8 running, walking, and fun run events in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The Visit Tuscaloosa Half Marathon is the longest distance running race held in Tuscaloosa Alabama each year. Runners get a sampling of the rolling hills along the Black Warrior River, the Tuscaloosa River Walk, portions of the University of Alabama campus, and some quaint downtown neighborhoods. Runners can also choose to participate in the 5K or the Alabama Credit Union 1 Mile Fun Run and get in on the action! The Start and Finish line is located at Government Plaza where participants have plenty of space to spread out, enjoy the run, and celebrate with live music, good food and cold beer.

FRESHJUNKIE Racing (FJR) is committed to keeping this popular race a local favorite as well as regional attraction for runners from all over the Southeast. Portions of registration proceeds are directed to our selected Charity Partners as well as other volunteer and philanthropic groups.

We invite you to join us for West Alabama’s premier half marathon race weekend and enjoy everything this great community has to offer!

Hospice of West Alabama’s 16th Annual Family 5K will be held April 11, 2026, at the Harry Pritchett Running Park . The event will begin at 8:00 am, with registration beginning at 7:00 am.

The HOWA 5K is a reunion, in a way, as many families of former patients participate. Participants can choose to run in memory or honor of a loved one, giving their walk a personal meaning. The event includes activities for the entire family, and it gets bigger and better every year.

Join Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority (PARA), Tuscaloosa Tourism & Sports (Visit Tuscaloosa), and the Alabama Marines Foundation for the fifth annual Tuscaloosa Gauntlet obstacle course race, Saturday, April 18, 2026. The race features 20+ obstacles, including a Marine regulation O-Course.

Whether you're a competitive racer or just getting started, the course will provide a challenge worth celebrating! Competitive, open, and team heats are available, as well as a kids race. This year, we will feature kids race on Friday evening, April 17, during packet pickup. This will be family night with food trucks and fun for the entire family!

The course will be different than last year's and will have new obstacle additions!

Are you up for the challenge? Register now!

READY (Resources, Education, and Advocacy for Drug-Free Youth) is hosting the third annual Strides Against Drugs prevention 1-mile fun run/walk. This FREE community event will be held on May 16th, 2026, from 9AM to NOON at Randall Family Park & Trailhead.

Alongside the fun-run/walk we will have bounce houses, crafting, a live DJ, activities, community-partners and more! Join us in our efforts to promote healthy choices and substance free-living in our community. All ages are welcome!

The fun run will begin at 9:30AM.

*Be the first 100 to sign up and earn a FREE t-shirt! *

Join us for the QRF (Quick Reaction Force) 5K Run/Walk – Miles for Mental Health, a mission-driven event focused on raising awareness and funding for veteran mental health support. This event is more than a race—it’s a stand against the silent battles many of our nation’s heroes face every day.

At QRF, we believe that no veteran should fight alone. Through this event, we aim to break the stigma around mental health, provide life-changing resources, and build a stronger support system for those who have served.