Visit Tuscaloosa Half Marathon + 5K

The Visit Tuscaloosa Half Marathon is the longest distance running race held in Tuscaloosa Alabama each year.  Runners get a sampling of the rolling hills along the Black Warrior River, the Tuscaloosa River Walk, portions of the University of Alabama campus, and some quaint downtown neighborhoods.  Runners can also choose to participate in the 5K or the Alabama Credit Union 1 Mile Fun Run and get in on the action! The Start and Finish line is located at Government Plaza where participants have plenty of space to spread out, enjoy the run, and celebrate with live music, good food and cold beer.  

FRESHJUNKIE Racing (FJR) is committed to keeping this popular race a local favorite as well as regional attraction for runners from all over the Southeast.  Portions of registration proceeds are directed to our selected Charity Partners as well as other volunteer and philanthropic groups.

We invite you to join us for West Alabama’s premier half marathon race weekend and enjoy everything this great community has to offer!

 

 

You don't have to be in a hurry to leave after you cross the finish line.  Right after the finish line the Adams Beverage Post-Race party kicks off in Government Plaza!  Be sure to give yourself time to enjoy the live music from The Mojo, while you refuel and enjoy refreshments from Coca-Cola, and ice cold Michelob Ultra from Adams Beverages (21+). The post-race party goes until 11:30 am.

 

The Post-Race party is open to the public, but the food and beer is reserved for runners who will have tickets attached to their race bibs. Runners must have ID present or have presented an ID at check-in for a beer wristband.

 

 

The Alabama Credit Union 1 Mile Fun Run is an easy way for EVERYONE to get involved in the event!  The race will start at 10:00am near Government Plaza.  A simple out and back course will finish alongside the Half Marathon and 5K courses in time for all of the post-race activities.

 

ONLINE LINK TO 1 MILE FUN RUN ROUTE

 

 

 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR FUTURE RACE DATES

The Visit Tuscaloosa Half Marathon + DCH Health System 5K is traditionally held on the LAST SATURDAY of March each year, with an occasional exception.  Below are the planned dates for the next three years:

• MARCH 28, 2026
• MARCH 27, 2027
• MARCH 25, 2028

We hope to see you at many more races in the future!  For a list of all FRESHJUNKIE Racing events, please follow the link below.

FRESHJUNKIE RACING CALENDAR

 

FRESHJUNKIE Racing AmBADASSador Season 3

Exciting news! The FRESHJUNKIE Racing AmBADASSador program is evolving and expanding to create an even more dynamic and impactful network for Season 3! We're thrilled to introduce a new tiered structure designed to empower a wider range of passionate individuals to represent our races. This expansion allows us to connect with more runners, reach new communities, and amplify the excitement surrounding FRESHJUNKIE Racing events like never before. By engaging ambassadors at different levels of commitment and influence, we aim to cultivate a stronger, more interconnected community of advocates who can organically grow our network and introduce the thrill of FRESHJUNKIE Racing to a broader audience.

The Commitment

• Wear ambassador gear whenever racing. You’re now a sponsored athlete. Proudly tell the world!

• Volunteer at 3 Expos or Packet Pickups. Interact with expo attendees and promote the event at a designated booth, for at least one shift (3 hours)

• Social media posts about our events – at least 4x month while using hashtag #FJRAmBADASSador and race specific hashtag (ex: Battleship12K = #RunToHonor) in posts for trackability

• List FRESHJUNKIE Racing AmBADASSador in social media bios

• Familiarity with race information/able to answer basic questions about our events at run clubs and/or on social media

• Monthly appearance representing FJR at local run club/training run/other running events 

• Train for and participate in FJR events

   

Think you have what it takes to become a FRESHJUNKIE Racing Ambassador? We want to hear from YOU! Join us in shaping the future of endurance sports and inspiring others to embrace an active lifestyle.

Questions? Email marketing@freshjunkie.com

 

 

Your 2025 Athlete Guide is now available here: https://online.fliphtml5.com/kubet/clea/

 

 

In addition to finisher medals awarded for each finisher in each race, there will be specific overall, masters, grand masters, great grand masters, and age group awards for the Half Marathon and 5K.  There are no awards for the Alabama Credit Union 1 Mile Fun Run.

