these trails.

Registration for guaranteed shirts ends May 22, 2026

Oak Mountain State Park requires an entry fee for all entering the park! Help our Alabama State Parks with your attendance and help more events like this happen!

Adults: $5

12 & younger: $2