Killen Founder's Day 5K

A Shoals Summer Tradition

For over a decade, runner's join us along the JC Mauldin Hwy to kick-off Founder's Day weekend at the Killen Founder's Day 5K and 1 Mile

Event

The Killen Founder’s Day 5K celebrates the spirit of Killen's founding. This isn’t just a race, it's an annual tribute to the people who build, sustain, and celebrate the Shoals.

Course

Certified 5K and 1 Mile courses welcome you to come test your spirit for State Records and Personnel Bests

Amenities, Features, and Highlights

SWAG

All runners registered before our T-shirt deadline on July 12 will receive a short-sleeve race shirt in their size.

All finishers of the 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run will receive custom 2026 Killen Founder's Day Finisher Medal

Food

We will have a coffee truck on-site and snacks to help you replenish that race day energy

Medals and Prizes

All finishers of the 5K and Fun Run will receive a custom Finisher Medal

Awards for 5K Overall Male/Female, Masters (40+) Male/Female, GrandMasters Male/Female (60+), and 1st, 2nd, 3rd Male/Female Age Groups (12U, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+)

Aid Stations

There will be two aid and recovery stations, one aid station will be available at the START/FINISH line area and one between mile 1 and 2 of the course. The START/FINISH line are aid station will have hydration, first aid, snacks, and electrolytes. On Course aid station will have water and first aid.

Additional Information

Early Packet Pick-up

Friday, July 31st at the Killen Founder's Day at Killen Park from 4:00-7:00 pm

Race Day Schedule

Packet Pick-up and In-person Registration: 7:00-7:45 AM

Announcements and 5K call to start: 7:45 AM

5K Race Start: 8:00 AM

Fun Run Start: 9:00 AM

Awards: 9:30 AM

FAQ

Where is the race? First Baptist Church Killen, Killen, Alabama

When is the event? Saturday, August 1st, 2026 - 8:00 am CT RACE START

What time should I arrive? If you can't make it to early packet pick-up on Friday, July 31st, please plan to arrive prior to 7:30 AM to leave yourself adequate time to get check-in, receive your runner packet, and get warmed up

Can I register on race day? Yes -- we will allow race day registrations up until 15 minutes before race start, but please arrive early as there will be a line and we will have to shut-off registrations at 7:45 AM to support our planned start time

Where do I get my packet? Early Packet Pickup for the race will be held at the Killen Founder's Day festivities in Killen Park on Friday, July 31st or you can pick up your race packet starting at 7:00 am race day morning at the First Baptist Church Killen.

I‘m part of a group that’s running together. Can I pick up everyone’s bib? Yes! All you’ll need is their full name and everyone will be ready to take-off on Race Day!

Are t-shirts included with registration? Yes, if you register before the t-shirt deadline your exclusive race tee in the size you order is 100% guaranteed!

When is the deadline to register and be guaranteed a t-shirt? End of day July12th. After the deadline, shirts will be available in limited quantities/sizes as you register and can be selected while you check out on a first-come, first-served basis while inventory lasts. If the size is available at check out, its reserved for you. If all shirt sizes are listed as SOLD OUT, please select the None option to complete your registration and any extra shirts will be available after the 5K race at the event.

Are there medals? Yes! All finishers of the 5K and Fun Run will receive custom Finisher Medals.

Prizes and awards will be handed out for the top overall female and male runners, and top overall Masters (40+) and GrandMasters (60+) divisions and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals are awarded to the top three female and male finishers in each of the 10-year age groups. 

What are the age groups? Male and Female groups for 1-12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

Where do I park? FREE Parking is available on-site at First Baptist Church Killen

Are strollers allowed? Yes, strollers are welcome at the back of the pack.

Are bikes, hoverboards, scooters, skateboards, push bikes, unicycles or wagons allowed on course?
We’re sorry, but only runners, joggers, walkers, baby strollers/joggers, restrained pets and wheelchairs are allowed

Are pets allowed? Yes! Well-socialized and leashed dogs are welcome at the back of the pack. This rule is strictly ENFORCED. If you would like a Gun Time start offset for starting at the back of the pack with your dog, please speak with the race timer prior to race start.

Is the race timed? Yes, this event is professionally RFID chip timed by Race Ready Events

Is the 5K course certified? Yes, the 5K course is USATF certified #TBD

Is the 1 Mile course certified? Yes, the 1 Mile course is USATF certified #TBD

Does the 5k course have hills? Yes, there are hills along the course with a grade of 8-12%

Do I have to be an experienced runner? No — all ages and paces are welcome!

I’d like to participate. Can I just walk? Absolutely! We always have people who want to walk, so you will not be alone! 

I have more questions! Please drop us a line and we'd love to help!