McDowell 5K & Fun Run

Camp McDowell has 1,140 acres located in Nauvoo, Alabama on the edge of the Bankhead National Forest. If you love coming to camp, haven't had a chance to come yet, or just want another excuse to run a race at a beautiful place, then this is the race for you! This race was born out of wanting to further connect our local communities and to support future endeavors of the McDowell Environmental Center. Your contributions will go directly to supporting future generations overnight trips to the McDowell Environmental Center!

Course

5K Course Map

The 5K is a good mix of trail and road, about 75% trail/ 25% road and has a good balance of shade and sun throughout as well!

Amenities, Features, and Highlights

All runners registered before our T-shirt deadline on September 1st are guaranteed an awesome short-sleeve race shirt.

Raffles will be held on site, so make sure to enter your name after you finish your race. All you have to do to enter is write down your name and grab a ticket!

Medals and Prizes

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

Awards for 1 Mile Fun Run Overall 1st, 2nd, 3rd Overall Male/Female

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

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 and Raffle Prizes: 9:30 AM

FAQ

Who does this race benefit? Your contributions will go directly to supporting future generations overnight trips to the McDowell Environmental Center! If you can't come to the race, but would still like to support it you can donate on the race page or Camp McDowell's donation page on their website.

Where is the race? Camp McDowell Nauvoo, AL 35578

When is the event? Saturday, September 26, 2026 - 8:00 am CT RACE START

What time should I arrive? Please plan to arrive prior to 7:15 AM to leave yourself adequate time to get check-in, receive your runner packet, and get warmed up. There is no early packet pickup for this event

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? You can pick up your race packet starting at 7:00 am race day morning at Camp McDowell

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 September 1st. 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 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 awards, at the event.

Are there medals? Prizes and awards will be handed out for the top overall female and male runners, 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 for the 5K. The 1 Mile Fun Run will award the top 3 overall finishers for Male/Female.

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 near the race. Parking will be organized by staff on site, so just look for a staff member in an orange vest to guide you.

Are strollers allowed? No, due to the trail sections of the course strollers are not allowed at this event.

Are bikes, hoverboards, scooters, skateboards, push bikes, unicycles or wagons allowed on course?
We’re sorry, but only runners, joggers, walkers are allowed at this event.

Are pets allowed? No, this event does not allow pets.

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

Is the 5K course certified? No, but it is measured and contains a mix of 75% trail/25% road.

Is the 1 Mile course certified? No, the Fun Run course is not certified

Does the 5k course have hills? Yes, there are rolling hills along the course with a grade up to 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!