Race to the Tower Trail Run

About the Event

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 Timing

The 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

Course and Terrain

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.

- Surface Mix: The route is split evenly between paved park roads and improved, rocky trails. Construction in the park has shifted the route to include the Trail of Trees and sections near the Meditation Chapel.
- The Tower: To receive a finisher's medal, runners must climb the tower at the conclusion of their final loop. A signed waiver is mandatory for the climb.
- Traffic: The park remains open to vehicles during the event. Runners must watch for cars on the road sections and be mindful of two-way traffic on certain trail segments.

Performance and Logistics

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.

- Registration: Closes on Sunday, May 10, 2026. Note that there is no race-day registration available.
- Packet Pickup: Available on race morning from 6:15 AM to 7:15 AM at the main pavilion.
- Swag: Shirts are guaranteed for registrations paid by April 16, 2026. Medals are distributed exclusively at the top of the tower.
- Location: Palisades Park, Oneonta, AL. Participants are instructed to park in the main lot and proceed to the pavilion for check-in.

10h 35m

water_drop Avg rainfall

4.9 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

—

air Avg wind speed

10.2 km/h (Light breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

High

terrain Course conditions

Hard and dry surface

sunny Max UV Index

High (6.0)

humidity_mid Humidity

76.4%

wb_twilight Sunrise

05:44

nightlight Sunset

19:40

About 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.