King of the Mountain
- Date Sat 15th August 2026
- Time 8:00AM CDT
- Location Pelham, Alabama
- Price $30.00
- Races 1 race
- Distances 5km
Last chance to enter
Race day is fast approaching
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating challenge at the King of the Mountain race on Saturday, August 15, 2026, in beautiful Pelham, Shelby. This unique 5K event promises an unforgettable experience as runners navigate 3.1 miles of rugged Alabama terrain, featuring approximately 1,100 feet of climbing and descending. Starting at the North Trailhead, participants will tackle the infamous Outback Highway, a steep climb that sets the tone for this thrilling adventure.
With a blend of technical downhill sections and scenic views, the course includes a refreshing water station at the halfway point, crowned by the iconic King's Chair. The race is not just about endurance; it’s also a test of grit, with only two prestigious awards up for grabs: the King and Queen titles, making this race a true battle of champions. Plus, everyone who completes the course in under 40 minutes will be knighted! Join us for a day filled with camaraderie, tough climbs, and a celebratory atmosphere featuring food, drinks, and exclusive finisher goodies. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to conquer the Southeast's toughest 5K!
With a blend of technical downhill sections and scenic views, the course includes a refreshing water station at the halfway point, crowned by the iconic King's Chair. The race is not just about endurance; it’s also a test of grit, with only two prestigious awards up for grabs: the King and Queen titles, making this race a true battle of champions. Plus, everyone who completes the course in under 40 minutes will be knighted! Join us for a day filled with camaraderie, tough climbs, and a celebratory atmosphere featuring food, drinks, and exclusive finisher goodies. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to conquer the Southeast's toughest 5K!
Organiser's Description
Race start is at NORTH TRAILHEAD [https://maps.app.goo.gl/hZT9HKfXjNGFsDXD8]
Beginning with a short service road start, runners will quickly sort themselves before entering the single track of Blue Trail. After some rolling uphill, you will take a hard left up one of Oak Mountain's gnarliest climbs, and my favorite training hill, Outback Highway! Once summitted, good news, the most grueling stretch is behind you. But you still have 2.5 miles of rugged Alabama terrain. After the next, shorter, and gentler hill, you will crest over onto one of my favorite top-outs with boulders towards a slippery pine straw downhill. Next is a walk-worthy climb to your halfway point, your water station, and the crown of this race: King's Chair! After a quarter mile of mostly runnable trail, you will come to your second toughest, but final climb to Eagles Nest. From there, it's about a half mile of technical downhill till you get back to Red Road for a fast finish. But make sure you watch your ankles here!
Each participant gets a headband, sticker, finisher pin, food, beer, coke, and some gnarly climbs!
There are only two awards in this race. The King, and the Queen. However, if a female wins overall she is both King, and Queen, unless another female gets second. In that case we will have a lady King (first overall), and a lady Queen (second overall). Men are not eligible to win the Queen award. However, anyone who beats 40 minutes will also be knighted.
So, come test your grit with the Southeast's toughest 5k. ~1,100 feet of climbing, and descending over only 3.1 miles, on Oak Mountain's rugged terrain. _
_
Packet pickup will be morning of, at North Trailhead
Race start is at NORTH TRAILHEAD [https://maps.app.goo.gl/hZT9HKfXjNGFsDXD8]
WEBSITE [https://www.ruggedsoulstrailruns.com/#anchorkom5]
ALLTRAILS [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/king-of-the-mountain-5k-e2bca05]
STRAVA [https://www.strava.com/routes/3462649986595376390]
Beginning with a short service road start, runners will quickly sort themselves before entering the single track of Blue Trail. After some rolling uphill, you will take a hard left up one of Oak Mountain's gnarliest climbs, and my favorite training hill, Outback Highway! Once summitted, good news, the most grueling stretch is behind you. But you still have 2.5 miles of rugged Alabama terrain. After the next, shorter, and gentler hill, you will crest over onto one of my favorite top-outs with boulders towards a slippery pine straw downhill. Next is a walk-worthy climb to your halfway point, your water station, and the crown of this race: King's Chair! After a quarter mile of mostly runnable trail, you will come to your second toughest, but final climb to Eagles Nest. From there, it's about a half mile of technical downhill till you get back to Red Road for a fast finish. But make sure you watch your ankles here!
Each participant gets a headband, sticker, finisher pin, food, beer, coke, and some gnarly climbs!
There are only two awards in this race. The King, and the Queen. However, if a female wins overall she is both King, and Queen, unless another female gets second. In that case we will have a lady King (first overall), and a lady Queen (second overall). Men are not eligible to win the Queen award. However, anyone who beats 40 minutes will also be knighted.
So, come test your grit with the Southeast's toughest 5k. ~1,100 feet of climbing, and descending over only 3.1 miles, on Oak Mountain's rugged terrain. _
_
Packet pickup will be morning of, at North Trailhead
Race start is at NORTH TRAILHEAD [https://maps.app.goo.gl/hZT9HKfXjNGFsDXD8]
WEBSITE [https://www.ruggedsoulstrailruns.com/#anchorkom5]
ALLTRAILS [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/king-of-the-mountain-5k-e2bca05]
STRAVA [https://www.strava.com/routes/3462649986595376390]
Races
-
5k
Incl. Headband
Sat 15th August 2026 (8:00AM CDT)
$30.00
Route: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/kings-climb-71ad16a
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Oak Mountain State Park, North Trailhead, Pelham, 35124, AL, United States
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King of the Mountain
