The MLK Day 5K Drum Run/Walk is a celebration of the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day here in Birmingham, Alabama.
The 8th Annual race is scheduled for Saturday, January 13, 2024, 7am (8am 5K/10K start time, 9am 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk) and will start and finish at 1700 4th Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203 located in the Fourth Avenue Historic District of Birmingham’s Civil Rights District.
Race participants come from diverse populations that include all demographics, races, cultures, genders and creed to celebrate the meaning of the holiday in a fun and fitness way. The race features drumlines from the Birmingham metro area schools and organizations that will line up along the race course to keep the beat as the runners and walkers make their way. Each drumline will receive a donation to their band booster association through our nonprofit, The Leftover Energy Foundation Inc.
Imagine a reverse parade!!
Additionally, we are promoting the benefit and love of fitness. Birmingham, Alabama is the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement that continues to blossom as a diverse city with emerging and progressive citizens. The running community has evolved in the city which has encouraged fitness and fun for all groups. There is a running event for every holiday and season of the year. One national holiday with no race was Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr. Day. With most Americans having the day off of work and school, this is a perfect opportunity to bring the diverse Birmingham area community together for a road race and celebration.
When each community organization signs up as a team and becomes an approved beneficiary of the race, $5 of each team member's registration will be returned to that organization for use in community efforts of its choice via our nonprofit, The Leftover Energy Foundation Inc. Example, if 100 people register under Team X, we will send a check for $500 to Team X’s organization. Get your team/organization signed up today!!
This year’s race features a 3.1-mile(5K) & 6.2-mile(10K) course providing a scenic, challenging and upbeat route through the revitalization of Birmingham. Runners and walkers will enjoy the beat of the drums as they travel through the following:
The Civil Rights District
The 4th Avenue Historic Business District
The Switch
The Park District
The Rotary Trail
Birmingham Green
Automotive Historic District
Jones Valley Trail
Avondale
The 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk is open to all ages. For ages 12 years and younger, the 1 Mile is a level and fun course for our active youths with the featured drumlines. We will have the course staffed and we also encourage parents/guardians to travel with younger participants. For the adults, the 1 Mile is great for groups and also give you the opportunity to recharge, and reflect as you burn calories. The 1 Mile course travels through:
The Civil Rights District
The 4th Avenue Historic Business District
The Switch
The pre-race activities include music, warm-up and inspiration that makes this holiday great. Post race activities include booths presented by sponsors and various organizations and a friendly drumline exhibition. Also we cannot forget the race goodie bag including the official MLK DAY 5K Drum Run shirt.
5K Race Cost: 10K Race Cost: 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk Cost:
$35.00 until 12/31/2023 $45.00 until 12/31/2023 $20.00 (ages 12 yrs and younger)
$40.00 beginning 01/01/2024 $50.00 beginning 01/01/2024
$45.00 race day 01/13/2024 $55.00 race day 01/13/2024
INSPIRE, FITNESS & FELLOWSHIP