Smile-A-Mile (SAM) 5K
- Date
- August 29, 2026
- Distance
- 1 Mile · 5K
- Price
- $20–$35
From the Organizer
The Smile-A-Mile (SAM) 5K helps raise funds to support our mission. The SAM 5K will start and finish at SAM Place in downtown Birmingham with post-race activities and awards. For those who are unable or do not wish to attend in-person, we have a virtual option so you can run, walk wherever you prefer or sleep-in while still supporting Smile-A-Mile!
Smile-A-Mile started 41 years ago with just a single summer camp session for children in Alabama with cancer. Over the years, we have expanded to provide year-round programming that serves children and their families from diagnosis and through the years beyond treatment. Help us continue supporting these families across Alabama!
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
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
90°
Typical Low
70°
Chance of Rain
29%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Birmingham Ap, 5 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Birmingham, AL
Population
199,322
as of 2023
City 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
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Smile-A-Mile (SAM) 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
73
Days to train
- Race
- Smile-A-Mile (SAM) 5K
- Date
- August 29, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near Birmingham, AL
Run Magic City
5K · 10K · Half Marathon · From $45 · Railroad Park
Less than a mile away
Railroad Reckoning
From $59 · 1600 1st Ave S
Less than a mile away
9th Annual Birmingham, AL Ostomy 5k
5K · From $30 · 1600 1st Ave South
Less than a mile away
21st District "Be the One" 5K Run/Walk
5K · From $35 · 1600 1st Avenue S
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
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.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
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)
- What is the Smile-A-Mile (SAM) 5K?
- Smile-A-Mile (SAM) 5K is a running race held in Birmingham, Alabama on August 29, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Smile-A-Mile (SAM) 5K?
- Saturday, August 29, 2026 in Birmingham, Alabama at 1600 2nd Avenue S. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Smile-A-Mile (SAM) 5K?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Smile-A-Mile (SAM) 5K
Aug 29, 2026