MLK Day Drum Run - Birmingham
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
About the race
The MLK Day 5K Drum Run - Birmingham is a community road race presented by The Leftover Energy Foundation Inc., scheduled for Saturday, January 16, 2027. The event starts and finishes at History Park, 1700 4th Ave North, in the Fourth Avenue Historic District of Birmingham. Since 2017 the event has expanded to include multiple distances and has featured more than 200 drummers from metro area schools and groups who line the course. The 5K and 10K races are chip timed and USATF certified, while the 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk is untimed and open to all ages.
Each participating drumline receives a donation through the nonprofit partner and approved teams receive $5 back per registered team member as part of the beneficiary program. The event also supports scholarships and approved community beneficiaries. Course routing passes through parts of Birmingham including 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. Pre-race activities include music and warm-up; post-race activities include sponsor booths and a drumline exhibition.
Packet pick up is scheduled for the day before the race at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute. The event is held rain or shine and refunds are not allowed. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
