Half Marathon races near Rainbow City

Miles of Hope: Spooky Edition is a Halloween morning race in Anniston, Alabama, starting at 171 Town Center Drive. The event provides three running options: a 1-mile fun run, a 5K, and a half marathon. The fun run begins first, followed by the 5K and half marathon. The race route is not detailed, but it embraces Halloween themes. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes, and spectators can cheer from the sidelines. Entry fees are uniform for all three distances. Proceeds benefit programs focused on youth opportunity, health, community work, and community resiliency for local individuals and families.

The Gobbler 5K, 10K, & 13.1M is a local multi-distance race in Gadsden, Alabama, offering 5K, 10K, and half marathon distances. All races begin at 8:00 AM. Registration must be completed in advance via RunSignup, as there is no race-day registration. Packet pickup is available for a limited time just before the start. The course is situated behind the Gadsden Mall, utilizing a pea gravel trail. Each distance follows a repeated out-and-back format: the 5K is completed twice, the 10K four times, and the half marathon six times. The race has a 3 hour 30 minute time limit, making the half marathon suitable for participants who prefer a consistent, looped trail effort.

The Gobbler 5K, 10K, & 13.1M is a small race series in Gadsden, Alabama. All three distances start at 8:00 AM behind the Gadsden Mall. Runners select from a 5K, 10K, or half marathon. Registration must be completed in advance on RunSignup; there is no on-site registration. The course utilizes a pea gravel trail with a straightforward layout. Each race consists of repeated out-and-back segments. The 5K covers its segment twice, the 10K covers its segment four times, and the half marathon repeats its longer out-and-back six times. The time limit for the course is 3 hours and 30 minutes.

The Half Naked Half Marathon is an Anniston, Alabama race presented by the Anniston Runners Club. It starts and finishes at McClellan Park Medical Mall on Town Center Drive. The event is held annually and offers two distances: a certified 13.1-mile half marathon and a quarter marathon. Both races use chip timing, and the half marathon counts as an official time. The course closes at 11 a.m.; anyone still on the course after that is considered on their own. The half marathon follows a simple out-and-back route, fitting the race’s deliberately “stripped down” personality. The name originates from the event’s humble beginnings, but runners do not actually have to run half-naked. Runners and walkers of all abilities can participate. Age-group awards are given in 10-year divisions for both distances. Half marathon finishers receive a medal, and participants in both races get a long-sleeve shirt, provided they register early.

The Chief Ladiga 100 is a 100-mile ultramarathon held on the paved Chief Ladiga Trail in Alabama, which connects to the Pinhoti Trail system. The course is an out-and-back design, requiring participants to traverse the same path in both directions over day and night. While relatively flat for a 100-mile race, the distance, the repeated section, and the 30-hour time limit present a significant endurance challenge. Aid stations are positioned approximately every 5 miles, establishing a consistent pace and simplifying logistics compared to more remote mountain races. The race has a limited field size and attracts ultrarunners seeking a fast 100-mile course and a Western States 100 qualifying opportunity. The Anniston Runners Club, supported by committed volunteers, manages the event and contributes to local charities.