The Mayor’s Cup 5K race is 3.1 miles. 

YES! Walkers are very welcome at the race. All we ask is that you obey the rules of the course and walk no more than two people abreast so that others may pass easily. Walkers will start at the same time as runners, but we ask that you please move toward the back of the pack.

No. There are no pets allowed on the race course.

Baby joggers are allowed, but we ask that you start your race at the back of the pack.

Please arrive at least one hour before the race. Note: This is a large race with over 1,000 runners and walkers. To get your registration packet, bib number, performance t-shirt and a good parking spot, you need to plan ahead and arrive at least one hour before the start of the race. If you arrive late, you may miss the start of the race.

Packet pick up will be held on Friday, March 23 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Government Plaza. Onsite registration will also be available (cash or check only).

The race starts and finishes at Government Plaza (behind City Hall). Click here for the course map.

One stop at approximately mile 1.3, will be located near Calvary Baptist Church on Bryant Drive.

The weather in Tuscaloosa is variable in the spring. The average temperature for March is 60 degrees - ideal running weather. The Mayor’s Cup 5K will take place rain or shine!

Yes. However, for safety reasons, be aware of your surroundings on the race course.

No. This is a rain or shine event, and the race is planned based on the number of registered runners. Once you have registered, we cannot offer a refund. If, however, you register and do not run, you may still pick up your race packet and performance t-shirt and join us in the fun.

More information to come.

We encourage race participants and spectators to park at the Intermodal Facility parking deck. This parking deck has over 400 spaces and is located on 23rd Avenue between 6th and 7th St., just behind City Hall.

The race will continue as long as conditions are deemed safe for participants, volunteers and staff. If severe weather threatens, the following procedures will be followed:

Before the Event

If severe weather conditions exist prior to the event, please listen to local radio stations for weather updates. If it is possible to adequately predict a severe weather event, announcements regarding cancellation will be made by 7 a.m. on the event day. In most cases, it will not be possible to 'call' the event before 7 a.m. due to changing weather conditions.

On the day of the 5k, the Tuscaloosa Mayor's Cup race directors in conjuction with the Mayor's Cup committee members will decide if any changes will be made to the event due to weather. No refunds will be given if the event is cancelled due to severe weather.

Visible lightning will cause the 5k to be delayed for up to two hours or cancelled if by 10 a.m. visible lightning is still present.

Severe Weather Once on Site

After volunteers and spectators begin arriving at Government Plaza, any severe weather warnings issued by the National Weather Service, or in general, any life threatening condition will initiate a weather safety alert.

In the event of a weather safety alert, all participants in and around Governement Plaza will be directed to take shelter inside their vehicles or inside the Intermodal Facility. Participants and spectators along the course will be directed to abandon the course and to seek the nearest, most accessible shelter.

The entire course is spectator-friendly, but the best spots would be along University Blvd and Greensboro Ave. The finish line and post race events will be at Governmet Plaza. NOTE: the course will be CLOSED TO TRAFFIC, so please do not attempt to drive on the course during the race.

A course map is available here.