05/15/2026
Reposting Instructions here:
In It For The Long Run
Sign Up
Important Note Below!!!!
Thinking about taking a shot at a State Age Group Record? 👀🔥
Message me before 6 PM tomorrow so I can get you on our special record-watch list! We want to make sure we’re ready to celebrate you properly. 🎉🏃♀️🏃♂️
— Suzanne
256-520-0768
In It For The Long Run
Participant Guide - PLEASE READ COMPLETELY
Our page will frequent updates.
Hosted by Fleet Feet Huntsville/Madison & Karhu
Welcome to In It For The Long Run! Whether you are chasing a PR, completing your first ultra, earning a buckle, or simply enjoying a memorable weekend with the running community, we are excited to have you join us in Huntsville.
This event is designed to celebrate endurance, community, grit, and fun. Expect a supportive atmosphere, outstanding volunteers, overnight camaraderie, and encouragement every step of the way.
Important: There is no camping on Friday Night! We will have security there to watch set-up but no camping! Sorry!
Thank you for being part of our inaugural event. I'm sure I will make mistakes, I'm open to suggestions. Please message me if you think I have forgotten anything.
— Fleet Feet Huntsville/Madison & Race Staff
Event Overview
Event Formats
6 Hour Individual
12 Hour Individual
24 Hour Individual
Relay Team Event (up to 6 runners)
Marathon
50K
50 Mile
5K
10K
Half Marathon
Location
John Hunt Park
2151 Airport Road SW
Huntsville, AL 35801
Course Surface
Rubberized loop
Gently rolling terrain
Limited lighting on portions of the course overnight
Weekend Schedule
Friday
Packet Pickup
Location:
Fleet Feet Huntsville
2722 Carl T. Jones Drive
Huntsville, AL 35802
Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Tent & Crew Setup
Location: John Hunt Park
Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Saturday – Race Day
Start Times
Event Start Time
6 Hour 6:00 AM
12 Hour 6:00 AM
24 Hour 6:00 AM
50 Mile 6:00 AM
Marathon 7:00 AM
50K 7:00 AM
5K 6:00 PM
10K 6:00 PM
Half Marathon 6:00 PM
Runner Briefing
Runner briefings will take place near the Start/Finish area approximately 10 minutes before each race start.
Sunday
24-Hour Finish
Time: 6:00 AM
Awards Ceremony
Awards will begin as soon as results are finalized. Please note that ceremony times may vary.
Parking & Arrival
Participants must park in designated event lots only.
Please:
Follow volunteer directions
Avoid parking on unauthorized grass areas
Allow extra time for setup and check-in
Check-In & Packet Pickup
There will be no race day packet pickup. All participants must pick up packets on Friday between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
Friday Packet Pickup
Fleet Feet Huntsville
2722 Carl T. Jones Drive, Suite 2B
Huntsville, AL 35802
Your Packet Includes
Bib number
Timing chip attached to bib
Event shirt
Event updates and race information
Recommended Items to Bring
Personal nutrition and hydration supplies
Water bottle
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Headlamp (required after 8:00 PM)
While aid station supplies will be available, runners are strongly encouraged to bring preferred nutrition and hydration products.
Course Information
Loop Format
The course is a certified 1.5-mile fixed loop.
Course Direction
All runners will travel in the same direction for the duration of the event.
Lap Counting
Timing mats will record completed laps
Runners are responsible for ensuring their laps are recorded correctly
Notify timing staff immediately if you believe a lap was missed
Only laps completed before the official cutoff time will count toward results
Time Limits & Cutoffs
Event Time Limit
6 Hour 6 Hours
12 Hour 12 Hours
24 Hour 24 Hours
At the official cutoff time, incomplete laps will not count.
Relay Team Rules
Teams
Relay teams may include up to 6 runners
Only one runner per team may be on the course at a time
Exchanges
Teams are responsible for proper timing chip transfers during exchanges.
Team Conduct
All relay participants must follow course etiquette and aid station rules.
Aid Station Information
The primary aid station will be located near the Start/Finish area.
There are restrooms at the park. We will also have a port a john at the near the path for quick emergency access. :)
Standard Aid Station Items
Available throughout the event:
Water
Tailwind Hydration
Precision Fuel & Hydration Gels
Coke products
Chips and salty snacks
Candy
Fruit
Pickles
Saturday Food Schedule
Time Food Offerings
6:00 AM – 9:00 AM Regular aid station items and Panera bagels
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Regular aid station items
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM Grilled cheese sandwiches and chips
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM Regular aid station items
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Pizza, Nothing But Noodles, and hot dogs
Overnight Regular aid station items
If you require specific nutrition or specialty food items, please bring them with you.
