Helping Hands Half Marathon / 5K
When is Helping Hands Half Marathon / 5K?
Helping Hands Half Marathon / 5K takes place on Saturday, October 24, 2026 in Muscle Shoals, AL.
What distances does Helping Hands Half Marathon / 5K offer?
Helping Hands Half Marathon / 5K offers 2 events: 5K, Half Marathon.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5K | 5.0 km | $30.00 | Register |
| Half Marathon | 13.1 mi | $60.00 | Register |
How much does Helping Hands Half Marathon / 5K cost?
Registration for Helping Hands Half Marathon / 5K starts at $30.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is Helping Hands Half Marathon / 5K held?
Helping Hands Half Marathon / 5K is held in Muscle Shoals, AL at 530 Reservation Road.
About Helping Hands Half Marathon / 5K
Join us for the Helping Hands Half Marathon and 5K on Saturday, October 24th!
Race Day FAQs
Q. Is a jogging stroller allowed for the race?
A. RRCA recommends against the use of baby strollers in open road races. Both our half-marathon and our 5K take place along open roadways.
Q. I would like to bring my dog to run with me. Is this acceptable?
A. Service animals are welcome. However, we are unable to accommodate other animals, even on a leash.
Aid Stations
We want to encourage individuals who need it to bring their own hydration.
However, there will be aid stations along the course.
- 5K registrants will have access to one aid station along the course.
- Half Marathon registrants will have access to four aid stations along the course.
Awards
Absolutely NO packets, t-shirts or awards will be mailed. You must be present to pick up these items.
All Half-Marathon finishers will receive a commemorative finisher’s medal.
All 5K finishers will receive a commemorative finisher’s magnet.
Commemorative Award Plaques will be presented to the following:
Half-Marathon Awards:
Top Male / Female: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place overall.
Top Male / Female Master (over 40)
Top Male / Female Grand Master (over 50)
Top 3 male and female winners in the following age groups:
19 and under
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70 and over
5K Awards:
Top Male / Female: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place overall.
Top Male / Female Master (over 40)
Top Male / Female Grand Master (over 50)
Top 3 male and female winners in the following age groups:
19 and under
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70 and over
Entry Fee Schedule
Preview Pricing (Ends 6/13/26):
- 5K: $25
- Half Marathon: $55
Early Bird Registration (Ends 8/15/26):
- 5K: $30
- Half Marathon: $65
Regular Registration (Ends 10/17/26):
- 5K: $35
- Half Marathon: $75
Late Registration (After 10/17/26):
- 5K: $40
- Half Marathon: $85
Event Courtesy & Refund Policy
Our events are designed to be fun for the entire family. With that in mind, any competitor, spectator, parent, volunteer, or sponsor exhibiting unsportsmanlike conduct or interfering with the positive, competitive atmosphere of the event will be immediately disqualified and asked to leave the venue and course immediately with no refunds.
All registrations are final. There are no refunds or deferments.
Please reach out via the Race Contact Info to discuss transfer options.
Event will take place rain or shine. In the event of extreme weather, we will cancel for the safety of the participants; there are no refunds in this case.
Participants who do not show up to the race/event forfeit their right to any swag.
Event Schedule
Saturday, October 24th:
-
5:30AM: Packet Pickup Opens
-
7:00AM: Half Marathon Starts (You will have 4 hours to complete the race.)
-
7:10AM: 5K Starts. (You will have 1 hour to complete the race.)
-
~8:15AM: 5K Awards Ceremony will begin as soon as the last 5K runner crosses finish line.
-
~9:45AM: Half Marathon Award Ceremony.
Maps
Packet Pickup
Early Packet Pickup will be available on Friday, October 23rd from 4:00pm to 7:00pm
Race Day Packet Pickup will be available from 5:30am to 6:30am
Sponsorship Opportunities
We invite you to become a sponsor of the Helping Hands Half event. Proceeds will benefit the Helping Hands Foundation.
Bank Independent's Helping Hands Program was founded in 2011 following the devastating April 27 tornado outbreak. The program has since grown into the Helping Hands Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of our neighbors across the communities we serve.
Our commitment to giving back has only grown stronger over the years, driven by our founders' belief that "a rising tide lifts all boats." We are proud to partner with and support many local organizations through our Share Drives and Volunteer Initiative.
A few of the ongoing causes we continue to support through our Share Drives include:
• Shelter Share – Collecting pet food and supplies for local animal shelters.
• Food Share – Stocking food banks with non-perishable items.
• School Share – Providing backpacks, school supplies, and classroom materials right before school starts.
• Toy Share – Collecting new, unwrapped toys to brighten the holidays for children.
Our Helping Hands Volunteer Initiative is an ongoing effort offering all our team members—part-time and full-time—eight hours of paid time each year to devote to volunteering in the communities we serve. Our team member volunteers have contributed thousands of hours of assistance to charitable organizations, including:
• Charitable thrift stores
• Food pantries
• Animal shelters
• School events
• Festivals
• Community parks and gardens
• Other 501(c)3 non-profit organizations
If you are interested in sponsoring our event, please contact our Community Engagement Team via email or phone at 256.386.5000.
Swag & Race T-Shirts
Awesome race t-shirts! Register by September 26th to guarantee a shirt in your selected size!
Swag and T-Shirt Info:
All participants will receive logo t-shirts and custom swag which will be included in event packets.
All Half-Marathon finishers will also receive a finisher’s medal.
Absolutely NO packets, t-shirts or awards will be mailed. You must be present to pick up these items.
Shirt sizes:
• Youth Medium
• Youth Large
• Adult Small
• Adult Medium
• Adult Large
• Adult X-Large
• Adult 2-XL (add $3.00)
• Adult 3-XL (add $5.00)
Timing / Scoring
Timing / scoring for this year's event is provided by
Visitor Information
Benefiting the Helping Hands Foundation
Bank Independent's Helping Hands Program was founded in 2011 following the devastating April 27 tornado outbreak. The program has since grown into the Helping Hands Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of our neighbors across the communities we serve.
Our commitment to giving back has only grown stronger over the years, driven by our founders' belief that "a rising tide lifts all boats." We are proud to partner with and support many local organizations through our Share Drives and Volunteer Initiative.
A few of the ongoing causes we continue to support through our Share Drives include:
• Shelter Share – Collecting pet food and supplies for local animal shelters.
• Food Share – Stocking food banks with non-perishable items.
• School Share – Providing backpacks, school supplies, and classroom materials right before school starts.
• Toy Share – Collecting new, unwrapped toys to brighten the holidays for children.
Our Helping Hands Volunteer Initiative is an ongoing effort offering all our team members—part-time and full-time—eight hours of paid time each year to devote to volunteering in the communities we serve. Our team member volunteers have contributed thousands of hours of assistance to charitable organizations, including:
• Charitable thrift stores
• Food pantries
• Animal shelters
• School events
• Festivals
• Community parks and gardens
• Other 501(c)3 non-profit organizations
Whether you plan to run the Half-Marathon or the 5K, thank you for your participation in our Helping Hands Foundation event. Your support and enthusiasm help make an incredible contribution in our local communities!
And don’t be surprised when you see many of our Team Member Volunteers assisting and cheering for you on Race Day!
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