Check out these 9 fun springtime runs in Huntsville

Running participants — Stretch, get your shoes on and lets go! (“Running Shoes” by Josiah Mackenzie is licensed under CC BY 2.0)

Unless you’re David Goggins, you’ve probably been running inside on a treadmill or track for the last few months. Luckily for you, the weather is finally warming up, which means the return of outside running.

Huntsville is offering a variety of 5K and 10K runs over the next few months that can be fun solo or with friends.

Take a look

1. Hays Farm parkrun

Hays Farm parkrun is a community event that encourages participants to finish at their own pace, so no pressure to finish first here! This run is a 5K, but is still great for any experience level.

Time + Date: every Saturday at 7:30AM
Location: Hays Farm, 1117 Haysland Rd SW, Huntsville, AL 35803
More info

2. Shamrock 5K

The Shamrock 5K is a charitable event that aims to prevent child abuse. This is a run/walk for all ages—plus, there is a festival with vendors, food and games that takes place during/after the run.

Time + Date: 9AM, Saturday, March 28
Location: University of Alabama in Huntsville
More info

3. Teddy Bear 5K

The Teddy Bear 5K is another family friendly and fun race that is great for all skill levels. It was started to raise critical funds and community awareness for the Limestone Child Advocacy Center (LCAC).

Time + Date: 8AM, Saturday, April 4
Location: 200 W. Market Street, Athens, AL US 35611
More info

4. Oakwood University 5K

This 5K goes straight through the historic Oakwood University, offering a brand new way to experience the college’s community and landmarks. This event is led by alumni and current students so come out and join the community!

Time + Date: 8AM, Sunday, April 5
Location: Oakwood University
More info

5. First Priority 5K

Come run in the First Priority 5K to support First Priority/Clothe Our Kids campus ministries! There is also a shorter one mile course, which starts at 8:40AM.

Time + Date: 8AM, Saturday, April 11
Location: 2527 Danville Rd SW, Decatur, AL US 35603
More info

6. Salmon Run 5K

Every April, the brothers of the Theta Pi chapter of ATO at the University of Alabama in Huntsville hold this 5K in memoriam of Paul “Fish” Salmon, a beloved leader and brother of their chapter who lost his battle with leukemia. All proceeds directly benefit Russell Hill Cancer Foundation and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology.

Time + Date: 9AM, Saturday, April 11
Location: 514 Fraternity and Sorority Row, Huntsville, AL 35805 US
More info

7. Sunrise Over Cecil 10K + 4 Mile

This 10K is not for the faint of heart—expect a challenge if you participate in “Alabama’s toughest 10K.” You’ll battle nearly 1,000 feet of elevation gain and descent into 6.2 demanding miles, but it’s all worth it for the beautiful scenic views of Huntsville.

There is also a shorter, 4 mile run if you’re worried about not making the cutoff (there is a 2 hour cutoff for both races). This race also starts at 6AM.

Time + Date: 6AM, Sunday, April 12
Location: 2230 Cecil Ashburn Drive, Huntsville, AL US 35802
More info

8. Cookie Dash 5K

This 5K is put on by the Huntsville Track Club and offers an incredibly flat course—perfect for attempting personal records! Race proceeds benefit the Huntsville Community Drumline and the Hampton Cove Schools PTA (HCES, HCMS, and GSES). Also, don’t forget to enjoy some cookies afterwards and find out where this 5K earned its namesake!

Time + Date: 4PM, Saturday, April 18
Location: Hampton Cove Middle School, 261-B Old Hwy 431, Hampton Cove, AL US 35763
More info

9. David McKannan Memorial 5K

This 5K is held in memoriam of David McKannan, who was a loving father, brother and also an avid runner, who unfortunately lost his battle with ALS in 2012. The course follows the Tennessee River and remains relatively flat throughout.