 

OVERALL AWARDS

The top finishers in the Visit Tuscaloosa Half Marathon and DCH Health System 5K will receive an overall award in the following categories:

• Overall Male and Female (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) - scored using GUN TIME
• Masters (40+) male and female (1st Only) - scored using GUN TIME
• Grand Masters (50+) male and female (1st Only) - scored using CHIP TIME
• Great Grand Masters (60+) male and female (1st Only) - scored using CHIP TIME

 

HALF MARATHON AGE GROUP CATEGORIES

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place males and females in each of the following categories will receive an age group award:

16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85+*

*if there are runners over the age of 89, an additional age group category will be created for the appropriate 5-year window.

 

5K AGE GROUP CATEGORIES

1st, 2nd, and 3rd place males and females in each of the following categories will receive an age group award:

10 & Under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85+*

*if there are runners over the age of 89, an additional age group category will be created for the appropriate 5-year window.

 

All awards must be picked up at the event.  When registering, you can elect to have your results sent via text message or email to your phone.  These are sent within minutes of you finishing the race.  Results can also be checked at our TIMING AND RESULTS tent near the finish line.  Awards will be available for pick up for the DCH Health System 5K starting at 9:00 am at the AWARDS tent.  Awards will be available for pick up for the Visit Tuscaloosa Half Marathon starting at 9:30 am. Awards will not be issued until they are verified by our timers.  Awards are not shipped post-race and must be claimed at the event.  

 

 

At FRESHJUNKIE Racing (FJR) events, participants should conduct themselves in a courteous manner, respecting all fellow participants, volunteers, event staff, and members of the community.  Participants are expected to follow the Rules of Competition outlined below. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated.  Proper race etiquette is required at all times, including being aware of your surroundings and of announcements and instructions from event officials.

START

Please give yourself enough time to pick up your bib number and enter your corral. Only enter the corral you are assigned to or a slower one, and respect the event staff. Please be respectfully quiet during pre-race announcements and the playing of the National Anthem prior to the start.

HEADPHONES

The use of headphones is strongly discouraged. If you must wear headphones, be sure that you can hear all announcements and be extra-aware of your surroundings, including other participants and any vehicle traffic.

MOBILE DEVICES

The use of mobile devices for photography or social updates during the event is strongly discouraged, as it decreases your awareness of other participants around you. If you must use a mobile device, be sure that you can hear all announcements and be extra-aware of your surroundings, including other participants and any vehicle traffic.

URINATION

In accordance with State and City rules and laws, only use the toilet facilities provided by the event and/or open to the public. Please be considerate in portable-toilet lines; don’t cut in line or into another line. Never urinate in the corrals, along the course, at the post-finish walk-off, or in the post-race venue. You risk disqualification and a police summons if caught.

RUNNING COURTESY

While participating in the event, don’t run in groups of three or more abreast; wide groups become barriers to other runners. Don’t stop abruptly to drink at an aid station or to tie your shoelaces. Watch where you spit and blow your nose to avoid hitting other participants. If someone running behind you says, “On your left,” move to your right to let the runner pass. If someone says, “On your right,” move to your left.

TRASH

Our running events are conducted in public places—either city or state parks or streets. Please deposit any trash in the provided receptacles, including at aid stations. Be careful when discarding cups at aid stations so as to avoid hitting other participants.

SAFETY

If you encounter a runner in distress, offer assistance and/or report the situation to the nearest aid station. If it is a life and death emergency, call 9-1-1 if possible.

 

 

The DCH Health System 5K is the perfect distance for beginning runners, walkers, or runners looking to push themselves to a fast 5K personal record.  The Start and Finish lines are located at Government Plaza where participants have plenty of space to spread out and enjoy the post-race event.  The 5K race will start promptly at 7:15am, which is AFTER the Half Marathon distance starts.

