Cahaba River Ramble 2023 Trail Race
What: 5k and 10-mile Trail Race along the Cahaba River benefitting the Cahaba River Society
This spectacular 5k and 10-mile trail race runs along the “biological heart” of Alabama’s longest remaining free-flowing river, the Cahaba, and is the primary annual fundraiser for our Shane Hulsey CLEAN Environmental Education Program.Edit
When: Saturday, April 15, 2023. Registration opens at 7am and the race begins at 8am.
Where: Cahaba River Park, Shelby County
About the Cahaba River Ramble Trail Race
Located in the Cahaba River Park in Shelby County, the race is one of the most unique running experiences in Alabama. Aid stations will be provided at mile three and mile seven (for the 10-mile race). All participants will receive lunch, a t-shirt, and a swag bag after the race, and prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each category.
In conjunction with the Ramble is our Cahaba River BioBlitz – a free & family-friendly opportunity to encounter Cahaba plants and animals and help to catalog the exceptional biodiversity found at Shelby County Cahaba River Park.
Course Descriptions
10-MILE COURSE DESCRIPTION
The 10-mile course will start at Lily Loop, which begins on the left about fifty yards north from the main pavilion. Lily Loop turns into Rust Bucket, which runs west then due north until you hit a double-track transition point leading to Northern Pines. Northern Pines runs SW to Reflection, which winds down due south then shoots NE to the aid station at mile 5. From the aid station, you will hit Wild Turkey, which runs into Southern Comfort. Then you will begin a descent south on Rust Bucket to Lily Loop to the finishing line where you began; these last two trails will be the ones you will retrace.
5K COURSE DESCRIPTION
The 5K race will start at Flying Squirrel, which begins on the right about 50 yards north of the main pavilion. Flying Squirrel runs north until you hit a double track that runs due east. The double track will hit Without a Paddle, which runs into Peaceful Easy Feeling that travels due south beside the river. You will then hit a short double track that leads you to the backside of the pavilion and to the finish line. There is no aid station for the 5K, but we will have sweepers on bikes with food and water.
AID STATIONS
The aid station for the 10-mile course will be at mile 5 at the pavilion where Reflection hits Wild Turkey. There will be an aid station for the 5K where Flying Squirrel connects with the double track and hits Without a Paddle. In addition, we will have volunteers on bikes who will be roaming the 10-mile and 5K courses with food and water.
Race Registration
Online registration is now closed. Racers may still register on site the day of the event if paying with cash or check.
About the Shane Hulsey CLEAN Environmental Education Program
The CLEAN program provides students with hands-on science activities in community rivers that engage them in fun, healthful outdoor play while giving them knowledge, personal connection and commitment to healthy water resources. This is crucial if we are to raise the next generation of wise water stewards and reverse “nature deficit disorder” and inactivity trends that threaten their lifelong health. CLEAN takes youth, our future leaders, on the Cahaba, teaches the science that underpins stewardship, and increases their desire for active outdoor play in our abundant water resources. CLEAN engages youth and adult volunteers in river restoration projects such as cleanups, removal of streamside invasive plants and replanting with natives. CLEAN has provided Cahaba canoe trips, stream walks, and restoration projects to over 31,500 students and many civic leaders since 1996.
About Cahaba River Park in Shelby County
This scenic park is located at the confluence of the Cahaba River and Shades Creek with 1,838 acres including a combined 1,339 acres in the developed North Sector (1,212 acres Forever Wild Property and 127 acres Shelby County Property) on River Road (County Road 251) off County Road 13 west of Helena. The undeveloped South Sector (311 acres Forever Wild Property and 188 acres Shelby County Property) is located at the end of County Road 251 off County Road 10 west of Montevallo.
The North Sector has around 30 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running featuring 21 miles of professionally designed and constructed single track trails. Trails range from ridgetop trails through the pines to trails meandering along either the Cahaba River or Shades Creek to a trail past an old car that may have fallen out of the sky to a loop around a large pond with an abundance of wildlife. Picnicking and relaxing may take place at three pavilions – two of which have connected restrooms. Trail signage is found throughout the park to orient park users. A caretaker resides onsite to provide security and maintenance. Three river access points with parking are found within this sector. River Road was paved in 2021.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Thank you to our hosts!
Cahaba River Ramble
Cahaba River Ramble
Cahaba River Ramble
Cahaba River Ramble
Cahaba River Ramble
Cahaba River Ramble
Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Click here to view Sponsorship Information or Contact Casey Laycock to learn more.
