Run For Kids Challenge
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Event details
The Run for Kids Challenge is held at Oak Mountain State Park in early May 2026. The event benefits Smile-A-Mile; 100% of proceeds beyond basic expenses go to that nonprofit, and the event has raised over $100,000 since its start. Registration opens December 1 on UltraSignup. SWAG cutoff is Monday, April 21. Packet pickup and late registration are scheduled for the race weekend, including a Friday evening session and a Saturday morning session at the Cedar Pavilion.
Distances
- 10K
- 12-Hour Challenge
- Kids Half (0.5 mile)
Awards are given for the 10K: overall 1st–3rd for male and female, age categories including Masters (40-49), Grand Master (50-59), Ultra Grand Master (60+), and 16-and-under awards. All 12-Hour finishers receive finisher awards.
Course and race format
The main lap is about 3.26 miles and includes road, walking path, boardwalk along Double Oak Lake, paved sections, a grassy crossing near the canoe rental and marina, Terrace Drive, the Lake Trail, a dam crossing, and about 200 yards on a horse trail before returning to the Cedar Pavilion. The 10K is two laps of this course.
The 12-Hour Challenge begins on the 3.26-mile loop, then shifts later in the event to a 0.84-mile loop and finishes on a 582-foot loop. The 3.26-mile loop has about 119 ft of elevation gain per lap. 12-Hour competitors use HuTag timing chips and are assigned three chips; runners must exchange chips at the timing tent when changing loops so shorter laps are recorded. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
