From the Organizer
Race Description
If you like whiskey, wine, and running 5k races, then this event is a perfect match for you. Welcome to the 3rd annual Whiskey and Wine 5K. This is a one-of-a-kind event where participants can not only run a 5K but also enjoy an optional whiskey and wine tasting while doing it. Participants will be able to taste 3 different whiskies and 3 different wines along the 5K course. We will choose 6 different bottles of whiskey and wine to feature in this event. Upon completion of the 5K course and 6 tastings, you will be able to choose which bottle of whiskey or wine you want to take home with you. The exact whiskey and wine selections will be kept a secret until the day of the event. However, participants can expect to taste unique whiskies and wines from various wineries and distilleries that we have personally visited.
Check out the recap video of last year's event on YouTube @
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOJuW8A_WWw&t=2s
Race Course
The course is a one loop, 5K course. The course will be clearly marked with signs and flagging tape. It will pass by Lake Tranquility at Oak Mountain State Park. There will be some elevation so be prepared!
Event Rules
All participants will receive a custom wristband at packet pick-up. Participants must wear this wristband while running the 5K course. When arriving at a tasting, if you are not wearing your wristband, you will not be able to taste any whiskey or wine. There will be no exceptions to this rule. All participants must be 21 or older. There will be NO alcohol sales at this event.
There is also no requirement to participate in the tastings and no requirement to receive a bottle of whiskey or wine as a gift at the finish line. Both of these are optional.
Race Location and Packet Pickup
The Whiskey and Wine 5K will be held at Oak Mountain State Park in Pelham, Alabama. There is no early check-in for this event. Race day check-in will be at the Redbud Pavilion (33.349113, -86.728967). Plug these GPS coordinates into Google Maps and it will bring you straight to the start/finish line. There will be plenty of parking and access to restrooms. Packet pickup will be from 2:45 PM to 3:45 PM. Participants must bring their photo ID for positive identification and age verification. No exceptions.
A pre-run briefing will take place at 3:45 PM. The event will begin at 4:00 PM sharp. Runners will receive a custom wristband at packet pickup upon proof of identification and age verification. The wristband will serve as your “ticket” to be able to taste the whiskey and wine along the course if you choose.
Awards, Swag
There will not be any awards given for finishing 1st, 2nd, or 3rd in this event. Always do your best! But, for example, if you liked the wine you tasted at the fourth tasting, you get to take a bottle of that wine home with you as our gift to you to commemorate your participation in this event. The bottle of whiskey or wine is your “finisher’s medal”, if you will. Once you finish running the course, your wristband will be collected in exchange for your bottle of whiskey or wine.
We will have the same number bottles as we do runners. For example, if 150 runners show up for the 5K, we will have 150 bottles of whiskey/wine (25 bottles of each selection) as finisher medals, our gift to you. So, what does that mean for you, the runner/walker? If you want to take home the exact bottle of whiskey or wine of your choosing, run really fast! As soon as each runner finishes the course, they can pick the bottle of their choice. As runners finish, bottles start to disappear. So, for example, if you finish in 15th place in the example of 150 runners, you’ll be able to get the bottle of whiskey or wine of your choice. However, if you finish 145th, it is likely you will not get your first choice. The whiskey or wine you enjoyed the most may be gone. In this case, you’ll have to choose from what remains. Bottom line… RUN FAST!
Aid Stations
One aid station will be set up at one of the tasting locations on the course. Another aid station will be set up at the end of the course. We will provide water for the participants at both aid stations.
Refunds
We understand things happen in training and in life itself. However, no refunds will be given to any participant for this event. In the event you can find another runner to take your spot, you can transfer your entry to them. Just email us and we will make sure to get them registered using your entry fee.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, feel free to email us at therunningbirds11@gmail.com
To stay informed about all our upcoming events, go to our website -
https://www.therunningbirds.com
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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
78°
Typical Low
53°
Chance of Rain
31%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Helena, 4 mi from the venue.
Host City
Elevation
901 ft
Nearest Airport
BHM
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport · 19 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
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Race Location
Your Next Start Line
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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)
Whiskey and Wine 5K
Apr 24, 2027