Sunday, February 10, 2024 • Guntersville, AL
Eagle Ridge 50k, Half Marathon, and 5k is a newer trail racing event, with its inaugural year being 2018, just six (6) short years ago. The good news is that it’s very spectator-friendly unlike most trail events, so invite friends and family out for all to enjoy.
Challenging with drastic elevation changes. This race has a total of about 2000 feet of elevation, classified as a hard course.
This race takes place in the emphatic and awe-inspiring 6000-acre park of Guntersville. Lake Guntersville State Park where the race resides is often deemed the most beautiful place in Alabama, the “Crown Jewel” if you will, and for good reason.
While the race takes place in February, as challenging a month as any to perform at your peak, the natural landscapes of North Alabama, particularly Lake Guntersville State Park, remain a scenic and picturesque event destination where seeing wildlife like eagles is a common occurrence.
All competitors line up on Lodge Drive within Lake Guntersville State Park and it’s where they’ll ultimately loop back to cross the finish line. Immediately, runners are thrust into a 2-mile stretch downhill along Butler Pass Trail, with 350+ feet of elevation loss. However, what goes down must come up.
For the next two miles, it’s rolling trails throughout Moonshine Trail until ultimately reaching the first major climb of the race along a winding stretch of the Taylor Mountain Trail; 300 feet of elevation gain to be exact.
From miles seven (7) to eight (8), there’s the second major descent of the race along the Golf Course Loop. The race wouldn’t be complete, however, with one more major ascent within the same loop.
Once participants reach mile 10, it’s smooth sailing until taking a left at the fork between Golf Course Loop and Lodge Road to cross the finish line.
Eagle Ridge Half Marathon is capped at 350 participants and has no cut-off time to be concerned about.
This race is a “cupless race” meaning all runners must carry their own handheld water bottle, pack, or reusable cup of any kind. In case you don’t have one, the event will be selling reusable cups for only $5.
Finally, given the time of year that the race takes place, long-sleeve shirts will be provided with registration and finishers will be awarded with a memorable finisher’s medal.
Race Weather & Climate
Set in the northern part of the state 40 miles south of Huntsville, Alabama, in mid-February, the city of Guntersville may offer runners a chilly yet picturesque setting, with average high temperatures ranging from 55ºF to 59ºF and average lows between 34ºF to 38ºF. While it’s on the cooler side, runners who don their layers can experience the charm of this lakeside town. Rainfall is relatively low at around 4 inches for the month, providing good conditions for dedicated joggers.
On race day (February 10), the average low is 31ºF and the average high is 55ºF.
Eagle Ridge Half Marathon Race Results
Eagle Ridge 50k, Half Marathon, and 5k Race Results
Eagle Ridge Half Marathon Course Map
See the race route map for the Eagle Ridge 50k, Half Marathon, and 5k course map here.
Starting Time
The half marathon start time is 8:00 AM.
Registration
To reserve your spot in the 2024 Eagle Ridge 50k, Half Marathon, and 5k, you can use the registration link here.
Race Fees
- There is a $65.00 fee for the half marathon.
- There is a $85.00 fee for the 50K.
- There is a $40.00 fee for the 5K.
