“We run fast here”

HUNTSVILLE – “We run fast here,” that’s how Mark Russell, Executive Director of the Huntsville Sports Commission, described what will take place in Huntsville on Dec. 15 for the 48th running of the Rocket City Marathon and the adjacent three-day running events. More than 3,750 have registered for the Friday-Sunday event culminated by the 26.2 mile jaunt through numerous sections and neighborhoods that make up Huntsville.

Sponsored by the Huntsville Sports Commission and hosted by the Huntsville Track Club, the race weekend kicks off on Friday with the Race Expo held at the Von Braun Center where attendees can connect with local businesses, athletic brands and health experts. The excitement will continue on Saturday with the actual running of a 5K, 10K and Kid’s Marathon. The Sunday major event is the marathon, which features two half-marathon races within the marathon as participants have the choice to run the first half-marathon or the second half-marathon.

“This event has been part of the fabric of our community for nearly five decades and the energy and enthusiasm our volunteers and runners bring to this event every year make it truly special,” said Mica Anderson, President of the Huntsville Track Club.

Race officials spoke heavily about the constant corporation the race receives from City leaders and other entities such as the Huntsville Police Dept. and HEMSI emergency services. “Those services certainly keep all connected to the race safe before, during and after the race and let us not forget our volunteers who we could not do without,” said Eric Fritz, outgoing HTC President. “We approached the City of Huntsville in 2014 about making changes to the very successful race and they responded in a big way. Our volunteers, which needs to number around 500 to make the event a success, need to be in place as we could not host this big event without their support.”

Madison’s Josh Whitehead, 46, the 2022 marathon winner and 2023 runner-up is set to return to his hometown race as he posted a time of 2:33.21 two years ago to walk away with the title. Last year’s race was won by David Too 29, of Tallahassee, Fla. with the winning time of 2:27.40. Last year’s women’s winner was Maura Lemon, 34, who galloped through the course at 2:47.04.

“We discussed bringing back the elite runners invite, but feel the big-time runners don’t necessarily help the race that much,” added Fritz.

“The marathon is well thought of in the running community as 30-percent of those registered are repeat participants and they seem to love the hospitality they receive when arriving in our city,” added Russell.

Among the list of runners already registered are 3,750 total for the threeday event. Those attendees represent 45 states with 51-percent male runners and 49-percent female participants. Founded in 1977, the Rocket City Marathon has grown from a local race to a nationally recognized multi-day event that showcases Huntsville as an inviting and runner- friendly city. This year there has been a large increase in the 30-39 age group as that is a trend not seen in this race.

The marathon race will begin at 7:00 a.m. in front of the Von Braun Center and conclude just inside the North Hall of the VBC where race fans are encouraged to cheer on all participants from across the globe as runners from other countries such as Anguilla, Albania, Canada, France, Kenya and Puerto Rico have registered.

The current race course distance of 26 miles, 385 yards was set for the 1908 London Olympics and officially adopted in 1921.