Five Tuscaloosa events to help you stay in shape in 2025

Posted by Admin January 21, 2025 Fitness

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Heads up for Tuscaloosa area residents who made a New Year’s resolution to get in shape.

Tuscaloosa has several events this spring that encourage participants to get some exercise while helping a worthy cause.

Here’s a rundown of some events that will help you work up a sweat:

Mayor’s Cup 5K for Pre-K

The 2025 Mayor’s Cup 5K for Pre-K will return to downtown Tuscaloosa, beginning at 8 a.m. April 26.

The event, which began in 2007, will be hosted by the City of Tuscaloosa and Mayor Walt Maddox and presented by Mercedes-Benz U.S. International. In the past, the Mayor’s Cup has attracted more than 1,000 participants.

The 5K is open to all ages and participants are welcome to run or walk, according to event organizers. Participants will be given a race bib with an attached timing chip, which will be used to determine race results. Awards will be given in various categories. Registration costs $20 through March 1. More information is available at tuscaloosamayorscup.itsyourrace.com/register/.

The Mayor’s Cup 5K raises money for the Tuscaloosa Pre-K Initiative, which aims to expand access to pre-kindergarten classes for children. Since the inaugural Mayor’s Cup, the event has raised nearly $350,000 to provide resources for Tuscaloosa preschoolers.

Learn more at www.tuscaloosamayorscup.com.

Bark to the Beat Music 5K

A 5K scheduled to begin April 5 on the University of Alabama campus offers a unique opportunity to listen to music while you run or walk.

The second annual Bark to the Beat Music 5K, which raises money for the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter, will feature live music performed by UA School of Music musicians and members of local high school bands.

The 5K will begin at Butler Field, the Million Dollar Band’s practice field, and continue through the UA campus.

The first wave will launch at 8 a.m., with participants who will be competing for prizes. Additional waves will begin at 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m.

Musicians will perform at selected sites along the 5K course, such as at Denny Chimes on the Quad.

The Bark to the Beat Music 5K is open to all ages and abilities, although those younger than 19 years old must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Current UA students who are younger than 19 won’t have to meet this requirement.

The cost to enter is $25 through Feb. 28, with the cost rising to $30 after then. Registration includes a T-shirt for those who register before March 20, a race bib and a medal.

The Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter will be at the 5K with animals that are available for adoption.

The 5K is hosted by the UA School of Music in collaboration with the UA Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association.

For more information, go online at calendar.ua.edu/event/bark-to-the-beat-music-5k.

Tuscaloosa Gauntlet

Looking for a competitive physical challenge that will test your mettle? Look no further than the fourth annual Tuscaloosa Gauntlet, scheduled for April 5 at Buddy Powell Pavilion, 4205 Northridge Road.

The Tuscaloosa Gauntlet is 5-mile challenge through rigorous terrain with a Marine-style obstacle course, including new obstacles of this year. Participants can choose to run in these heats: individual open, individual competitive, teams or kids.

Registration is open now at www.tuscaloosagauntlet.com. Entering the open heat costs $65 and the competitive heat costs $90. Note: The registration cost will increase to $75 for the open heat and $100 for the competitive heat after March 13. Teams can enter for $400 and the kids’ race costs $30.

Proceeds from the Tuscaloosa Gauntlet will benefit the Alabama Marines Foundation.

Visit Tuscaloosa Half-Marathon + 5K

Hundreds of runners from across the country are expected to compete March 29 in the Visit Tuscaloosa Half Marathon + 5K.

The event consists of three distances from which participants can choose: a half marathon, the DCH Health System 5K and the Alabama Credit Union 1 Mile Fun Run. All races will start and finish near Government Plaza, a 5-acre park in the heart of downtown Tuscaloosa.

The half marathon will start at 7 a.m., followed by the 5K at 7:15 a.m. and the fun run at 10 a.m. Registration details are available at www.tuscaloosahalf.com/Race/Events/AL/Tuscaloosa/TuscaloosaHalfMarathon. A post-race party will be held at Government Plaza, featuring live music and refreshments. For more information, go to www.tuscaloosahalf.com.

Portions of the proceeds from the half marathon will benefit the race’s two charity partners: Secret Meals, which places nutritional weekend meals in the backpacks of thousands of children statewide, and Arts ‘n Autism, a Tuscaloosa nonprofit that offers a range of services for families with young children through young adults who have been diagnosed with autism.

Hospice of West Alabama 5K Run/Walk

Hospice of West Alabama will hold its 15th annual family 5K run/walk at 8 a.m. April 19 on the campus of the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center campus, 3701 Loop Road.

The event is described on the hospice website as “a reunion, in a way, as many families of former patients participate.” Participants are encouraged to run or walk in memory of a loved one.

The HOWA 5K runs on a Tuscaloosa Track Club-certified course and serves a Grand Prix event.

Registration costs $20 and is available now online at runsignup.com/Race/AL/Tuscaloosa/HOSPICEOFWESTALABAMA5KRUNWALK. You can also register at 7 a.m. on the day of the race in the parking lot at Hospice of West Alabama, 3851 Loop Road. Proceeds will benefit the Hospice of West Alabama.

The 5K will include local vendors, live music and activities for kids.

Reach Ken Roberts at ken.roberts@tuscaloosanews.com.