8 running events in Shelby County, Alabama

From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find running events and connect with the local endurance sports community.

• Butterfly 5K [annasarms.org] [Register at runsignup.com]
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  Sun, Apr 12, 2026 at 2:00 PM

  Description

  Join us for the Butterfly 5K, a community memorial walk/run welcoming runners, walkers, families, and supporters of all ages. This meaningful event brings our community together to run, remember, and release hope, ending with a beautiful butterfly release experience. Registration includes a race t-shirt, swag bag, and light refreshments. Everyone is welcome.

  5k Run Walk

  4800 Valleydale Road, Shelby County, Alabama, 35242, United States
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• Kitty Kat Haven & Rescue 5K Meow-A-Thon and 1 Mile Whisker Walk [runsignup.com]
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  Sat, May 02, 2026 at 8:00 AM

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  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...

  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 .

  1 Miles 5k Fun Run Run Trail Walk

  Shelby County, Alabama, 35242, United States
  OpenStreetMap Google Maps
• Because of the Brave 5K [runsignup.com]
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  Mon, May 25, 2026 at 7:00 AM

  Description

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  Event Description

  The name of this event says it all… Because of the Brave! We love this country and all of us enjoy the freedom of living in the United States of America. However, this freedom we...

  Event Description

  The name of this event says it all… Because of the Brave! We love this country and all of us enjoy the freedom of living in the United States of America. However, this freedom we enjoy came at a price. On this Memorial Day, come out and join us in an event that truly honors the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Because of the Brave 5K is truly about reflecting on this sacrifice that was made by so many of our heroes.

  These men and women carried their American flag and served our country with honor. What better way to honor them, than to carry an American flag while running/walking a 5K? As part of this event, each runner/walker must carry a 2’x 3’ American flag during the entire 5K course. The flag will be affixed to a pole so it will be easy to carry. The flag and pole together will be light so even children will be able to participate.

  This event is not about you and, therefore, is not a race. You can run/walk at whatever pace you would like to, but this is not a timed 5K event.

  Because of the Brave 5k will be hosted by the American Village. The Alabama National Cemetery is also next door to the American Village. The Alabama National Cemetery is the final resting place for thousands of our brave heroes. A portion of your entry fee will be donated to both the Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery and the American Village.

  Because of the Brave 5K starts at 7:00 AM. This allows runners/walkers to finish the 5K and have plenty of time to visit the Alabama National Cemetery at 9:00 AM for their annual Memorial Day Service. The American Village will be having their annual Memorial Day Celebration as well. So, come out and run Because of the Brave 5K, visit the Alabama National Cemetery’s Memorial Day Service, and enjoy the afternoon at American Village’s Memorial Day Celebration for a full day of honoring the fallen and fun with the family!

  Course Description

  The 5K course will wind throughout the beautiful grounds at American Village. The course consists of a 1.55-mile loop and will be clearly marked with American flags. Runners/walkers must complete the loop twice to finish the course and complete the 5K distance. The entire course will be on paved surfaces, so strollers and wheelchairs are welcome.

  Time and Location

  Memorial Day: Monday May 25, 2026 @ 7:00 AM

  Because of the Brave 5K will be held at American Village in Montevallo, Alabama.

  Address: 3727 Highway 119 Montevallo, AL 35115

  The GPS coordinates of the parking lot you’ll want to park in are: (33.137730, -86.829740)

  Packet Pickup

  There is no early packet pickup for this event. Race day packet pickup will be at the start/finish line which will be located near the main parking lots of American Village. There will be plenty of parking and access to restrooms. Packet pickup will be from 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM. A pre-run briefing will take place at 6:40 AM. The 5K run/walk will begin at 7:00 AM sharp.

  Runners will receive a 2’ x 3’American flag attached to a pole at packet pickup.

  We will also have a custom Because of the Brave 5K flag near the start/finish line. Please come prepared to write the name of a hero or heroes that you will be running/walking the 5K in honor of. This flag will come back annually at each future Because of the Brave 5K event and be on display during the run. This, again, ensures we never forget the names of our heroes who died for this country.