Maximum Time Allowed for 5K Participants: 1.5 hours (approx. 29 min/mile pace)

 

ONLINE LINK TO 5K MAP

 

 

FRESHJUNKIE Racing (FJR) and the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon has implemented a color-coded Event Alert System (EAS) for our races that will communicate the status of course conditions on race day. The levels range from Low (green) to Moderate (yellow) to High (red) to Extreme (black) based on the weather and other course conditions. On race day, the current EAS status will be communicated via color-coded flags at the start and finish areas and along the course at each medical station.  Decisions to delay, stop or cancel an event are NOT made on weather forecasts, which have been known to be wrong.  Decisions are made on race day based on the actual weather experienced.  Our goal is to hold a safe event and we wait as long as we can before making decisions that we cannot.  Our decision criteria is outlined below.  We will run in the rain as long as no lightning or thunder is present.

All participants should familiarize themselves with the EAS prior to the race, remain alert for directions from race officials, and take precautions to prepare properly for varying weather or course conditions on race day.

 

 

Participants will receive notifications before and during races using on-site announcements, social media, text and email notifications.  Additionally, on-course notifications will occur at aid stations with the use of color-coded flags and announcements from race staff and law enforcement personnel.  Utilization of transport vehicles and/or designated EAS physical locations along the course route may be activated for “HIGH” and “EXTREME” alert levels.

 

On-Course Medical Volunteers and additional runner support (fluids, etc.) will be directed to their designated physical locations to provide on-site care in the facility if the race is stopped.  Additional support will be deployed using EMS and medical support from finish medical area as deemed appropriate.

 

LIGHTNING/SEVERE WEATHER SAFETY GUIDELINES

 

This protocol is designed to provide information to participants, cities and towns along the course regarding FJR policies and procedures in the event of a weather hazard that includes severe weather conditions such as lightning and/or thunder.  To determine the proximity of lightning, FJR utilizes the National Severe Storm Laboratory (NSSL) flash-to-bang method in addition to weather monitoring services.

To use the flash-to-bang method, count the seconds from the time lightning is first sighted to when the clap of thunder is heard.  Divide this number by five to obtain the distance in miles from where the lightning occurred. (Example:  30 second count between flash and hearing bang… storm is 6 miles away)

Lightning awareness increases with the first visual sighting of a flash or clap of thunder regardless of how far away the storm may seem.  How fast the storm is moving, relative to the time it would take to find safe shelter for runners, staff, and spectators is considered.  Participants and spectators should remember the existence of blue sky and the absence of rain are not protection from lightning.

As a standard, by the time FJR staff monitors a flash-to-bang count of 60 seconds, event activities will begin to be paused or cancelled and instructions to all individuals to leave the site and reach a safe location will be given.  Resumption of activity will only be considered by waiting 30 minutes or longer after the last flash of lightning or sound of thunder is heard.  Depending on the timing and available roadway access, the event may not resume and be cancelled.  NOTE: refunds are not given in the event of cancellation due to weather, public emergency, or Acts of God.

 

COMMUNICATION

 

FRESHJUNKIE Racing has an established protocol for notifying participants should weather conditions cause a delay or stoppage in the race:

1. In person announcements over event speakers, PA systems, and/or police units are made instructing those present of any delay, stoppage or cancellation as well as instructions on where to move for safety
2. Notice of delay, stoppage or cancellation is immediately posted to our Social Media page(s)
3. Notice of delay, stoppage or cancellation is sent via text message to all participants who elected to receive text alerts during registration
4. Notice of delay, stoppage or cancellation is emailed to all registered participants.  If a participant has 'unsubscribed' to our emails, they may not receive this form of communication

Our top priority is runner safety and decisions are made with that in mind, but we will do everything we can to hold the event as scheduled.  This means we DO NOT alter or cancel event plans based on weather forecasts before race day.

 

GENERAL INFORMATION

DO YOU LIMIT THE NUMBER OF RUNNERS IN EACH RACE?
The Half Marathon is sold out. The 5K, and 1 Mile Fun Run sell out capacities will be publicized if reached.

 

WILL YOU HAVE PACERS?
There are no pacers for the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon, 5K, or 1 Mile Fun Run.  Runners will be assigned to start corrals based on the expected finish times they provide.  The runners around you should be running a similar pace to you.

