The Huntsville Track Club and the Huntsville Sports Commission proudly present the Rocket City Marathon, one of the premiere races in the south for over 45 years.
Our new course debuts this year, and while it retains many of the same key components of previous years, it also incorporates exciting new ones as well, including a new start line in front of the VBC, longer straightaways, through the campus of the University of Alabama-Huntsville (UAH) and more visibility of the Saturn V.
And, just like before, you run through the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, the Huntsville Botanical Gardens, and glide back downtown for an exciting finish inside the Von Braun Center South Hall.
RCM serves as a Boston qualifying race, and in the past has served as a host marathon for the RRCA State Marathon Championship.
Pre-race excitement begins well before the marathon at the South Hall of Von Braun Center on Friday and Saturday where runners can pick up their race packets, visit the expo, and see the actual finish line. Friday will focus on the expo with a short, guided run through Historic Downtown Huntsville. The expo will continue on Saturday, where there will also be an inside finish for the 5k, 10k, and Kid’s Marathon, as well as the Pre-Race Dinner at 6:00pm (tickets required). This promises to be a full weekend of fun for the whole family.
On race day, spectators can easily view the start of the race on Monroe Street which is just a short walk from the South Hall where the runners will finish. A large screen will be available inside to monitor progress; however, with the new finish route, some may want to watch the final 3/4 of a mile wind through Big Spring Park.
For those watching or running, having the finish line inside an enormous hall full of cheerleaders where everyone has a good view makes for one of the most exciting finishes around. For the more adventurous who wish to drive around, an interactive map, as well as a detailed printed map, highlighting the course and optimal viewing sites will be provided.
Whether the goal is a PR, qualifying for Boston, completing that first marathon (or half marathon), or striving to meet another personal goal, RCM is a good way to achieve it.
