W.C. Handy Festival DaDooRon Run
- Date Sat 18th July 2026
- Time 7:00AM CDT
- Location Florence, Alabama
- Price $16.90 - $38.10
- Races 3 races
- Distances 5km, 1 Mile
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Event summary
Get ready to lace up your running shoes and groove to the beat at the W.C. Handy Festival DaDooRon Run, taking place on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in the vibrant city of Florence, Lauderdale! This exciting 5K event is not just a race; it’s a celebration of community, music, and the rich heritage of Florence. Runners of all ages are invited to join this rhythm-infused race, which promises an exhilarating atmosphere filled with cheering crowds and the spirit of blues legend W.C. Handy.
Participants can expect a fantastic race experience, including a USATF-certified 5K course with rolling hills, two aid stations, and plenty of opportunities to showcase your running prowess. Awards will be given to the top finishers in various categories, ensuring everyone has a chance to shine. Plus, all registered runners before the T-shirt deadline will receive a stylish race shirt! The fun kicks off with packet pick-up on July 17 and continues on race day with a vibrant start at 7:00 AM, followed by a Fun Run at 8:00 AM. Join us for a memorable event that supports the Music Preservation Society and the Florence High School Cross-Country Team. Don’t miss
Participants can expect a fantastic race experience, including a USATF-certified 5K course with rolling hills, two aid stations, and plenty of opportunities to showcase your running prowess. Awards will be given to the top finishers in various categories, ensuring everyone has a chance to shine. Plus, all registered runners before the T-shirt deadline will receive a stylish race shirt! The fun kicks off with packet pick-up on July 17 and continues on race day with a vibrant start at 7:00 AM, followed by a Fun Run at 8:00 AM. Join us for a memorable event that supports the Music Preservation Society and the Florence High School Cross-Country Team. Don’t miss
Organiser's Description
Lace up, tune in, and move to the rhythm the DaDooRon Run 5K is ready to swing, bringing that smoothasbutter blend of music, movement, and community back into the W.C. Handy Festival lineup. This race came roaring back last year, proving the rhythm never really left it was just waiting for the downbeat. Now in 2026, were tuning up for an even bigger crowd, a louder cheer, and a whole lot more groove. This isnt just a run, its a strideforstride celebration of Florence Heritage and a Blues Legend; a chance to feel the pulse of the festival under your feet.; and a way to support the Music Preservation Society and Florence High School CrossCountry Team with tempo and heart. So dont wait for the encore, register now and claim your spot on the starting line.
COURSE
5K USATF Certification #AL25019JE [https://certifiedroadraces.com/certificate/?type=r&id=9216]
AMENITIES, FEATURES, AND HIGHLIGHTS
SWAG
All runners registered before our T-shirt deadline on July 11th are guaranteed an awesome short-sleeve race shirt.
MEDALS AND PRIZES
Awards for 5K Overall Male/Female, Masters (40+) Male/Female, GrandMasters Male/Female (60+), and 1st, 2nd, 3rd Male/Female Age Groups (12U, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+)
AID STATIONS
There will be two aid and recovery stations, one aid station will be available at the START/FINISH line area and one between mile 1 and 2 of the course. The START/FINISH line are aid station will have hydration, first aid, snacks, and electrolytes. On Course aid station will have water and first aid.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
EARLY PACKET PICK-UP
Friday, July 17th at Solid Rock Running Company from 3:00-6:00 pm
RACE DAY SCHEDULE
Packet Pick-up and In-person Registration: 6:00-6:45 AM
Announcements and 5K call to start: 6:45 AM
5K Race Start: 7:00 AM
Fun Run Start: 8:00 AM
Awards: 8:30 AM
FAQ
WHO DOES THIS RACE BENEFIT? The Music Preservation Society and Florence High School CrossCountry Team
WHERE IS THE RACE? Downtown Florence with a combined START/FINISH in front of the W.C. Handy Museum
WHEN IS THE EVENT? Saturday, July 18, 2026 - 7:00 am CT RACE START
WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE? If you can't make it to early packet pick-up on Friday, July 17th, please plan to arrive prior to 6:30 AM to leave yourself adequate time to get check-in, receive your runner packet, and get warmed up
CAN I REGISTER ON RACE DAY? Yes -- we will allow race day registrations up until 15 minutes before race start, but please arrive early as there will be a line and we will have to shut-off registrations at 6:45 AM to support our planned start time
WHERE DO I GET MY PACKET? Early Packet Pickup for the race will be held at Solid Rock Running Company on Friday, July 17th or you can pick up your race packet starting at 6:00 am race day morning at the Burrell Slater School parking lot
IM PART OF A GROUP THATS RUNNING TOGETHER. CAN I PICK UP EVERYONES BIB? Yes! All youll need is their full name and everyone will be ready to take-off on Race Day!