 

CAN I HAVE CELL PHONES, FRIENDS, STROLLERS, DOGS ON THE COURSE?
We encourage you to invite friends and family to cheer you on along the course, but they are only allowed to run with you if they are registered runners. Per USA Track & Field rules, elements that could impede the safety of runners, such as bikes, skates, skateboards and pets on the course, are not allowed. The safety of our runners is our number one priority. By signing or clicking ’I Accept’ on any registration race waiver, you are agreeing to abide by the Rules of Competition.

 

CAN I WEAR HEADPHONES?
Participants will be able to use listening devices during the running of the Half Marathon and 5K, but they do so at their own risk. Runner safety is, and will continue to be, the priority for all of our events. To ensure a safe and enjoyable race for everyone, we ask that you please be mindful of the other participants and race personnel.

You MUST be aware of your surroundings at all times and this includes being able to hear any verbal warnings/instructions from police/course officials or the sound of any vehicles and other participants on the course. The abuse of portable headphone devices can result in disqualification. Abuse refers to being so distracted that you become a hazard to yourself, your fellow participants, spectators, course marshals, finish line officials, medical personnel, other race officials, police personnel or vehicle traffic.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. We must constantly consider the safety of all our participants, volunteers and spectators and review this rule, as well as others in order to ensure the continued safety of our participants.

 

WHAT IF I LOSE SOMETHING THE DAY OF THE RACE?
Lost & Found is located near the awards area.  After the event, please contact info@tuscaloosahalf.com to see if items were turned in.  Clothing items left in the start areas and along the course are immediately donated to charity and are not kept in Lost & Found.

 

REGISTRATION

CAN I SWITCH RACES?
Yes, you may switch to any race.  Fees may apply for any race distance change.  Race bibs are assigned according to what race you are registered for.  If you do not officially change your registered distance, your time scoring will not be accurate.  

The Transfer Event option can be found by logging on to RunSignUp, navigating to Profile > Upcoming Events > Manage Registration > Transfer Event. The Transfer Event option can be either located on the top of the page or on the left of the page. 

 

CAN I DEFER MY ENTRY TO NEXT YEAR?
The defer option can be found by logging on to RunSignUp, navigating to Profile > Upcoming Events > Manage Registration > Defer Registration. The Defer option can be either located on the top of the page, on the left of the page, or you can find the Defer option in the footer and it is only available up to 10 days prior to the event.

 

CAN I GIVE/SELL MY NUMBER TO ANOTHER RUNNER?
Entries are transferable, but must be done through our registration site, RunSignUp.  Transfers are allowed until 10 days prior to the event and do not incur any fees from us.   Completing the transfer through our system is MANDATORY.  This is for the safety of the runner as well as necessary to satisfy insurance requirements of the event. If a runner collapses or is otherwise injured during the race and is running as someone else, we would not have emergency information available for them. This could result in further injury.  Instructions on how to transfer to another runner can be found HERE.

 

CAN I TRANSFER MY ENTRY TO ANOTHER FRESHJUNKIE RACING EVENT?
You can transfer your race entry to another race owned by FRESHJUNKIE Racing as long as registration for the desired race is open and you are more than 10 days out from the race you are currently registered for.  A list of FRESHJUNKIE Racing events and calendar can be found here.   Completing these transfers may incur costs depending on what event(s) you are transferring to and from.   You can find instructions on how to complete a transfer to another FRESHJUNKIE Racing owned event by clicking HERE.

 

WHY HAVEN’T I RECEIVED AN EMAIL CONFIRMATION?

Note: If you did not receive your confirmation make sure to check the spam folder in your email client.  You will always be able to resend the registration confirmation for any registrations associated with your Profile (including any sub-accounts of yours) by following these steps:

1. Sign in to RunSignUp
2. Go to your Profile
3. See your events under Upcoming Events
4. Click Resend Confirmation next to the registration that you would like to resend the confirmation email
5. Check the email listed in your Profile for your registration confirmation

 

HOW CAN I SEE IF I’M REGISTERED?

Registration confirmation is available online. You may confirm a registration by using the Find A Participant menu option on this page.

 

WHERE DOES MY REGISTRATION FEE GO?
Your registration fee helps to pay for the necessary permits, venue rentals, equipment, vehicles, infrastructure, staffing, insurance, police, awards, SWAG, supplies, bibs, medals, shirts, and chip timing to produce all race-related events.  Portions of every registration fee are directed to charity partners throughout the year.

