King of the Mountain
- Date Sat 15th August 2026
- Time 8:00AM CDT
- Location Pelham, Alabama
- Price $20.00
- Races 1 race
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Get ready for an exhilarating challenge at the King of the Mountain race taking place on Saturday, August 15th, 2026, in the stunning Pelham, Shelby area. This unique 5K race promises to push your limits on the rugged terrain of Oak Mountain, with a staggering 1,100 feet of climbing and descending over just 3.1 miles. Runners will begin at the North Trailhead, embarking on a thrilling journey that includes steep climbs, technical descents, and breathtaking views.
As you navigate the Blue Trail and tackle the infamous Outback Highway, you'll experience the perfect blend of adrenaline and natural beauty. The course features a variety of challenges, including a water station at the King's Chair and a final ascent to Eagle's Nest, ensuring an unforgettable adventure. With only two prestigious awards—the King and the Queen—this race is not just about finishing; it's about conquering the mountain! Join us for a day of grit, determination, and community spirit, and see if you have what it takes to be crowned the King or Queen of the Mountain!
As you navigate the Blue Trail and tackle the infamous Outback Highway, you'll experience the perfect blend of adrenaline and natural beauty. The course features a variety of challenges, including a water station at the King's Chair and a final ascent to Eagle's Nest, ensuring an unforgettable adventure. With only two prestigious awards—the King and the Queen—this race is not just about finishing; it's about conquering the mountain! Join us for a day of grit, determination, and community spirit, and see if you have what it takes to be crowned the King or Queen of the Mountain!
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!
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. _ _
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!
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. _ _
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)
$20.00
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