ARE T-SHIRTS INCLUDED WITH REGISTRATION? Yes, if you register before the t-shirt deadline your exclusive race tee in the size you order is 100% guaranteed!
WHEN IS THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER AND BE GUARANTEED A T-SHIRT? End of day July 11th. After the deadline, shirts will be available in limited quantities/sizes as you register and can be selected while you check out on a first-come, first-served basis while inventory lasts. If the size is available at check out, its reserved for you. If all shirt sizes are listed as SOLD OUT, please select the None option to complete your registration and any extra shirts will be available after the awards, at the event.
ARE THERE MEDALS? Prizes and awards will be handed out for the top overall female and male runners, and top overall Masters (40+) and GrandMasters (60+) divisions and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals are awarded to the top three female and male finishers in each of the 10-year age groups.
WHAT ARE THE AGE GROUPS? Male and Female groups for 1-12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
WHERE DO I PARK? FREE Parking is available near the race START/FINISH area at the Burrell Slater School
ARE STROLLERS ALLOWED? Yes, strollers are welcome at the back of the pack.
ARE BIKES, HOVERBOARDS, SCOOTERS, SKATEBOARDS, PUSH BIKES, UNICYCLES OR WAGONS ALLOWED ON COURSE?
Were sorry, but only runners, joggers, walkers, baby strollers/joggers, restrained pets and wheelchairs are allowed
ARE PETS ALLOWED? Yes! Well-socialized and leashed dogs are welcome at the back of the pack. This rule is strictly ENFORCED. If you would like a Gun Time start offset for starting at the back of the pack with your dog, please speak with the race timer prior to race start.
IS THE RACE TIMED? Yes, this event is professionally RFID chip timed by Race Ready Events
IS THE 5K COURSE CERTIFIED? Yes, the 5K course is USATF certified #AL25019JE [https://certifiedroadraces.com/certificate/?type=r&id=9216]
IS THE 1 MILE COURSE CERTIFIED? No, the Fun Run course is not certified
DOES THE 5K COURSE HAVE HILLS? Yes, there are rolling hills along the course with a grade of <10%
DO I HAVE TO BE AN EXPERIENCED RUNNER? No all ages and paces are welcome!
ID LIKE TO PARTICIPATE. CAN I JUST WALK? Absolutely! We always have people who want to walk, so you will not be alone!
I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS! Please drop us a line and we'd love to help!
COURSE
5K USATF Certification #AL25019JE [https://certifiedroadraces.com/certificate/?type=r&id=9216]
AMENITIES, FEATURES, AND HIGHLIGHTS
SWAG
All runners registered before our T-shirt deadline on July 11th are guaranteed an awesome short-sleeve race shirt.
