City of Champions Half Marathon 10k/5k
City of Champions Half Marathon: a moderate loop through Gadsden, ending at a brewery.
Race Date
Nov 21, 2026
Location
Gadsden, AL
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, November 21, 2026
- Location
- Gadsden, Alabama
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 6 Miles, 3.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 935
Highlights
Atmosphere
The Experience
The City of Champions Half Marathon is a small but spirited event that draws around 115 to 123 finishers each year, with nearly 30% returning for another go. Run through the highlights of Gadsden, Alabama, the course starts and finishes at Back Forty Beer Company, benefiting the United Way of Etowah County and other local charities. The growing field and loyal repeat runners speak to a race that's found its niche.
The half marathon and 10k kick off at 7:30am, followed by the 5k at 8:00am. Participants earn a custom finisher medal and age-group awards, and the post-race atmosphere at the brewery offers a natural gathering spot. It's a moderately challenging loop on paved roads, making it a solid option for runners seeking a community-focused race with a beer-fueled finish.
Race-provided description
Enjoy a moderately challenging run through some of the highlights of Gadsden. The run starts and ends at Back Forty Beer Company. The half marathon and 10k will begin at 7:30am, the 5k begin at 8:00am. All information and updates will be emailed to participants, please provide a valid email address during registration. T-shirt deadline is October 27th. This event benefits The United Way of Etowah County and other local charities. PACKET PICKUP will be Friday, November 21st from 5pm-7pm at Back Forty Beer Company - Gadsden. Packet pickup is offered the morning of the race from 6:30am-7:00am. Half Marathon participants will receive a custom medal when they cross the finish line. Age group awards will be given. 10k & 5k age group winners will receive custom medals.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, November 21, 2026
Start Time
7:30 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
200 North 6th Street, Gadsden, AL, 35901
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Urban
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Standout617 years running
~115 finishers a year
growing or steady
29% returning runners
6 timing sources
runners from 1 state
winner 1:29:18
typical high 63°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
43°
Afternoon (High)
63°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.2"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
73%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 935 finishers actually crossed the line across 7 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
935
Median time
2:06:32
Latest turnout
123
States
2
Turnout by year
2018–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the City of Champions Half Marathon 10k/5k?
The City of Champions Half Marathon 10k/5k is held on Saturday, November 21, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM.
Where does the City of Champions Half Marathon 10k/5k take place?
It takes place in Gadsden, Alabama.
What distances does the City of Champions Half Marathon 10k/5k offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 6 Miles, 3.1 Miles.
Is the City of Champions Half Marathon 10k/5k course flat and good for a PR?
The City of Champions Half Marathon 10k/5k is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the City of Champions Half Marathon 10k/5k?
HalfRuns has finish records for 935 runners who have completed the City of Champions Half Marathon 10k/5k.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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