Kettlebell Kountdown

Race Description

The 3rd annual Kettlebell Kountdown is ON! This race is the most unique 50K in existence and is truly a one-of-a-kind competition. The format is unlike any competition you’ve ever experienced. There will be some changes at this year’s event! Mainly, the top 3 finishers in each division, male and female, will take home custom kettlebells as their reward for their efforts. - 1st Place – 20 lb custom kettlebell - 2nd Place – 15 lb custom kettlebell - 3rd Place – 10 lb custom kettlebell Are you tired of running the same old races over and over? Are you looking for a new challenge that is different than the traditional 5k, triathlon, obstacle course race, ultramarathon, etc.? Well, look no further. You have found the competition you’ve been looking for. The race consists of a one-mile loop. During each loop, the runner will carry a 20-pound kettlebell for the entire lap. Rules for carrying the kettlebell are listed below. There will be a specific time limit for the runner to complete each one-mile loop. The next lap cannot be started until the time limit has expired for the previous lap. For example, if the time limit for a lap is 25 minutes and he/she completes the lap in 17 minutes, then the runner has the balance of the remaining time to rest until the next lap begins (8 minutes in this example). As long as the one-mile loop is completed within the time limit, the runner can continue in the competition. If, at any time, the runner fails to complete the one-mile loop within the time constraints, the runner is eliminated from the competition. Once the runner is eliminated from the competition, he/she will not be allowed back on the course for any reason. The time limits for each loop continue to decrease as the day goes on. Only those competitors that complete lap 31 will receive an official finisher’s medal. Also, only runners to finish lap 31 will be eligible for the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place custom kettlebells for each division. This event has been accurately described as follows: - This is a one-mile race while carrying a kettlebell. The prerequisite to compete in this one-mile race is that you complete 30 previous one-mile laps carrying the kettlebell without getting eliminated.

Race Course

The course is a one-mile loop. The loop will be clearly marked. The total number of laps for this competition is 31 which will obviously end up being a total of 31 miles, or a 50K. There will be no time limit for the final loop, lap 31. If there are multiple runners remaining at the start of lap 31, the winner will be the runner who completes the final loop the fastest. The top 3 finishers of each division will receive a custom kettlebell as a trophy. The time limits for each lap are as follows: • Lap 1 starts at 8:00 AM - 30 minutes to complete • Lap 2 starts at 8:30 AM - 30 minutes to complete • Lap 3 starts at 9:00 AM - 29 minutes to complete • Lap 4 starts at 9:29 AM - 29 minutes to complete • Lap 5 starts at 9:58 AM - 28 minutes to complete • Lap 6 starts at 10:26 AM - 28 minutes to complete • Lap 7 starts at 10:54 AM - 27 minutes to complete • Lap 8 starts at 11:21 AM - 27 minutes to complete • Lap 9 starts at 11:48 AM - 26 minutes to complete • Lap 10 starts at 12:14 PM - 26 minutes to complete • Lap 11 starts at 12:40 PM - 25 minutes to complete • Lap 12 starts at 1:05 PM - 25 minutes to complete • Lap 13 starts at 1:30 PM - 24 minutes to complete • Lap 14 starts at 1:54 PM - 24 minutes to complete • Lap 15 starts at 2:18 PM - 23 minutes to complete • Lap 16 starts at 2:41 PM - 23 minutes to complete • Lap 17 starts at 3:04 PM - 22 minutes to complete • Lap 18 starts at 3:26 PM - 22 minutes to complete • Lap 19 starts at 3:48 PM - 21 minutes to complete • Lap 20 starts at 4:09 PM - 21 minutes to complete • Lap 21 starts at 4:30 PM - 20 minutes to complete • Lap 22 starts at 4:50 PM - 20 minutes to complete • Lap 23 starts at 5:10 PM - 19 minutes to complete • Lap 24 starts at 5:29 PM - 19 minutes to complete • Lap 25 starts at 5:48 PM - 18 minutes to complete • Lap 26 starts at 6:06 PM - 18 minutes to complete • Lap 27 starts at 6:24 PM - 17 minutes to complete • Lap 28 starts at 6:41 PM - 17 minutes to complete • Lap 29 starts at 6:58 PM - 16 minutes to complete • Lap 30 starts at 7:14 PM - 16 minutes to complete • Lap 31 starts at 7:30 PM - fastest to complete