 

PACKET PICKUP

CLICK HERE for Packet Pickup Information.

 

GEAR CHECK

IS THERE A PLACE TO DROP BAGS AT THE START LINE?
Yes.  We will have a “morning clothes” drop point near the Packet Pickup area race morning.  Please make sure your gear is secured in a bag and marked CLEARLY with your bib number.  

 

PARKING

WHERE SHOULD I PARK ON RACE DAY?
Parking is available on the streets and in public parking garages. Normal parking rules and fees will apply and be aware of NO PARKING SIGNS for Race Day that will be posted.   

 

START & FINISH

WHERE DOES THE RACE START AND FINISH?
The Half Marathon, 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run will start near Government Plaza in downtown Tuscaloosa. Detailed maps are posted online and emailed to all registered runners prior to the event.

 

WILL THERE BE CORRALS?
Runners will be assigned to Corrals according to their expected finish times.  These will be printed on the back of your race bib.  Please report to your assigned starting corral to help maintain a safer course and a better runner experience.  All corrals have the same race start time with no set time gaps or delays between the corrals.  Please pay attention to race announcements, on-site signage and instructions. 

 

WHERE CAN I MEET MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS AFTER THE RACE?
The easiest way to find your family and friends after the race is to have a plan beforehand.  Government Plaza has plenty of open space and area to meet up and enjoy the day!

 

COURSE AND RULES OF THE ROAD

IS THERE A TIME LIMIT FOR THE RACES?
City permits limit the race time available to participants. The half marathon course will be closed at a 16:00 minute/mile pace. No race services including medical, aid stations or traffic control are available beyond this pace.
In order to ensure safety, a Sweep Vehicle follows the race route to pick-up participants who are unable to maintain this pace on a consistent basis. Participants are required to board the Sweep Van when so instructed by Race Officials. Course Marshals are instructed to retrieve bibs of all participants who refuse to board the van when instructed to do so.

 

WHY IS THERE A TIME LIMIT?
In order to comply with city permits, streets crossing the route must be reopened to vehicular traffic on a set schedule.

 

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY PACE IS SLOWER THAN THE ALLOTTED TIME?
If you are caught by the Sweep Vehicle traveling at the 16:00 minute/mile pace, you MUST board the Sweep Van accompanying this vehicle for transport to the finish area. For your safety, the Tuscaloosa Police Department does not allow runners to continue in the streets once the course has been re-opened to traffic. Keep in mind that race services, including water stations and medical aid, will be discontinued once the Sweep Vehicle comes through. 

 

WHAT IS NOT ALLOWED ON THE COURSE?
For the safety of our runners the following is not allowed: going backward, runners not wearing a race number, animals, bicycles, roller skates, roller blades, hand-crank chairs, wheeled vehicles and push-rim wheelchairs.
Receiving outside assistance of any kind is not allowed. Outside assistance consists of, but is not limited to: receiving fluids, gels, food or any personal items from someone not serving in an official race capacity; receiving pacing assistance from any person that is not a registered participant of the race.
Abusive behavior or language directed toward any other participant, volunteer, police officer, or staff member is also not allowed.
Any of these rules infractions can result in a time penalty or race disqualification. The discretion and final ruling resides with the Race Director.

 

IS THERE ENERGY GEL AVAILABLE ON THE COURSE?
No energy gels are provided for either race distance.  Water and Powerade are provided at water stations.  Water stations are spaced approximately every 1.25 - 1.5 miles apart along the course.  

 

WHAT SPORTS BEVERAGE WILL BE ON THE COURSE?
Water and Powerade are provided at water stations on the Half Marathon and 5K courses.

 

 

 

PACKET PICKUP AT GOVERNMENT PLAZA

618 21st Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Date: Friday, March 28, 2025

Hours: 10:00am - 6:00pm

 

RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP

Packet Pickup will be available on race morning at the race site from 5:30am to 6:45am.  We strongly encourage all participants to pick up their packet or have someone pick it up for them prior to race day.  Lines can be long so if you do have to pick up race day, please come early!