  Swag

  This event is organized by The Running Birds so the swag will be top notch. All runners/walkers will receive a custom Because of the Brave 5K challenge coin at the finish line. Runners/walkers will exchange the American flag they’ve carried during the 5K course for the challenge coin. Challenge coins are commonly exchanged within the military. Another way to honor the brave is to keep this tradition. This challenge coin will be something you can take away from this event as a reminder of the freedom we have “Because of the Brave!” There will be no awards given to the top finishers. Again, this is not a race but rather an event to honor those brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

  Aid Station

  We will provide one water station during the course at the start/finish line area. Runners/walkers will be able to hydrate at the halfway point and at the finish line. Fruit will also be provided at the finish line.

  Refunds

  We understand things happen in training and in life itself. However, no refunds will be given to any runner for this competition. In the event you can find another runner to take your spot, you can transfer your entry to them. You can also defer your entry to next year’s event. Just email us and we will make sure to get it taken care of.

  Contact Us

  If you have any questions about this event, contact us at therunningbirds11@gmail.com

  For more information about the American Village visit their website:

  https://www.americanvillage.org/

  For more information about the Alabama National Cemetery visit their website:

  https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/alabama.asp

  Donations

  In addition to a portion of your entry fee that will be donated to the American Village and the Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery, you can make a donation of any amount to either or both of them. Any additional donations will go straight to American Village and/or the Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery.

  3.1 Miles 5k Run Walk Wheelchair

  3727 Highway 119, Shelby County, Alabama, 35115, United States
  OpenStreetMap Google Maps
• Endless Summer [runsignup.com]
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  Sat, Jun 20, 2026 at 8:00 AM

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  Endless Summer running fest, and lake party!

  Description Between June 20, 8AM and June 21, 8PM you get 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, or 36 hours to clock as many 1 mile loops around Catfish Lake as you can. The...

  Endless Summer running fest, and lake party!

  Description Between June 20, 8AM and June 21, 8PM you get 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, or 36 hours to clock as many 1 mile loops around Catfish Lake as you can. The loop is a dirt / gravel road with a brief grass section, and about 120 feet of elevation change. This is THE trail race for road runners. At the start / finish you can expect a non-stop party with good food, good music, and summer vibes. Cool off in the lake, or the misting tent, hit the slip 'n' slide, or hang by the overlook. With a beautiful summit lake on one side, and a beautiful mountain view on the other, this is sure to be the summer days you always hoped for. If you don't want to run, get a Hang Pass to enjoy everything the runners get, but the pain (basically just food, and drinks). However, you do not have to have one to come support a runner.

  Giveaways Each runner will get a sweet tank, a sticker, and whatever other fun things we can scrounge up in the next 5 months!

  Awards Top 3 male, and female distance of each duration will receive an award. While you may start any duration at any time, you are only eligible for a duration award if you start at the official June 20, 8AM start. Specific distance awards are in the works, including a buckle for 100+ milers.

  Ceremonies Will be held right after each duration (2PM, 8PM, 2AM, 8AM, 2PM, 8PM).

  Parking will be at the Belcher Tract parking lot off 280. There is a 0.8 mile walk / jog to the start / finish. We plan to rent some golfcarts, or ATVs for shuttling though.

  Camping Bring whatever you need to make yourself successful: tents, specific foods, camp stoves, sleeping pad, etc. But let's try to keep it to a 10'x10' maximum. Tent spaces will be limited.

  Food There will be a constant aid station at the start / finish with all the regular ultra-grub. We will serve breakfast on day two (7AM-9AM), Lunch both days (11AM-1PM), and dinner both days (6PM-8PM). And if there's something you want / need at anytime, just ask. We will do our best to accommodate. If you don't want to run, but you do want to eat, get a Hang Pass!

  Recreation While swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and floating are allowed, they are not part of the official event, and will be done at your own risk.

  Gravel Run Swim Trail Ultra Walk

  4000 Belcher Dr, Shelby County, Alabama, 35242, United States
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• Raffle Run [runsignup.com]
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  Sat, Aug 01, 2026 at 7:00 AM

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  Event Description

  The 2nd annual Raffle Run is a go! As always, our goal is to motivate you to do your best. However, for Raffle Run, our focus is to be insanely generous to the runners that come to...

  Event Description

  The 2nd annual Raffle Run is a go! As always, our goal is to motivate you to do your best. However, for Raffle Run, our focus is to be insanely generous to the runners that come to our events. We will be giving away around $2,500 worth of prizes at Raffle Run. No strings attached! Literally, it’s that simple. Runners/walkers of all ages are welcome. At this event, you can literally be the slowest runner/walker and still win BIG!

