Rocket City Marathon to partner with Huntsville Hospital Foundation

HUNTSVILLE – Two of the most respected organizations in North Alabama have announced an unprecedented partnership for the 2025 Rocket City Marathon scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 14 in downtown Huntsville.

The Huntsville Track Club and the Huntsville Hospital Foundation announced a long-term partnership between the marathon’s race weekend of Dec. 12-14 and the Foundation where proceeds from the December event will help fund the development of a therapy playground for Huntsville Hospital for Women & Children’s Pediatric Therapy and Audiology Department in Huntsville. The playground will be an outdoor therapeutic space dedicated to support children with physical, developmental or sensory challenges who visit the hospital multiple times each week for therapy.

“This partnership represents a natural alignment between health, wellness and community,” said Eric Fritz, race director of the Rocket City Marathon. “Our runners come to Rocket City to challenge themselves and celebrate fitness, and now, they’ll also have the opportunity to make a real difference for children and families in our community. We’re proud to run for a cause that’s both meaningful and local.”

The official charitable alignment is the first in the marathon’s 49-year history. The new development is more than just a playground. The innovative environment will promote physical recovery, emotional well-being and developmental growth in a joyful setting.

The 2025 Rocket City Marathon Race Weekend will feature the annual Race Expo at the Von Braun Center on both Friday and Saturday, the 1-Mile Family Fun Run and 5K and 10K races on Saturday followed by Sunday’s premier half marathon and marathon races. The event is expected to draw more than 5,000 participants with the 26.2-mile marathon a qualifying race for the 2026 Boston Marathon.

Registration for the road race events is currently open with early registration signup prices available until Sept. 14 when fees will rise after that date. Details and registration are available at www.rocketcitymarathon.run and rocketcitymarathon@huntsvilletrackclub. org. “We are so excited to take this next step with the Huntsville Hospital Foundation as the HTC has had a great partnership with the foundation for over 20 years with the Ribbon Run,” said Fritz. “With the growth we’ve seen in recent years we felt now was the time to give back to the community that has given so much to us. The hospital touches everyone who lives in and around Huntsville and we felt that was the best way to support all Huntsvillians. Last year we hit record numbers with over 4,000 participants, up almost 25-percent from the prior year and this year we’re currently tracking well above that. We anticipate a sellout at over 5,000 participants from all over the country as well as internationally.”

On race day, the start will be held on Monroe Street in front of the Von Braun Center just yards from the finish of the race which will be located inside the South Hall of the Von Braun Center where spectators are welcome.