 

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME TO PICK UP MY PACKET?
Every participant in the Half and 5K will receive a confirmation email the week of the race.  Please bring either that email, or your original confirmation email and your photo ID to pick up your packet. Digital copies (your cell phone screen) are allowed. 

 

CAN I AUTHORIZE ANOTHER PERSON TO PICK UP MY RACE PACKET?
If you are unable to get your packet, a friend can pick up your packet with a copy of your photo ID or a copy of your registration confirmation.  Digital copies (your cell phone screen) are allowed.  

 

Mail My Bib Swag Pickup

If you paid to have your bib mailed to you, you will NOT need to come to Packet Pickup before the race starts. We will have your shirt and any other SWAG items available for you to collect AFTER you finish the race.  On race day, once you have finished, you can collect your SWAG items from the "Mail My Bib Swag Pickup" tent.  You are welcome to attend a pre-race Packet Pickup as well, but it is not necessary.

 

 

CLICK HERE for the link to 2019 Participant Photos

 

 

The Tuscaloosa Half Marathon is produced by FRESHJUNKIE Racing (FJR).  FRESHJUNKIE Racing events are organized and directed under USA Track & Field (“USATF”) rules and regulations. Entrants must also comply with FRESHJUNKIE Racing rules and regulations.

 

SAFETY

Event Officials: All participants must follow the instructions of event officials (FJR staff and volunteers). For participants’ safety, no skates, skateboards, bicycles, hand crank cycles, push rim chairs or animals are permitted. Costumes covering the face, or any non-formfitting bulky outfit extending beyond the perimeter of the body, are not permitted.
FRESHJUNKIE Racing reserves the right to change the details of the event, including delaying, canceling, or suspending the race due to inclement weather or other potential safety risks. Participants must retire at once from the race if ordered to do so by event officials, medical staff, or any governmental authority, including firefighters and police officers.

Sportsmanship: Any participant who conducts himself or herself in an unsportsmanlike manner or who is offensive in action or language to event officials, other participants, volunteers, or spectators may be disqualified. Protests concerning the conduct of participants will be accepted for up to 24 hours after the posting of results by contacting an event official or sending an email to our communications team.

 

PARTICIPANT ENTRY AND RACE BIB

Application: All participants must provide accurate information, including age, gender, and emergency contact information, when filling out the event application. A participant may not change or add a team affiliation after an event has started.

Race Bib: Your official participant bib (running number) must be fully visible at all times and worn on the front of your torso. The timing device is attached to the back of your running number; in order to ensure an accurate time, please do not fold or wrinkle the bib, or cover it with a jacket, runner belt, water bottle, or any other item. Participants who run the race without their bib properly attached and displayed risk not having their finish time and split times recorded, and not being listed in the results. Runners without race bibs may be stopped and prohibited to enter the finishing chute. If your bib is lost on the course, please report it to an event official after the race.

Transfers Permitted: Race registrations are now transferable to other participants and your race registration can now be transferred to other FJR events.  There are restrictions, potential fees, and timing requirements related to these options.  Any and all transfers MUST be completed using our RunSignUp registration site.  Instructions can be found in our FAQs.  Recording official transfers is important and mandatory as it ensures race officials have accurate emergency contact information and correct insurance waivers for all participants in the event.  A participant who does not wear his or her assigned race bib/tag, or who is found to have transferred, bought, or sold entry without completing the official, required process in RunSignUp will be disqualified and suspended from subsequent FJR events.

No Refunds: Entry fees are non-refundable. Participants may defer entry to the following event year within a specified time frame for a fee. Participants may change race distances for the current event year within a specified time frame at either no charge or for a fee depending on the time frame and what distances the participant is moving between.

 

THE START

Start Corrals: Participants are responsible for arriving at the start corrals and entering at the designated corral entry points before the corral closing times. Any participant who climbs over a barricade or otherwise enters improperly may be disqualified. For participant safety, once a corral is closed for entry, late-arriving participants must report to the last corral. Please follow the instructions of event officials when entering corrals.

Race Start: The race will be started by an air horn or cannon unless otherwise noted. All participants must be behind the starting line at the start of the race and must follow the instructions of the race starter.

