
From the Organizer
Gathering the diverse groups in our beloved community to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in the spirit of sisterhood and brotherhood with fellowship and fitness.
Presented by The Leftover Energy Foundation Inc., this year's 11th Annual Race will be IN PERSON & VIRTUAL. We have the 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk, 5K (USATF CERTIFIED #AL24029JE) and a 10K (USATF CERTIFIED #AL24030JE)! Race participants come from diverse populations that include all demographics, ages, races, cultures, genders and creed to celebrate the meaning of the holiday in a fun and fitness way. Annually the race features a lineup of drumline musicians from Birmingham area schools and organizations that will perform along the full race course to motivate runners and walkers as they make their way. Also, each drumline will receive a donation to their band booster association.
We will provide a safe event which will include a warm up, music, timing, fantastic sponsors and the race goodie bag including the official MLK DAY 5K Drum Run shirt for all race entrants. Great inspiration that makes this holiday great!
If you are a nonprofit, church group, school org, foundation or community group please register as a team and receive $5.00 back for every registered team member for your organization's community efforts.
The race website www.mlkday5kbham.com is available for registration, volunteer sign up and sponsorship. For more information please contact us via email info@leftoverenergy.com or at 470-444-9844
INSPIRE - FITNESS - FELLOWSHIP
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
54°
Typical Low
35°
Chance of Rain
35%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Birmingham Ap, 7 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
199,322
as of 2023
Elevation
669 ft
Nearest Airport
BHM
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport · 6 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at MLK Day 5K/10K Drum Run - Birmingham, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
222
Days to train
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From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
The 10K is the distance where running stops feeling like a starting point and starts feeling like a sport. Long enough to require a real training block. Short enough that race day is fully manageable for a first-timer who's put in the work.
Race day energy at a 10K is community at its best — strangers cheering you by name, people moving toward the same goal, an atmosphere that solo training can't replicate. It's fast enough that you'll spend the whole race pushing rather than managing your effort.
This is also the distance that builds the base for everything else. Most athletes who go on to run half marathons, do triathlons, or compete in HYROX started here. What you need: running shoes fitted to your stride, a training plan, and the race on your calendar. The registration is what makes the deadline real.
How long to train: 4–8 weeks for most fitness levels.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
MLK Day 5K/10K Drum Run - Birmingham
Jan 16, 2027