MLK Day 5K Drum Run - Birmingham
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Event overview
The MLK Day 5K Drum Run - Birmingham is a road race held on January 17, 2026, presented by The Leftover Energy Foundation Inc. The event starts and finishes at History Park in the Fourth Avenue Historic District of Birmingham, Alabama (1700 4th Ave N). The race has grown to more than 2,000 runners and walkers and has featured over 200 drummers in past editions.
The event includes pre-race music and warm-up activities and post-race booths and a drumline exhibition. Registered participants receive an official race shirt and a race goodie bag. The event is held rain or shine unless severe weather intervenes. Refunds are not allowed for this race.
Course, timing and beneficiaries
Distances offered:
- 1 Mile (Fun Run/Walk, all ages)
- 5K
- 10K
The 5K and 10K are chip timed and both courses are USATF certified. The 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk is not timed and is open to children; parents or guardians are encouraged to accompany younger participants. Drumlines from area schools and organizations line the race course and receive donations to their booster associations. When teams register, $5 of each team member's registration is returned to the chosen beneficiary organization through the nonprofit partner. Packet pick up is available at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute prior to race day. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.