County Line Road is one of the heaviest traveled streets in Madison, but for a few short hours on Saturday, June 19th, it’ll be shut down and wide open for runners from all over to run with ease.
Registration is now open for the inaugural County Line State of Mind 10k, 5k, and “run around the bases” events, proudly presented by the City of Madison and powered by the James Clemens Jets Baseball program (and psst: All Things Madison is a sponsor as well!)
All About the County Line State of Mind Race in Madison, Alabama
Race Director Kristen Kulavich says that the 10k course is a USATF certified route, which matters because runners that are attempting to get into limited-entry races can use their race time as a marker for their application.
Both races are “half out and half back” courses with U-turns that start and finish at the James Clemens High School JetsPlex.
The 10k route will extend almost all the way to Highway 20 before runners will turn around and race back.
The 10k will begin at 7 a.m. and the 5k at 7:15. All runners must be finished by 9 a.m. when the road re-opens.
Packet pick-up will be the Friday evening before the race where runners will grab swag bags, t-shirts (if registered by June 1st), timing bibs, and have the chance to check out the sponsor’s booths.
Kulavich shared that it’s also a fantastic time for runners to “familiarize themselves with the layout of the race”.
Though this is the first-ever County Line State of Mind race, it does formally replace the “Run through the Roses” event from years past near Bob Jones High School. This is now the city’s new official race.
Kulavich expressed excitement over the idea that a few registered runners are actually flying in from out of state and running this particular race as their Alabama checkmark in the “50 Races in 50 States” challenge.
“I just think it’s so cool that people would pick this race in this city as their Alabama destination,” she says. “I think it speaks volumes about Madison.”
Race proceeds will help fund scholarships for youth that are unable to afford to participate in sports with the City of Madison Parks and Recreation Department. Funds will also go toward James Clemens Baseball complex and facility improvements.
Not interested in running? Kulavich says that being a spectator will be a good time too!
“It’ll be a fun race to watch, and runners always really appreciate people cheering for them along the route.”
Stick around for more fun after the race! Fleet Feet will conduct an award ceremony for male and female finishers at the JetsPlex field. Kids ages 13 and under are also invited to participate in a “Run Around the Bases” race for free! This free opportunity begins at 9:15 at the James Clemens High School baseball field, but all runners must register online first.
To learn more about and register for the County Line State of Mind 10k, 5k, and Run Around the Bases event, click here.
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