Time Change for the Start of Run For Kids 5K

The Run for Kids 5K run will begin at 8:00am instead of 7:00am.  This will make things much easier for race day registration and runners and volunteers.

Run for Kids 12 Hour Challenge, 50K and 5K Run

Run for Kids 12 Hour Challenge 

I am putting together three runs to be held on May 28th 2011 in Hoover, Alabama, (near Birmingham) to raise money for Camp Smile-A-Mile.  100% of proceeds from registration and sponsorship go directly to the Camp SAM.  The run will take place at Veteran's Park near Spain Park High School.  The course is a 3 mile loop.  Just over half the trail is fairly flat and open and circles one of the lakes at Veteran's Park.  The other half is cut through a heavily wooded area and has several very short and fairly steep hills. The steepest hill climbs no more than 20 feet. The entire course is covered in fine crushed rock and usually very smooth.  I use the term "usually" because after a heavy rain a few ruts wash out along the trail.  There are a few exposed roots and rocks in the wooded area to watch out for but the course is very runnable and trail shoes are no needed.

The trail passes by a  pavilion that will be used as the aid station and drop-bag area.  We will provide basic supplies for the long runs (water, Gatorade and cokes as well as a few snacks like cookies and chips.) There is plenty of room for what ever personal supplies you will need for  the 50K and 12 hour runs.  Follow the above link to the Run for Kids web page.  There are pictures of the trail and a lot more information about the race.

This will be a great course for anyone wanting to try a first 50K.  The trail surface is easy to run on and the hills are very small compared to any of the 50K runs in the area such as Mountain Mist in Huntsville, The Stump Jump in Chattanooga, or even the Oak Mountain 50K here in Birmingham .  Aid stations in ultras can be as far as 5 to 13 miles apart and sometimes over very difficult terrain.  It can require as much as 4 hours to reach the next stop so runners must carry everything they might need.  All you will need to carry at the Run of Love is a little water. You pass the Aid Station and your supplies every three miles.  (Actually, the trail passes passes  within 50 feet of your drop bag twice every lap.)  And,  you are never very far from your car.  

The Run for Kids website has a  "How to run your first 50K" page.  I will be adding more information over next few weeks and explain how to prepare and run an ultra.  I have listed  some guidelines and a few tricks that will help you have a successful race.  The most important thing is staying hydrated and fueled,  and that takes a lot of practice.



In 2007 I participated in a bike ride called the Ride of Love.  Seventy riders started in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and rode to Children's Harbor on Lake Martin near Alexander City, Alabama.  The ride was 150 miles and the purpose was to raise money for Camp Smile-A-Mile.  We were on the bikes for about 11 hours that day, but that was the easy part.  The hard part was arriving at the camp and seeing all those kids.  Kids that should be in the most care free period of their lives, but instead, every one was in a battle for their lives.  We raised $ 70,000 that year.  This year, the 10th year of the Ride of Love, 74 riders were able to donate over $170,000.  Please go to the Camp SAM web site and view the video on the  Main Page, then click on the "Events" tab and go to "Ride of Love" and watch the video.  (Or just follow these links)


All participants in the 50K and 12 Hour Challenge, please ask friends and family to sponsor you in the run.  Agree to donate a set  amount to Camp SAM for every mile or lap you run.  Information on damnations can be found on the Camp SAM web site.


Thank you so much,
David Tosch