Event Rules

Each runner must carry a 20-pound kettlebell during the completion of each one-mile loop. At least one hand must be in contact with the kettlebell at all times. It is up to the runner how the kettlebell will be carried during the loop. However, the following means of carrying the kettlebell are strictly prohibited: - No ropes/chains can be used to carry and/or drag the kettlebell. - The kettlebell cannot be attached to anything with string/tape/rope etc. - The kettlebell cannot be carried inside of any bag or container. - The kettlebell cannot be attached to and/or carried on a vest or similar clothing/equipment. - The kettlebell cannot be thrown or tossed. - The runner may rest the kettlebell on the ground during the one-mile loop but may not advance its position without picking it up and carrying it. - Runners cannot receive outside assistance with carrying the kettlebell at any time while running the one-mile loop. Possible ways/methods that are permitted consist of the following: - Runners can carry their kettlebell in either or both arms with the kettlebell by their side, in front of them, or behind them. - Runners can rest the kettlebell on either shoulder, chest, or upper back while still holding the kettlebell with their hand. - Runners are allowed to wear gloves as long as the gloves and/or wrist is not attached to the kettlebell with Velcro straps or something similar. Simply put, pick the kettlebell up off the ground with your hand/hands and carry it along the one-mile loop with zero assistance from equipment/gear or people. Failure to abide by these rules will result in immediate disqualification and the runner will be eliminated from the race. After a runner is eliminated from the competition, he/she must return their kettlebell to the pavilion where they checked in. All participants must be 18 or older.

Racer Setup, Crewing, & Pacing

There will be plenty of space in the start/finish area for racers and their crews to set up tents and/or personal aid stations. Runners may receive whatever aid is necessary while in between laps in the start/finish area. However, runners may not receive any aid or assistance from their crew members while on the one-mile course. Also, NO pacers will be allowed on the course at any time. The course is reserved for competitors only. The lap is only one mile. The runner will be back shortly. Once the lap is completed with the kettlebell, crew members can assist their runner in the start/finish area.

Race Location and Packet Pickup

The Kettlebell Kountdown will be held at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama. There is no early packet pickup for this competition. Race day packet pickup will be at the Lakeside Pavilion (33.323567, -86.762840) near the south trailhead parking lot inside the park. There will be plenty of parking and access to restrooms. Packet pickup will be from 6:30 AM to 7:40 AM. Make sure you bring your photo ID for positive identification. A pre-race briefing will take place at 7:40 AM. The competition begins at 8:00 AM sharp. Runners will receive a custom t-shirt at packet pickup. We will provide a kettlebell for each runner. The kettlebells will be in a designated area near the start/finish line. Runners are not allowed to carry their own personal kettlebell for any reason.

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. Just email us and we will make sure to get them registered using your entry fee.

Lodging/Camping

There are numerous hotels near the entrance to Oak Mountain State Park. The closest hotels are near Interstate 65 and Highway 119 at exit 246. Oak Mountain State Park offers rental cabins and camping at their campground. Contact them at (205) 620-2527 or make reservations at https://reserve.alapark.com/oak-mountain.

Gear Considerations

Weather in October is typically mild with an average high of 77 and low of 53 but this could vary significantly so be prepared for any type of weather, including rain. This will be a rain or shine event. Also, if you plan on not being eliminated from the competition, bring a headlamp for the course. The later laps will be in low light/darkness.

Awards, Swag

This is a true elimination race. There are only two divisions: male and female. New for 2026: Awards will be given to the top 3 finishers in each division. The top 3 male/female participants will be the ones that complete lap 31 the fastest. All runners will receive a custom t-shirt at packet pickup. Finisher medals will be given at the completion of the final lap. All runners must return their kettlebell at the completion of their final lap.

Aid Stations

We will provide water for the runners during the duration of the competition. We will also offer various light snacks during the competition. Who knows, we just might have Mama’s famous pancakes again this year! With that said, it is the responsibility of each runner to provide his/her own aid during the competition. You may also set up your own aid station at the start/finish area or at your vehicle.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this event, contact us at [email protected] Follow us on Facebook @ The Running Birds, https://www.facebook.com/runningbirds11, to keep up with all our other events! Also, follow us on Instagram and TikTok @therunningbirds