Race to the Lake

The Race to the Lake (RTTL) takes place on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at 8:00 AM starting from the Lakeside Pavilion near the South Trailhead at Oak Mountain State Park, 200 Terrace Drive in Pelham, Alabama, USA. This 10-mile lollipop course traverses some of the best singletrack Alabama has to offer, with approximately 2,000 feet of vertical gain, a 4-hour cutoff (24-minute mile pace or 2.5 mph), and is organized by BUTS (Birmingham Ultra Trail Society) to showcase their mission of getting people out on the trails in a fun, happy environment open to everyone.

Event Logistics and Participant Information:

• Packet Pickup: Race day Sunday morning from 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM at the Lakeside Pavilion.
• Late Registration: No late or race day registrations, please.
• Park Entry Fee: All participants are required to pay a $5 fee (cash only) to enter Oak Mountain State Park. Eligible military veterans now get in free.
• Aid Station: One unmanned aid station located around the halfway point (near the BMX course). It will have water and a few simple items like gels. Some volunteers may choose to hang out there to assist runners and take photos.
• BUTS Membership: A membership booth will be available at the race for anyone who wants to join BUTS and help support local trails and trail runners.
• Refund Policy: Not explicitly stated – as a low-cost community event, assume no refunds (typical for BUTS events).
• Cutoff: 4-hour cutoff (24-minute mile pace or 2.5 mph). The back of the pack is always the most fun!

Route and Atmosphere:

• Course Description: The 10-mile race leaves from the South Trailhead on the Yellow Trail. Runners start with steep ups and downs before turning right onto the Green Trail, ascending to West Ridge Road, then dropping down on the steep, rocky Yellow/White Connector. The course continues onto Orange Horse Trail, Group Camp Road (gravel), back to Orange Trail, then Yellow Trail around the lake to the BMX course (aid station at just over halfway). After more hilly climbs and descents, runners cross the road to the Alabama Wildlife Center, then take the Green/Yellow Connector back to Yellow Trail for two quick hills before a fast finish.
• Scenic Highlights: Oak Mountain State Park – Alabama's largest state park – featuring singletrack trails, lake views, forested foothills, and the Alabama Wildlife Center.
• Terrain: Technical singletrack, steep climbs and descents, rocky sections, gravel roads, and rolling hills. Approximately 2,000 feet of vertical gain.
• Community Spirit: In true BUTS fashion, this is a fun race welcoming runners of all paces. The back of the pack is celebrated as "always the most fun!"
• Low-Cost Mission: This event showcases BUTS's mission of getting people out on the trails in an affordable, inclusive, and happy environment.
• Spectator Experience: Friends and family can cheer at the start/finish at Lakeside Pavilion near the South Trailhead, or explore Oak Mountain State Park during the race.

The Race to the Lake (RTTL) 2026 at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama – a 10-mile lollipop course with 2,000 feet of climbing on Alabama's best singletrack – celebrates community trail running with a fun, back-of-the-pack-friendly atmosphere organized by BUTS.