Marathon races near Hoover

XTERRA Appalachian Trail Fest takes place at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama, starting and finishing at the South Trail Head. The festival features trail runs of 10 km, 21.1 km, and 42.2 km. The marathon presents a demanding challenge with dynamic singletrack, sustained climbs, technical descents, and terrain that penalizes poor pacing. It also serves as an official XTERRA World Championship qualifier, attracting a competitive field. The race's unique character stems from its Halloween theme. Aid stations feature "Witches’ Brew" offerings, and Appalachian cryptids are incorporated into the festival's motif. The event merchandise also reflects the trail concept: the race shirt displays hidden topographic contour lines when wet from sweat, and the finisher medal alters in sunlight, featuring a satellite-style terrain graphic specific to Oak Mountain State Park.

The Railway Marathon & Half Marathon, presented by CraneWorks, is an Alabama race organized by the Birmingham Track Club. The marathon and half marathon are noted as the fastest courses in the state. The event offers multiple distances: a 1-mile kids fun run, 5K, 10K, half marathon, marathon, and 50K. The race appeals to local runners by allowing them to race a fast course without traveling. Birmingham Track Club members receive a registration discount. The race's slogan is “Where Runners are Forged.”