Mayor's Cup 5K returns to Tuscaloosa for first time since 2019

The Mayor’s Cup 5K for Pre-K will return to downtown Tuscaloosa for the first time since 2019.

The race, hosted by the mayor and the city of Tuscaloosa, will begin at 8 a.m. April 30.

“I’d like to thank everyone for your patience and support as we made the tough decision to cancel the 2020 and 2021 Mayor’s Cups amid the (coronavirus) pandemic,” Mayor Walt Maddox said in a news release. “I’m excited to reconvene this year as a community, united in health and wellness, while supporting our children.”

The Mayor’s Cup raises money for the Tuscaloosa Pre-K Initiative, which aims to expand pre-kindergarten access for Tuscaloosa children.

Since the inaugural Mayor’s Cup in 2007, the race has raised over $325,000 to support preschoolers throughout the Tuscaloosa area.

The 5K is open to all ages and participants are welcome to run or walk. For runners, the Mayor’s Cup 5K is a Grand Prix event registered with the Tuscaloosa Track Club. Timing chips attached to race bibs will be used to determine race results, and awards will be given.

Registration for the race opened on Monday. The registration fee is $15 until the end of February, $20 during March and $25 from April 1 until the day of the race.

For more information and to register, visit tuscaloosamayorscup.com.

Other fitness races

• Black Warrior Council Boy Scouts Camp Horne Ramble 10K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk: The inaugural race will begin at 8 a.m. March 19 at Camp Horne in Cottondale and is open to all fitness levels. The course includes pavement, open trail, wood bridges and gravel surfaces. The cost of the 10K Ramble is $30, rising to $35 on Feb. 1, $40 on March 1 and $45 on the day of the race. The fun run/walk costs $20 or $25 on the day of the race. All proceeds will go youth programs at Camp Horne. More information is at www.bwc-bsa.org/camp-horne-ramble-10k-and-1-mi-fun-run.

• Tuscaloosa Half Marathon + 5K: The event begins at 7 a.m. March 26 in downtown Tuscaloosa. The half marathon covers 13.094 miles of road, or, in other words, half the distance of a full marathon. The cost to participate in the half-marathon is $90, plus fees, while the 5K is $35, plus fees. After Feb. 28, the half-marathon will cost $105 and the 5 will cost $40. The event, which began in 2013, benefits Tuscaloosa and West Alabama nonprofits. For more information, go to www.tuscaloosahalf.com.

• Hospice of West Alabama 5K: The event begins at 8 a.m. April 9 at Hospice of West Alabama, 3851 Loop Road. Participants can choose to run in memory or honor of a loved one, giving their walk a personal meaning. The event includes activities for the entire family. For more information, go to hospiceofwestal.com/howa-happenings.

• Tuscaloosa Gauntlet, a U.S. Marine Corps-inspired 5K Obstacle Course. Packet pickup for the inaugural event will begin at 7 a.m. April 9 at Sokol Park, 4205 Northridge Road, with races for men, women and youth following. Participants will start and finish at the Buddy Powell Pavilion. Participants can expect mud, slides, ropes, cargo nets, natural obstacles, a rig, climbing walls and more. Open heats cost $59 until Feb. 28, $69 until March 31 and $79 from April 1 until the day of the race. To enter a competitive heat, add $10. The youth race costs $29. Proceeds benefit the Alabama Marines Foundation. For more information, go to www.tuscaloosagauntlet.com.

Reach Ken Roberts at ken.roberts@tuscaloosanews.com.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Mayor's Cup 5K returns to Tuscaloosa for first time since 2019