Personal Nutrition & Crew Support
Participants are strongly encouraged to bring personal nutrition and hydration supplies.
Crew Areas
Crew support is permitted only in designated crew zones.
Please:
Keep crew areas clean
Respect neighboring runners
Limit excessive lighting and loud music overnight
Drop Bags & Camp Setup
Participants may set up:
Canopies
Chairs
Coolers
Personal aid stations
Space is limited.
Please Label All Personal Items With
Name
Bib number
Phone number
Race management is not responsible for lost or damaged items.
Overnight Running
Night running presents unique challenges. Participants should plan accordingly.
Recommended Overnight Gear
Headlamp
Backup light
Reflective gear
Extra layers
Backup batteries
Temperatures may change significantly overnight.
Weather Policy
This event will take place rain or shine.
However, race officials may delay, suspend, or cancel the event due to:
Lightning
Severe weather
Dangerous course conditions
Emergency situations
Participant safety remains our highest priority.
Medical & Safety
Medical personnel and/or a first aid station will be available near the Start/Finish area throughout the event.
Participants must withdraw from the event if:
Directed by medical staff
Unable to continue safely
Experiencing signs of serious illness or injury
Common Ultra Running Concerns
Dehydration
Hyponatremia
Heat illness
Blisters
Chafing
Sleep deprivation
Please take care of yourself and communicate concerns early.
Course Etiquette
Help us create a safe and positive experience for everyone.
Please Do
Pass courteously
Stay aware of your surroundings
Keep right unless passing
Encourage fellow runners
Thank volunteers
Please Do Not
Litter
Use headphones at unsafe volumes
Block the course
Pace non-registered runners
Pacers
Pacers:
Must check in with race staff
Must remain with their assigned runner
Must follow all course and event rules
Awards
Individual Awards
Awards may include:
Distance milestone awards
Karhu Overall Winner Awards
The Overall Male and Female winners in the following events will each receive a pair of Karhu Mestari running shoes valued at $180:
24 Hour
12 Hour
6 Hour
50 Mile
50K
Marathon
Evening Event Awards
The Overall Male and Female winners in the following evening events will receive Fleet Feet gift cards:
5K
10K
Half Marathon
Special Awards
24-Hour Finisher Buckle
Because this is a free event, a limited number of buckles have been ordered. Participants who earn a buckle will receive one while supplies last.
Finisher Medals
The event has 250 finisher medals available. Participants finishing beyond the first 250 finishers will receive a special finisher gift instead.
Awards must be claimed on race day unless other arrangements are made with race staff.
Other Scheduled Happenings
Saturday Activities & Recovery
Time Activity
Morning Hours Return2Sport will be onsite during the morning hours
2:00 PM – 7:00 PM Cold plunge recovery provided by Swift Recovery
Afternoon Iced coffee from Coffee Break
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Massage services available from Lotus Loft Massage - Princess Parker
Afternoon Functional Chiropractic will provide popsicles during the afternoon
Throughout the Event WeRunRacePhotos photographer Gregg Gelmis will be onsite capturing race moments throughout the morning, afternoon, and golden hour
Spectators
Friends and family are encouraged to attend and support participants.
Please:
Keep children supervised
Respect active course areas
Follow volunteer instructions
Leave No Trace
Please leave your area cleaner than you found it.
All participants and crews are expected to:
Dispose of trash properly
Remove personal gear after the event
Respect park property
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave the course and return later?
Yes. The race clock will continue to run.
Can I use trekking poles?
Only if approved by race management and deemed safe for the course environment.
Can I wear headphones?
Yes, but participants must remain aware of other runners and race instructions.
Are pets allowed?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed at the event.
Can I pick up someone else’s packet?
Yes.
Questions?
Text race staff at 256-520-0768.
Final Notes
Reminder: This is a FREE event made possible by incredible volunteers, sponsors, and community partners. Please take time throughout the weekend to thank the people helping make this event possible.
Thank You to Our Sponsors & Community Partners
Fleet Feet
Karhu
Swift Recovery
Return2Sport
Functional Chiropractic
City of Huntsville
Food City
Tailwind Nutrition
Precision Fuel & Hydration
Panera
Nothing But Noodles
Coffee Break
Lotus Loft
This event is about persistence, patience, and community.
There will be highs and lows throughout the weekend. Keep moving forward, one lap at a time.
Thank you for choosing to be part of In It For The Long Run. We cannot wait to see what you accomplish.
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In It For The Long Run
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