  Have you ever wanted to be a part of a raffle drawing where there is no limit to the number of raffle tickets you can have in the raffle? Do you also enjoy running/walking and pushing yourself? Well, Raffle Run is just for you. This is the most unique raffle you’ve ever heard of or ever been a part of. You control the number of raffle tickets you get based solely on your effort. Raffle tickets are only earned at this event and are NOT for sale. So, how does it work?

  Runners will receive a Raffle Run wristband at packet pick-up. You must keep this wristband on your wrist, and it must be visible at all times to receive your raffle ticket upon completion of each lap. Without this wristband, you will not receive any raffle tickets during the event.

  Once the event starts, runners will have 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete as many laps as they possibly can. (We have listed this event as a 5K, 10K, 1.5 Hour Run. However, this is only for the purpose of people being able to search for this event. The distance is totally up to you based on your effort. You can run one lap or twenty laps. We're good with either. Just know, the more laps you complete, the more chances you have to win the prizes given away at the end of the event. Strategy is key!) Upon completion of each lap, runners will receive a raffle ticket that corresponds with the prize they want to be in the drawing for. Only completed laps count. The runner must keep their raffle ticket until the conclusion of the event when the prize drawings occur. There will be five prizes given away at the conclusion of the event. If you happen to lose your ticket, no replacement tickets will be given under any circumstances. Keep up with all your tickets!

  For example, a runner completes their first lap and wants to be in the drawing for prize #2. As the runner completes the lap, the runner runs through the lane corresponding with prize #2 and receives a raffle ticket for prize #2. The runner continues to run, and this cycle continues until the hour and a half is up. Runners can receive a ticket for any prize they choose and there is no limit to the number of tickets they can earn for each prize.

  At 8:45 AM sharp, the raffle drawing will begin, and prizes will be awarded. To win the prize, the participant must be present, and the matching ticket must be presented to the race director.

  Schedule

  5:30 AM - 6:30 AM – Packet Pickup/Check-In

  6:45 AM – Pre-race briefing

  7:00 AM – Race begins

  8:30 AM – Race cutoff

  8:45 AM – Raffle drawing

  The Prizes

  There will be a total of 5 prizes given away at this year’s event. However, we are changing the format a little bit this year to increase your chances of winning. For prize #3 below, 3 raffle tickets will be drawn and each winner will receive $200. For prize #4, 2 raffle tickets will be drawn and each winner will receive 5 ounces of pure silver. The following is a list of prizes that will be given away:

  #1 Carnival Cruise Lines $500 Gift Card

  #2 Southwest Airlines $500 Gift Card

  #3 $600 Cash Money

  #4 Pure Silver (Approximately $500 Value)

  #5 Pure Gold (Approximately $600 Value)

  Course Description

  The approximate 1.25-mile course will wind through the beautiful Veterans Park in Hoover, AL. The course will be well marked and consists of both paved surfaces and trails.

  Time and Location

  Saturday, August 1, 2026 @ 7:00 AM

  Raffle Run will be held at Veterans Park in Hoover, Alabama.

  Address: 4800 Valleydale Road Hoover, AL 35242

  The GPS coordinates of the parking lot you’ll want to park in are: (33.3899887, -86.7267562)

  Packet Pickup

  There is no early packet pickup for this event. Race day packet pickup will be at the start/finish line which will be located at the pavilion by the playgrounds at Veterans Park. There will be plenty of parking and access to restrooms.

  Runners will receive a custom Raffle Run wristband. This is how the race directors will identify you as a participant to receive your raffle ticket upon completion of each lap. On your final lap, runners will return their wristband in exchange for their final raffle ticket and finisher's medal.

  Swag

  All runners will receive a finisher's medal upon completion of their last lap. Runners can earn unlimited raffle tickets for your chance to win the prizes.

  Aid Station

  We will provide one water station during the course at the start/finish line area. Runners will be able to hydrate at the start/finish line area. However, no food will be provided at this event, only really awesome prizes.

  Refunds

  We understand things happen in training and in life itself. However, no refunds will be given to any runner for this competition. In the event you can find another runner to take your spot, you can transfer your entry to them. You can also defer your entry to next year’s event. Just email us and we will make sure to get it taken care of.

  Contact Us

  If you have any questions about this event, contact us at therunningbirds11@gmail.com

  Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok @therunningbirds to keep up with our events! Don’t forget to like and share our events!

  Run Trail Walk

  4800 Valleydale Road, Shelby County, Alabama, 35242, United States
  OpenStreetMap Google Maps