Memorial Day is always a special holiday, especially in a military town like Huntsville, honoring all the men and women who have died in the United States Armed Forces.
Runners taking part in the annual Cotton Row Run 10K, 5K and 1-mile fun run/walks on Memorial Day morning make sure all those who have passed away are never forgotten by pausing to remember them before the race and then by running through the streets of Huntsville in their patriotic colors.
Running to Honor
This year’s 35th annual Cotton Row Run Races, presented by Mercedes Benz, the Huntsville Track Club, Fleet Feet, City of Huntsville and New Balance, are May 26 starting with the 10K (6.2 miles) at 7:oo am, the 5K (3.1 miles) at 9:00 am and the 1-mile after that.
The track club, led by master of ceremonies Wayne Smith, honors those who have died with special tributes from war veterans and gun salutes before the races start (and finishes) on Clinton Avenue in front of the Von Braun Center.
Over 5,000 runners are expected in the races this year with nearly $30,000 in prize money to runners who come in from all over the country to participate.
Runners and spectators alike are encouraged to show their red, white and blue colors during the race.
Expo & Extras
There is also a race expo held on Sunday from 1:00 -6:00 pm at the VBC, where runners will pick up their race packets and browse through the latest race gear, clothes and shoes.
Runners can still register for the races on Sunday only at the VBC for $40.
The race offers an extra $5,000 for anyone who breaks the course record, but that’s no easy task, in part due to the tough as nails hill around the 3-mile mark aptly named Mountainwood. The open male record of 29:10 by John Wellerding has existed since 1983; the open female record 33:30 set by Silvia Skyortsova in 2007; Master male 29:38 set by Andrew Masia in 2000 and Master Female mark is 33:34 set by Ramilia Burangulova in 2003.
More Information: Cotton Row Run 2014
Race Date: Monday, May 26, 2014
Time: 10K starts at 7:00 am, 5K starts at 9:00 am, 1-mile Fun Run starts at 10:00 am
Location: Clinton Avenue in front of the VBC
Registration: Pre-register online until May 21, or register on Sunday at the Race Expo
Packet Pick-Up: Race Expo on Sunday, May 25 from 1:00 – 6:00 pm at the VBC
Photos by We Run Huntsville from the Cotton Row Run website.
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