The Race to the Tower Trail Run is a distinctive local challenge held at Palisades Park in Oneonta, Alabama. Scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, the event is designed around a 5K loop that participants can complete multiple times to achieve longer distances. A hallmark of this race is the optional climb to the top of the park's tower at the end of the run to collect the finisher’s medal. Proceeds from the event benefit the Oneonta High School Cross Country team and Palisades Park.
Race Categories and TimingThe race operates on a 5K loop system, allowing runners to "dip" back onto the course for increased distances. All distances are subject to a strict 3-hour course cutoff.
| Category | Distance | Format | Start Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20K | ~12.4 Miles | Quadruple Dip (4 Loops) | 7:30 AM |
| 15K | ~9.3 Miles | Triple Dip (3 Loops) | 7:30 AM |
| 10K | ~6.2 Miles | Double Dip (2 Loops) | 7:30 AM |
| 5K | ~3.1 Miles | Single Loop | 7:30 AM |
The course offers a variety of surfaces, making it accessible for those in standard road running shoes, though the technical trail sections reward careful footwork.
Top performance records for the event include Noah Wollersheim’s 2025 finish in the 20K with a time of 1:38:49. The event is known for its fast 5K times, with the men's record standing at 22:51.
Visitors to Blount County are encouraged to explore local landmarks following the race, such as the historic covered bridges (Horton Mill, Swann, and Easley) or kayaking on the Locust Fork River.
May 16, 2026
Distance — 10K
Type — Running
07:30
$40.00
May 16, 2026
Distance — 15K
Type — Running
07:30
$40.00
May 16, 2026
Distance — 20K
Type — Running
07:30
$40.00
May 16, 2026
Distance — 5K
Type — Running
07:30
$40.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Oneonta.
Learn more about the host city, Oneonta.
Oneonta is a small town in the mountains of Alabama, home to the Covered Bridge Festival. For once it seems the North and South have some commonality, as this Oneonta bears the name after the one in New York.
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