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December 14, 2024
Huntsville, AL, 35801, US
Come run the Rocket City Race Weekend in Huntsville, Alabama. For over 45 years the Rocket City Marathon, conducted by the Huntsville Track Club, has been a premiere marathon event in the South.
Kicking off the weekend is the Health and Fitness Expo and Packet Pick Up which opens at 11am on Friday, running through Saturday evening at 8pm. At 7am on Saturday is the flat, fast and also walker-friendly 10K. It starts in front of the Von Braun Center on Monroe Street, and gives the participants a tiny taste of what Huntsville has to offer in Old Town, finishing at the exciting indoor finish line RCM has been known for the last several years. Two hours later, the walker-friendly 5K (AKA the "Mural Run) will start. It winds past most of the wonderful "building art" that graces our downtown, finishing at the same finish line. The Kids Marathon will be held the same day at 10:30.
Sunday morning the Front Half Marathon and Full Marathon will start from Monroe Street in front of the Von Braun Arena at 7am (with the exception of the early starters who require 6-7 hours for the Full Marathon or 3-4 hours for the FRONT Half Marathon, who will have started their races at 6am). The course takes runners through Downtown, Old Town, the Medical District, Blossomwood, past Maple Hill Cemetary, through the old Train Depot, by the Veteran's Memorial and past Campus 805, where the Front Half will have a fun finish party! The Full Marathoners will continue their quest and be joined at the University of Alabama at Huntsville Campus with the Back Half Marathon runners (the Back Half starts at 9am at UAH). The back half of the course takes runners over to the US Space and Rocket Center, through the Botanical Gardens, past Gold Sprint Coffee and Lowe Mill, back to the VBC to the indoor finish line where runners will enjoy delicious post-race food and complimentary post-race stretching provided by Therapy South. Maybe you'd rather gather a friend (or a few of them) and run a Marathon RELAY! Teams will NOT compete based on finish times, but will have the option to compete in the Corporate Cup.
All registered participants will receive a registration shirt, an epic medal, post-race food, and professional photographs. Marathoners and Half the Marathoners will also receive a finisher gift. First-time Marathoners will receive a First Timer gift. Runners who register for any two races will receive a special "Challenge" gift. If you register for three events (AKA "the Hat Trick") you will receive a coveted RCM hat. Each child who runs the one mile RCKM will receive a registration shirt and epic medal. Kids who opt to complete 26.2 miles (running their final mile at the Kids Marathon) will receive a special 26.2 pin.
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Race Day Temperatures:
Normal low temperature is 34 and normal high is 54.
The Rocket City Marathon and Rocket City 10K, held annually on December 14th in Huntsville, AL, offers runners a chance to experience a classic road race in the heart of the Rocket City. This event, with a history rooted in celebrating the city's aerospace heritage, provides a challenging yet rewarding experience for participants of all levels. Runners can expect a well-organized event that typically runs through scenic parts of Huntsville, often incorporating sections of the city's infrastructure and beautiful natural landscapes. The start and finish lines are generally located in the downtown area, offering a vibrant atmosphere for spectators and participants alike. Participants in both the marathon and the 10K should prepare for a course that is primarily on paved roads, often featuring a mix of flat sections and rolling hills. The typical terrain is asphalt, making it a fast course for those seeking personal bests. Given the December date, weather conditions can vary, with temperatures often being cool to cold, making layers a wise choice. While specific course details can evolve, the race often highlights Huntsville's connection to space exploration, with potential nods to its iconic landmarks. The event's commitment to a strong race experience, coupled with its unique location, makes the Rocket City Marathon and 10K a popular destination for runners looking for a memorable December race.
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