Runners in Huntsville can tell you and the Road Runners Club of America has confirmed it: Huntsville is a Runner Friendly Community.
Whether you prefer to use Runna, Strava, Nike Run Club or another of the many great run training and race apps, the runner-friendly designation validates runners in Huntsville can log miles with confidence.
The RRCA’s Runner Friendly Community
program recognizes communities that excel in supporting runners and encourages others to follow their lead. Runner Friendly Communities promote active lifestyles, enhance livability and deliver lasting social and economic benefits. 
“We (runners) are all so proud to live in a city that is willing to collaborate with these groups to help put on races and events for the running community, as well as create parks and greenway systems that we hope will continue to expand and improve,” Huntsville Track Club President Mica Anderson said.
Runner-friendly events like these don’t happen without a strong community of organizations, their supporters and runners who care deeply about the sport. City of Huntsville partners like the Huntsville Sports Commission and the Huntsville/ Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau help tell Huntsville’s story on a larger stage to attract more high-level running events. Groups like Huntsville Track Club support, educate and encourage running for all ages and running levels.
“I feel that this designation puts a spotlight on all the collaborative efforts of the entire running community: the city, local running clubs, group-run organizers, race organizers, runner-friendly businesses and all the individual runners who lace up their shoes every day to go for a run,” Anderson said.
Not only is Huntsville a great place for recreational running, but it is also home to many community-run events and sanctioned local, regional, national and championship-caliber events. Well-known running events in Huntsville include the Memorial Day Cotton Row Run, the Monte Sano 15K and the Rocket City Marathon Race Weekend. Unique running events include the annual Crisis Services of North Alabama Turkey Trot, the Huntsville Pub Run’s annual Inflatable Run, the Recover from the Holidays 50K and many more.
“Huntsville’s running community is incredibly welcoming. Between We Run Huntsville, Fleet Feet Running Club and the Huntsville Pub Run, there’s always a group that makes new runners feel comfortable showing up and giving it a try,” said Gregg Gelmis with We Run Huntsville. “There is also incredible variety for runne 
rs. I can do a free weekly parkrun at Hays Farm, hit a greenway near my house during the week and tackle trails at Monte Sano or a Land Trust preserve when I want a challenge.”
The Huntsville Pub Run is organized by local runners Jeff and Gerri Plain, who also help lead other free, weekly run groups throughout the city.
“They are all free, meet weekly and everyone is welcome,” Jeff Plain said. “It supports local business while also enjoying our downtown, historic districts and beautiful parks and greenways.”
“In the nine years we have been doing this, the Huntsville Pub Run has had 7 couples meet, get married and (welcomed) some babies. We also have two couples currently engaged. It is truly a labor of love.”
In addition to the Huntsville Pub Run, the pair also organizes the Rise & Shine Run, which meets on Sundays at 7:30 a.m. at Bus Stop Coffee, and the Hays Farm parkrun. The free weekly 5K parkrun meets Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. at Hays Farm on Elgie’s Walk Greenway and is currently the only parkrun in Alabama, welcoming participants to walk, jog, run or volunteer and drawing visitors from across the country and abroad.
The City of Huntsville’s Greenway Master Plan supports a growing, interconnected trail system designed for walking, biking and running, with 312 miles planned citywide. Nearly 73 miles of greenways already link major creeks, parks and more than 3,000 acres of runner-friendly parkland.
Near the heart of the city, John Hunt Park includes a nationally known cross-country course that accommodates multiple race lengths. The course has hosted notable events such as the 2025 New Balance RunningLane Cross Country Championships and the 2025 NCAA Division I South Regional Cross Country Championships. 
“The cross-country course at John Hunt Park has become a cornerstone of Huntsville’s running culture, allowing the city to host high-caliber competitions, welcome athletes from across the nation and strengthen its reputation as a premier destination for runners.” Huntsville Sports Commission Executive Director Mark Russell said.
Indeed, Huntsville is a runner-friendly community – from the hospitality to the welcoming and challenging tracks. Let’s run.
