The Pelham Parks and Recreation 5K Presented by Maximum Physical Therapy is back for a fourth running. This year, organizers hope to build on the momentum of last year's success. In 2021, the course was certified by USA Track and Field for the first time. Runner Erica Speegle won the 2021 race and broke a state record for her age. Kevin Washburn, the organizer of the 5K, said the certification is very important. "It gives us some great potential opportunities for the race and makes any records set on our course official. I was proud to see Erica's name added to the record, knowing that she set it at our event. Now we can describe our course as 'record-breaking'."
The 5K, which will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2022, at Pelham City Park, takes runners on a flat course around the recreational facilities along Cahaba Valley Creek. "The course is about as flat as you can find, especially in Pelham," Washburn stated. "Runners will find plenty of opportunities to pass others or simply find their own space on the roads. On the trail, they will experience the beauty of autumn, especially in the sections close to the creek." Washburn went on to say one participant described the course as 'quirky but fast'. "The 'quirky' parts of the course are three 180-degree turns and a short unpaved section by the dog park. The 'fast' descriptor comes from the overall flatness of the course combined with a nice downhill finish. The most common comment we get from runners experiencing our course for the first time is, 'I can't believe you found 3.1 miles all right here!' We manage to run the entire race without taking runners onto busy streets, and the Pelham Police Department keeps traffic off the few roads we do use during the event."
Washburn said the race was created with two goals in mind: to make it an event for all types of participants and to use the race route to showcase City Park. That's why Washburn said both serious runners and run-for-fun participants alike will enjoy this 5K. Cash prizes are offered for the top three finishers for both men and women. "We're one of a very few 5K's that offer that kind of prize." He went on to point out that serious runners hoping to run their fastest 5K will find an event that is close to perfect for their attempts. On the other side, families, and anyone attempting their first race, whether they run or walk will enjoy the event. "Anyone who crosses the finish line gets a medal. Kids strut around with their medals afterward like they won Olympic gold."
The deadline for early registration is Saturday, October 15, 2022. The cost is $25 per participant. After the deadline has passed, participants can still sign up for $30 until the day of the event. Unfortunately, race t-shirts and finishing medals cannot be guaranteed after the 15th.
Maximum Physical Therapy is the lead sponsor of the 5K and has been a generous partner since the beginning of the event. Mayfair, Bike Link of Hoover, and They Guy's Place are additional sponsors. The Pelham B.E.A.T. is partnering with the race this year to provide support. Washburn is happy to have them on board. "If there are any funds remaining after the expenses are covered, the Pelham B.E.A.T., which is a 501c3, will use what remains to continue with their mission of supporting the arts, cultural organizations, community beautification, entertainment, and artists in the City of Pelham. We've always approached the 5K as a community event, so it's great to know that if we raise more than we need, the extra will be used to enhance the lives of Pelham residents."
Information:
Pelham Parks & Recreation 5K Presented by Maximum Physical Therapy
Saturday, November 12, 2022, 8:00 am - Pelham City Park
Registration going on now - $25 per participant until October 15. (After October 15, $30 per participant).
Questions? Call Pelham Parks and Recreation at (205) 620-6426.
- Cash prizes for the top three male & female finishers.
- Age group awards for the top three male & female finishers: 19 & below, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 & above.
- Finisher medals for each participant.
- Award ceremony at 9:15 am at the Recreation Center pavilion.
- Race t-shirts & finisher medals cannot be guaranteed for registration after October 15.