The Run for Kids Challenge is a meaningful endurance event and fundraiser scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama. Established in 2011, the race donates 100% of its proceeds to Smile-A-Mile, an Alabama-based non-profit dedicated to supporting families affected by childhood cancer. Since its inception, the event has raised well over $100,000 to help these families thrive during and after treatment.
| Race Distance | Start Time | Course Format | Elevation/Terrain |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Hour Challenge | 07:00 AM | 3.4-mile loops (shorter laps at end) | Mixed (Trail/Paved/Dam) |
| 10K | 07:00 AM | Two 3.4-mile laps | Mixed (Trail/Paved/Dam) |
| Kids Half | Post-10K | 0.5-mile sprint | Near Cedar Pavilion |
The geography of the course centers around Double Oak Lake, utilizing a 3.4-mile loop that offers a variety of surfaces. Runners begin at the Cedar Pavilion and navigate a mix of paved park roads, sidewalks near the beach area, and the Lake Trail, which winds through the woods and crosses over the dam. The terrain is generally accessible but provides the classic technical nuances of Alabama trail running, such as roots and forest debris. In early May, Alabama weather can be unpredictable; while the average high is around 26°C (79°F), historical race data includes years where temperatures exceeded 37°C (100°F), making hydration and heat management critical for the 12-hour participants.
Logistically, the event uses HuTag timing chips worn on the ankle, and organizers recommend wearing crew-length socks to prevent chafing. For the 12 Hour Challenge, the course structure changes as the clock winds down: at 10.5 hours, runners switch to a 0.82-mile lap, and at 11 hours and 45 minutes, they move to a final 0.20-mile sprint lap to maximize their total mileage. Packet pickup is available on Friday afternoon at Mountain High Outfitters or on race morning at the Cedar Pavilion. While registration officially closes on May 6, the cutoff for guaranteed "swag" is April 14, 2026. Top performances include Andy Wind’s 69.7-mile effort in 2021, showcasing the high-mileage potential of this scenic loop.
May 02, 2026
Distance — 10K
Type — Running
07:00
$55.00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 12 Hours
Type — Running
07:00
$125.00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 50K
Type — Running
07:00
$90.00
May 02, 2026
Distance — 6 Hours
Type — Running
07:00
$90.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Pelham.
Learn more about the host city, Pelham.
Pelham is a city in Alabama.
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
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