
From the Organizer
We’re lacing up our sneakers and getting ready for this year’s Runnin’ For Rescues! 🐾
The 9th Annual Runnin' For Rescues 5K/10K will take place Saturday, November 21, 2026. The Boaz Parks and Recreation Department wants to thank everyone who has participated in this event as a sponsor, volunteer, or runner/walker over the years. None of this could happen without the incredible support of our community! We look forward to your continued involvement this year and in the years to come.
Our Diamond Sponsor, Peoples Independent Bank, proudly presents this event.
As in years past, this event is all about Second Chance Shelter — a non-profit, no-kill dog shelter doing incredible work for animals in need! Founded by Doug and Wanda McGee in 2008, Second Chance Shelter has grown to house and care for over 250 dogs at a time. Their dedication and compassion for animals are truly inspiring.
To help make this event as successful as possible, we’re reaching out to local businesses to become sponsors. Your donation will support Second Chance Shelter’s mission to provide quality care for dogs while they await adoption. There are eight sponsor levels available, each with valuable advertising opportunities based on your level of support.
Come join us for the Annual Runnin' For Rescues 5K/10K Race and enjoy a scenic run through the beautiful Boaz area! Both the 5K and 10K will begin and end at the Boaz Recreation Center (400 Elizabeth Street, Boaz, AL 35957), with water stations provided along the route.
🏅 Finisher medals will be awarded at the finish line, and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each age group (male and female) will receive prizes during the awards ceremony.
Register by Sunday, October 25, 2026, to be guaranteed a shirt and medal!
(No refunds. The event will be held rain or shine.)
📦 Packet Pickup:
Details To Be Announced.
The race is administered by the Boaz Parks and Recreation Department, and the course is certified.
Age Groups:
12 & under • 13–19 • 20–29 • 30–39 • 40–49 • 50–59 • 60–69 • 70 & over
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
59°
Typical Low
38°
Chance of Rain
31%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Sand Mt Substn, 14 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
10,847
as of 2023
Elevation
1,097 ft
Nearest Airport
HSV
Huntsville International Airport · 47 mi
Major Hub
BHM
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport · 53 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Runnin' for Rescues 5K/10K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
166
Days to train
Coming Up
Medal Madness 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Gadsden, AL (24)
17 miles away
Medal Madness 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Gadsden, AL (26)
17 miles away
Eagle 5K, 10K, & 13.1M, Gadsden, AL (28)
17 miles away
Gadsden State Cross Country Camp
17 miles away
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)
Runnin' for Rescues 5K/10K
Nov 21, 2026