MEDALS AND PRIZES
Awards for 5K Overall Male/Female, Masters (40+) Male/Female, GrandMasters Male/Female (60+), and 1st, 2nd, 3rd Male/Female Age Groups (12U, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+)
AID STATIONS
There will be two aid and recovery stations, one aid station will be available at the START/FINISH line area and one between mile 1 and 2 of the course. The START/FINISH line are aid station will have hydration, first aid, snacks, and electrolytes. On Course aid station will have water and first aid.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
EARLY PACKET PICK-UP
Friday, July 17th at Solid Rock Running Company from 3:00-6:00 pm
RACE DAY SCHEDULE
Packet Pick-up and In-person Registration: 6:00-6:45 AM
Announcements and 5K call to start: 6:45 AM
5K Race Start: 7:00 AM
Fun Run Start: 8:00 AM
Awards: 8:30 AM
FAQ
WHO DOES THIS RACE BENEFIT? The Music Preservation Society and Florence High School CrossCountry Team
WHERE IS THE RACE? Downtown Florence with a combined START/FINISH in front of the W.C. Handy Museum
WHEN IS THE EVENT? Saturday, July 18, 2026 - 7:00 am CT RACE START
WHAT TIME SHOULD I ARRIVE? If you can't make it to early packet pick-up on Friday, July 17th, please plan to arrive prior to 6:30 AM to leave yourself adequate time to get check-in, receive your runner packet, and get warmed up
CAN I REGISTER ON RACE DAY? Yes -- we will allow race day registrations up until 15 minutes before race start, but please arrive early as there will be a line and we will have to shut-off registrations at 6:45 AM to support our planned start time
WHERE DO I GET MY PACKET? Early Packet Pickup for the race will be held at Solid Rock Running Company on Friday, July 17th or you can pick up your race packet starting at 6:00 am race day morning at the Burrell Slater School parking lot
IM PART OF A GROUP THATS RUNNING TOGETHER. CAN I PICK UP EVERYONES BIB? Yes! All youll need is their full name and everyone will be ready to take-off on Race Day!
ARE T-SHIRTS INCLUDED WITH REGISTRATION? Yes, if you register before the t-shirt deadline your exclusive race tee in the size you order is 100% guaranteed!
WHEN IS THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER AND BE GUARANTEED A T-SHIRT? End of day July 11th. After the deadline, shirts will be available in limited quantities/sizes as you register and can be selected while you check out on a first-come, first-served basis while inventory lasts. If the size is available at check out, its reserved for you. If all shirt sizes are listed as SOLD OUT, please select the None option to complete your registration and any extra shirts will be available after the awards, at the event.
ARE THERE MEDALS? Prizes and awards will be handed out for the top overall female and male runners, and top overall Masters (40+) and GrandMasters (60+) divisions and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals are awarded to the top three female and male finishers in each of the 10-year age groups.
WHAT ARE THE AGE GROUPS? Male and Female groups for 1-12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
WHERE DO I PARK? FREE Parking is available near the race START/FINISH area at the Burrell Slater School
ARE STROLLERS ALLOWED? Yes, strollers are welcome at the back of the pack.
ARE BIKES, HOVERBOARDS, SCOOTERS, SKATEBOARDS, PUSH BIKES, UNICYCLES OR WAGONS ALLOWED ON COURSE?
Were sorry, but only runners, joggers, walkers, baby strollers/joggers, restrained pets and wheelchairs are allowed
ARE PETS ALLOWED? Yes! Well-socialized and leashed dogs are welcome at the back of the pack. This rule is strictly ENFORCED. If you would like a Gun Time start offset for starting at the back of the pack with your dog, please speak with the race timer prior to race start.
IS THE RACE TIMED? Yes, this event is professionally RFID chip timed by Race Ready Events
IS THE 5K COURSE CERTIFIED? Yes, the 5K course is USATF certified #AL25019JE [https://certifiedroadraces.com/certificate/?type=r&id=9216]
IS THE 1 MILE COURSE CERTIFIED? No, the Fun Run course is not certified
DOES THE 5K COURSE HAVE HILLS? Yes, there are rolling hills along the course with a grade of <10%
DO I HAVE TO BE AN EXPERIENCED RUNNER? No all ages and paces are welcome!
ID LIKE TO PARTICIPATE. CAN I JUST WALK? Absolutely! We always have people who want to walk, so you will not be alone!
I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS! Please drop us a line and we'd love to help!
Races
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Location
620 W College St, Florence, 35630, AL, United States
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W.C. Handy Festival DaDooRon Run
