Rockin Choccolocco 50K - 1/2 Marathon - 10K

The 14th Annual Rockin Choccolocco is a trail running event scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Heflin, Alabama. The races primarily utilize the Pinhoti Trail within the Talladega National Forest, offering runners a scenic mix of hardwood and pine forests, creek crossings, and rocky overlooks. The 50K is a point-to-point ultramarathon starting at Greenleaf Dam and finishing at Cahulga Creek Park, while the 25K and 10K events provide loop and out-and-back options beginning and ending at the park. This event is a key component of the Pinhoti Trail Series, serving as the final leg of the 50K Grand Slam for those seeking a unique finisher's buckle.

Heflin is a city in Cleburne County, Alabama, with a population of approximately 3,400 residents. The demographic profile of Heflin is 77.1% White, 14.2% Black or African American, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Asian, and 3.9% identifying with two or more races. The median annual household income in Heflin is approximately $44,000. Geographically, the city sits at the southern edge of the Appalachian Mountains, characterized by rolling hills and dense woodlands. In late April, Heflin typically experiences average lows of 11°C (51°F) and highs of 24°C (76°F). While the weather is generally mild, spring in Alabama can bring high humidity and sudden rain showers, making the technical single-track trails potentially slippery or muddy.

Logistically, the 50K requires participants to either arrange their own transport to the start line at Greenleaf Dam or purchase a $15 bus ticket for the 5:55 AM shuttle departing from Cahulga Creek Park. Packet pickup is held Friday afternoon at the park for all distances, with limited race-morning pickup available at the respective start lines. Primitive camping is permitted at Cahulga Creek Park for a small donation, providing a convenient option for traveling runners. The event enforces a strict policy against pets, strollers, and bicycles on the course to ensure runner safety on the narrow single-track sections. All finishers receive a medal, and specific awards are presented to top overall, Masters, and Grand Masters finishers in each competitive category.