The Wade Mountain Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K is the only one of its kind; the only trail marathon and half marathon in North Alabama, and was inaugurated in 2016 making 2023 its eighth year in operation. As the first and only trail marathon and half marathon in North Alabama, runners can expect scenic, yet rugged and challenging terrain throughout the rarely seen trail within Wade Mountain Nature Preserve, comprising rocks and roots, snakes and stinger bees, bumps and bruises, and depending on the weather, some “what have I gotten myself into” run thoughts.
It’s the type of runner that thrives under these conditions and welcomes the challenge, however, that tends to have the most fun, and thus, the most success! If you’re lucky enough to be welcomed with sunshine and blue skies (average lows are 51°F and highs up to 71°F), however, you can expect brilliant fall foliage, sun rays peering through emphatic hardwoods, and beautiful birds-ah-chirping.