By Allison Stone, Race Director
Held on November 7th in downtown Birmingham, the Vulcan Run has long been considered Alabama’s most prestigious 10k, as well as one of the South’s premier running events. In addition, the Vulcan Run is the longest running road race in the Birmingham area, and currently holds the title of the RRCA Alabama State 10k Championship event.
BRIEF HISTORY
In order to truly appreciate the Vulcan Run of today, it is important to understand and reflect upon her rich history. The Birmingham Track Club’s inaugural 10k race was held on November 27, 1975. Originally named the U.S. Bicentennial 10,000 Meter Run, it was a small event by today’s standards, with a mere 104 participants. The following year, the event was renamed the Vulcan Run and included a 10k as well as a 2 Mile option.
In 1979, the Vulcan Run Weekend was born with the addition of a marathon on Sunday, while the 10k and 2 Mile events remained on Saturday. In 1996, the 2 Mile event was discontinued and replaced with a 1 Mile, a 5k, and a marathon relay. A half marathon was added to the Sunday line-up in 1999, but it proved to be short-lived when the marathon bid farewell the following year to join the Freeze Your Half Off Half Marathon in February. That partnership ultimately would become the Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend.
THE COURSE
The Vulcan Run 10k course has remained virtually the same, with a few minor modifications throughout the years. The start and finish lines have shifted a time or two, and in years one and two the race was run in the opposite direction from today. Currently, the race begins in the heart of downtown Birmingham and guides runners through Highland Park and Five Points South before finishing by Linn Park.
The Vulcan Run remains in early November, which often yields ideal running conditions in Birmingham as well as breathtaking scenery along the course. In the weeks leading up to the event, runners are tempted by the possibility of cool temperatures, and often are treated to a vibrant, colorful display during the peak of fall’s changing leaves.
THE PARTICIPANTS
Throughout the years, the Vulcan Run has seen such famous names as Bill Rogers, Ed Leddy, Marty Liquori, Stephen Bolt, and hometown hero Scott Strand. In recent years, 2012 U.S. Olympian Janet Cherobon-Bawcom has claimed headlines as the four-time female champion in the 10k.
This year, elite athlete co-chairs Kile Putman and Erica Speegle (an elite athlete in her own right, as well as the 2014 Vulcan Run 10k female champion) have recruited top runners from across the Southeast to compete against our local standouts. The event’s reputation, paired with a cash prize purse provided by the Trak Shak, continues to draw a tremendous amount of talent to Birmingham in early November.
Not an elite athlete? Not to worry, the Vulcan Run truly has something for everyone. For the past 41 years, Vulcan has graciously hosted athletes of all ages and paces. In recent years, the Birmingham Track Club has offered 10k training programs tailored for the true beginner, the accomplished athlete, as well as everyone in between. The BTC is proud to offer this training to club members free of charge. With the event just around the corner, training is currently well under way. If you missed out this year, be sure to mark your calendar for 2016!
WHAT’S NEW IN 2015?
The Vulcan Run is bringing to the table some exciting new offerings in 2015! First and foremost, we are re-introducing competitive teams to the event. Participants in the 10k now have the option to register and compete as part of a five-person team. The three team category offerings are All Male, All Female, and Co-Ed. Each team must have five members (no more, no less), and the Co-Ed team must include at least one male and one female. Finish times of all five team members will be averaged, and awards will be given to all five members of the 1st place team in each category.
We also are excited to provide all registered participants with a buttery soft, short-sleeved crew neck tee by Next Level! This top-of-the-line shirt is offered in both men’s and women’s styles and is certain to be an instant favorite.
Participants, family and friends are sure to enjoy the instant-results texting service we are offering this year. Simply text the bib number to the phone number provided, and you will receive instant results as soon as you or your loved one cross the finish line!
VULCAN RUN HALLMARKS
In addition to the 10k, the Vulcan Run is well known for its numerous other event features and activities. For kids and adults alike, we continue to offer a 1 Mile Fun Run complete with finisher medals and a fun zone.
Back by popular demand, the Trak Shak is once again offering “Top 200” shirts to the first 200 runners to cross the finish line!
Most notably, the Vulcan Run again boasts a stellar post-race celebration that is second to none. Held inside Historic Boutwell Auditorium, the after-party is where runners, family and friends gather and are treated to a selection of cold brews from Good People and Cahaba Brewing, a variety of Coca-Cola products, and breakfast offerings provided by Waffle House, as well as a wide selection of post-run snacks.
We anticipate 1500-1750 runners will hit the streets of downtown Birmingham to participate in the 41st running of the Vulcan Run 10k. Are you ready to join them? Click here to register. Remember, you can register as an individual or as part of a team. As in recent years, proceeds of the Vulcan Run will benefit Vulcan Park and Museum and Girls on the Run.
Not quite ready to run, but would like to get involved? Click here to sign up to volunteer for the event. The Vulcan Run is managed and operated solely by volunteers, so every set of hands is greatly appreciated!
I look forward to seeing each of you cross the finish line on November 7th!