4 events in Decatur, Alabama

“The River City”, Decatur, Alabama, hosts a fabulous running/biking trail and some of the nicest runners you’ll ever meet. Join us for our 10th annual Carnival Frolic 13.1-mile race taking you through our acclaimed historic districts, along the Tennessee River, and through Point Mallard Park. Our race course is USATF certified. A map of the Carnegie Frolic course can be found visiting https://www.certifiedroadraces.com/certificate/?type=l&id=AL16017JE .

Is a shorter distance more your thing? Then grab some friends and run the half marathon relay option! You can have up to 4 relay members per team.

And back for 2026 we will be offering a individual 5K Run! The 5K participants receive a race shirt, carnival swag and Finisher surprise! Also, at the finish line there will be Mardi Gras donuts, Gatorade and Pepsi products for our 5K participants! The 5K race will start at 7:15am and run out and back on the same Frolic course!

All Frolic 13.1 individual participants receive a race shirt, carnival swag and Finishers Medal. Relay Team Participants receive a race shirt, carnival swag and team Finisher Medals! . Cash (yes, cold hard cash) and prizes will be awarded to the overall winners of the HALF MARATHON. We will also present 10 year age group winners with a little something extra. Additionally, all finishers of the Frolic will be treated to a post race celebration at the Carnegie Visual Arts Center with beignets, a sampling of red beans and rice and ONE FREE mimosa or cold beer! Grab your running shoes and get moving!

SPECIAL NOTE: ONLINE REGISTRATION will be available through February 12, 2026 with incremental registration fee increases the closer we get to race day. After that date we will offer in-person LATE REGISTRATION at the Carnegie Visual Arts Center up to CARNIVAL WEEKEND, Friday - February 13th from 10:30am to 6pm and pre-race Saturday, February 14th from 6am - 6:45am at the Carnegie Visual Arts Center. However, we cannot guarantee that race shirts and sizes will be available for LATE REGISTRANTS.

PACKET PICK-UP will be available at the Carnegie Visual Arts Center on Friday - February 13th from 10:30am to 6pm and pre-race Saturday, February 14th from 6am - 6:45am.

FINISHING TIME CUT-OFF at the request of the Decatur Police Department and RCR TIMING there will be a 3:30 time limit for the HALF MARATHON.

COURSE UPDATE:The start and finish of all races will be in the Water Park west parking lot at the Archery area like it was in 2024.

10k Course map

5k Course map

For over three decades, the River City Run has been one of North Alabama’s most anticipated Spring RRCA runs.

We are proud to partner with The Committee on Church Cooperation as our Charity Sponsor.

$800 in Prize Money!! 10k male/female: 1st $125, 2nd $100, 3rd $75, Master $50, Grand Master $50.

Finishers Medals for 10k and 5k. Fun Run awards for the kids. Runners can participate in the 5K, 10K, 5k/10K Double or the all ages Fun Run. The 10K and 5K courses are flat and fast. The first 3.5 miles of the 10K are run through quiet residential streets. The finish of the 10K and the entire 5K is run on the park and golf course perimeter road which runs along the beautiful Tennessee River. The 5K course is an out-and-back and the 10K is a loop. The Fun Run is a loop of the paved perimeter trail around the Spirit of America field.

5k Awards: 1st Overall M/F, Master M/F, Grand Master M/F. Age group awards 0-14 then 5 year groups to 70+

10k Awards: See above for prize money categories. Age group awards 0-14 then 5 year groups to 70+

Register by March 9, 2026 to guarantee your t-shirt!

Packet pickup and registration on Friday 3/27 from 11am to 2pm at Fleet Feet Madison, 181 Hughes Rd, Madison, AL.

Packet pickup and registration on Friday 3/27 from 5pm to 7pm at Cross Eyed Owl Brew Pub, 105 1st Av NE, Decatur, AL.

RACE DAY time line at Pt Mallard:

6:30am- 8:30am -Packet pickup and registration depending on race.

7:30am - 5k start

8:20am - 10k start

8:30am - 5k Awards

8:30am - Fun Run start

9:30am - 10k Awards

Race day registration prices:

5k - $40 10k - $45 10k/5k Double - $50 Fun Run - $20