This is a race like no other. The course includes a scenic route starting in Ross Bridge Village Center and crossing participants through six distinctive neighborhoods of a classic American resort town. There will be a time of fellowship at our Health Expo where there will be prizes, vendors and activities for the children.
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
LAST ZOMBIE STANDING
A beautiful 4.167 mile loop with roughly 500ft of gain and loss at Oak Mountain State Park! Runners will have room to set up a tent or canopy with their supplies. Limited aid at start/finish. Backyard format. 1 hour to complete the loop. Runners must be in start corral when next hour starts to attempt next lap. Race capped at 100. Don’t wait! LAST ZOMBIE STANDING!
Rules
-Course is 4 miles 880 feet in length-Starting Corral will be measured to fit entire starting field and will remain the same size thruout the event. -You MUST be in the starting corral at the starting bell-Each loop starts precisely 1 hour after the last. -A warning bell will sound at 3, 2, and 1 minutes prior to start of each loop. (All competitors must start at the bell no late starts)-Except for restrooms, competitor may not leave the course until each loop is completed. -No other people (non-competitors) are allowed on the course (including eliminated runners)-No personal aid during a loop-Each loop must be completed within an hour to be counted... including the final lap-No artificial aids (e.g. trekking poles)-Slower runners must allow passes-The winner is the last individual to complete a loop. (If no runner can complete one more loop than anyone else, there is no winner.) -All others are technically DNF, however results for all participants (distance covered) will be awarded.
Event's current local time: 3:20 AM CT
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.
YOU MUST CARRY WATER
**** YOU MUST BE CARRYING AT LEAST 15 to 20oz OF WATER OR TAILWIND OR SIMILAR AT THE START. IF NOT, YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO RUN R2BR! ****
All Runners registered by July 26th Will Receive Race Shirts
We are giving custom made, fully sublimated shirts at R2BR. These shirts must be ordered 6 weeks prior to the race. Consequently, we must "guess" at the number and size of shirts we will need. Everyone that registers by July 26th will get a race shirt. If we miss on the numbers, the shirts will be given out at the race based on registration date.
About the Ridge to Blazing Ridge Race
Race 5 of the Southeastern Trail Series, Ridge to Blazing Ridge, will start at the Redbud Pavilion next to the BMX Track. The race will start at 7:00 AM. View the course map and download the GPX file on the Southeastern Trail Runs website. The course is difficult and it will be hot. This race is a little harder than the previous two races and it will probably be very hot. There are two aid station on the mountain at mile 3.75 and a water only stop at mile 7.5. Runners MUST carry water at all times during the race. NO EXCEPTIONS!! For best results, we suggest drinking Tailwind in the place of water. We supply Tailwind at both aid station along with plenty of water.
2025 Weekend Schedule
Friday, August 21st - 5-6 PM: Packet Pickup will be at Mountain High Outfitters store at Oak Mountain Store. We will have late registration at MHO Friday. The address is 2000 Oak Mountain Park Rd, Pelham, AL 35124. The store is located one mile from the south gate of Oak Mountain State Park. Google Maps Location of the MHO Store at Oak MountainSaturday, August 22nd - 5:45 to 6:50 AM: Packet Pickup at the Redbud Pavilion by the BMX Track on Tranquility Road, Oak Mountain State Park. We will be late registration at packet pickup Saturday morning. Oak Mountain State Park charges $5 per person to enter the park. Please try to have exact change. Saturday, August 22nd - 7:00 AM: Both races will start at 7:00 AM at the Redbud Pavilion. Google Maps - Getting to the R2BR Start from Interstate-65 at Hwy 119
Event's current local time: 3:19 AM CT
Hannah Pote was an outstanding SHS student athlete who was tragically killed in a car accident on December 18, 1997. This race was established to honor Hannah's tremendous spirit and love of Starkville High School. Funds raised will directly support teacher and special school project grants within the Starkville Oktibbeha School District.