 

TIMING

Official Times: Your official (chip time) finish time is recorded by the timing system from when you cross the starting line to when you cross the finish line. Results are sorted by chip time and this determines the order of finish and award winners—except the Overall and Master's category awards, which are awarded based on gun time.  Gun time starts when the race officially starts (gun shot) and ends when you cross the finish line. Gun time and chip time are both shown in your results.  Start timing mats will be removed after the start of the race based on what the size of the field warrants. After the start has closed, no runners will be allowed to start the race. If a runner chooses to start, they must forfeit their bib and will not be considered an active participant in the event.

 

THE COURSE

Course Marking: FJR events (except for kids’ races) are conducted on USATF-certified courses. Participants must stay within course boundaries, as designated by barriers, traffic cones, delineation, and/or other markings, at all times; must recognize and understand event signage and symbols relating to the course, directions, and facilities; and must follow the instructions of course marshals. Failure to do so may result in disqualification.

Course Monitoring: If you have not completed the entire course, do not cross the finish line. Participants with missing or irregular split times at official timing checkpoints will be reviewed and may be disqualified. If you must leave the course, rejoin it only at the point at which you exited. No participant, after leaving the course, will be allowed to rejoin the race either for the purpose of gaining a place or to pace or assist another competitor.

Assistance: Unofficial pacers or other unregistered participants are not permitted. A participant who receives outside assistance during an event from anyone other than official medical personnel or designated water stations may be disqualified.

Bandits: No individual who is not officially registered may join the event or accompany any participant in the event. Any person without an official bib will be directed to leave the course immediately.  Any registered participant receiving assistance or pacing from a bandit may be disqualified.

 

THE FINISH

Time Limit: In the interest of safety, and to allow streets and drives to reopen as scheduled, race courses will remain open to all participants who are able to maintain a 16:00 min/mile pace for the Half and shorter distances. Some events may have a longer time frame, but all participants should be prepared to adhere to these standards.  Those participants who are not able to maintain this pace should be aware that fluid stations and other course amenities may not be available, and participants in races staged on city streets may be asked to move to the sidewalks and forfeit their race bib. Late participants will be able to cross the finish line, but they are not guaranteed to be timed and recorded as official finishers.

 

PROHIBITED ITEMS

The following items are prohibited from all FJR events and race venues:

A weapon of any kind, including firearms, knives, Mace, et cetera
Any dangerous item or “dual-use” item that could be considered dangerous, including hammers, saws, sharp objects, et cetera
Flammable liquids, fuels, fireworks, toxic chemicals, and explosives
Unmanned aerial devices, drones, survey balloons, photography mini-copters, and any flying device with an on/off switch.

 

Want to take in all that Tuscaloosa has to offer for the perfect race weekend? Check out the seventh issue of RACECATION magazine. Packed full of great places to eat, stay, and explore around T-Town.

Tuscaloosa is a historic Alabama town with an eye on the future. Home to the renowned University of Alabama, a revitalized Downtown on the banks of the Black Warrior River and more woods, water, food and fun than you’ll know what to do with...come see what Tuscaloosa is up to these days. We have a feeling you’ll be back soon too.

Tuscaloosa offers a diverse selection of hotels throughout the city. Many hotels are within walking distance of Tuscaloosa's unique restaurants, shopping, attractions and entertainment.

 

HOTEL OPTIONS 

(Booking links are being updated as we receive them; see below for details.)

RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT TUSCALOOSA

211 Rice Mine Road Loop

Tuscaloosa, AL  35406

PH: 205-548-1010

Room Rate: $189++ per night

Cut Off Date: 2/28/25

BOOKING LINK: CLICK HERE TO BOOK RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT TUSCALOOSA 2025

 

 

HAMPTON INN TUSCALOOSA - UNIVERSITY

600 Harper Lee Drive

Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

PH: 205-553-9800

Room Rate: $189++ per night

Cut Off Date: 2/28/25

BOOKING LINK: CLICK HERE TO BOOK HAMPTON INN TUSCALOOSA - UNIVERSITY

Alabama Credit Union 1 Mile Fun Run: T-Shirt

DCH Health System 5K: T-Shirt

Half Marathon: T-Shirt