MLK Day Drum Run - Birmingham
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About the race
The MLK Day 5K Drum Run - Birmingham is an annual community road event presented by The Leftover Energy Foundation Inc. The 2027 edition takes place on January 16, 2027, with start and finish at History Park, 1700 4th Ave North in Birmingham's Fourth Avenue Historic District.
The event offers multiple distances:
- 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk open to all ages
- 5K road race, chip timed and USATF certified
- 10K road race, chip timed and USATF certified
Since 2017 the event has expanded to include the three distances and has featured drumlines from metro area schools and groups along the race course. Drumlines line the course to provide live percussion and each participating drumline receives a donation to its booster association. Approved teams and beneficiaries also receive funds; five dollars of each team member registration is returned to the designated organization through the event nonprofit.
Course highlight areas include the Civil Rights District, the 4th Avenue Historic Business District, The Switch, The Park District, the Rotary Trail, Birmingham Green, the Automotive Historic District, Jones Valley Trail, and Avondale. The 5K and 10K are professionally chip timed and the 1 Mile is untimed. The event supports scholarships, drumline programs, and community organizations. Packet pick up is scheduled at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute the day before the event and on race day at History Park.
The event runs rain or shine and refunds are not allowed. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
