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Like the Endless Mile
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Endless Mile - 6 Hour, 12 Hour, 24 Hour & 48 Hour Solo
and 24 & 48 Hour Relay Race, October 16th - 18th, 2020
Race shirts are included with registration - Runners and Relay Teams must register by October 6th to receive a shirt.
2020 Endless Mile Solo - 6, 12, 24 or 48 Hour - Register at Ultrasignup |
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Have you ever wondered just how far you could run in 6, 12 or 24 hours or maybe even 48 hours on a smooth, level surface. Well, here is your chance. The Endless Mile will be held at Veteran's Park in Alabaster, Alabama on October 16, 17 & 18, 2020. The park is 26 miles south of downtown Birmingham, and 16 miles south of Interstate 459. The asphalt walking path that we will use is flat, winds through wooded areas and past several lakes. The 90 acre park also contains picnic areas, picnic shelters, playgrounds, restrooms, soccer fields and a youth baseball complex.
Why is Southeastern "Trial Runs" doing a race like this, the antithesis of every other event we have ever done? Well, in 2011, when we created our first race ever, the Run for Kids Challenge with a 12 hour option, we also wanted to do a 24 hour race. Unfortunately, the City of Hoover would not allow an overnight event, plus the cost would have been prohibitive. We dropped the idea, that is, until 2016 when we revived the idea, and started looking for possible locations to hold such an event. After a lot of searching we found Veteran's Park in Alabaster, a beautiful park with lakes and lots of trees, smooth trails, but best if all, the path is almost exactly one mile in length. Alabaster is thrilled to have the even at Veteran's Park. I think they are amazed that people actually run 48 Hours!
The course is a 1 mile loop that rambles through the park. It measures exactly 1.00203 miles. (USATF Certification Code: AL16015JE) You can't get much closer to a mile than that. The park is located just off Montevallo Parkway, (Hwy 119) in Alabaster, Alabama. The address of the park is 7305 Highway 119, Alabaster, AL 35007 and is 10 miles south of Oak Mountain State Park. Some sections of the trail are completely shaded and most will be in shade part of the day. The race will provide a very enjoyable running experience. Below is a link to Google Maps showing the park location of Veteran's Park, Alabaster.
Why is Southeastern "Trial Runs" doing a race like this, the antithesis of every other event we have ever done? Well, in 2011, when we created our first race ever, the Run for Kids Challenge with a 12 hour option, we also wanted to do a 24 hour race. Unfortunately, the City of Hoover would not allow an overnight event, plus the cost would have been prohibitive. We dropped the idea, that is, until 2016 when we revived the idea, and started looking for possible locations to hold such an event. After a lot of searching we found Veteran's Park in Alabaster, a beautiful park with lakes and lots of trees, smooth trails, but best if all, the path is almost exactly one mile in length. Alabaster is thrilled to have the even at Veteran's Park. I think they are amazed that people actually run 48 Hours!
The course is a 1 mile loop that rambles through the park. It measures exactly 1.00203 miles. (USATF Certification Code: AL16015JE) You can't get much closer to a mile than that. The park is located just off Montevallo Parkway, (Hwy 119) in Alabaster, Alabama. The address of the park is 7305 Highway 119, Alabaster, AL 35007 and is 10 miles south of Oak Mountain State Park. Some sections of the trail are completely shaded and most will be in shade part of the day. The race will provide a very enjoyable running experience. Below is a link to Google Maps showing the park location of Veteran's Park, Alabaster.
Directions to Veteran's Park in Alabaster: The address is: Veterans Park, 7305 Hwy 119, Alabaster, AL 35007. The GPS coordinates at the start are: 33.186281, -86.829079. (If you use these coordinates and follow Google Maps you may be routed into an area that does not connect with the park.)
Below is a link to Google Maps with showing the exact location of the parking lot near the start area.
Below is a link to Google Maps with showing the exact location of the parking lot near the start area.
Bathrooms and other Amenities:
There are "Real" bathrooms with hot and cold running water located near the start/finish area, just a couple of steps off the actual course. There are also two large playgrounds close to the parking area. There are picnic areas and pavilions scattered around the course. Pavilions may be rented if you don't want to fool with a tent. There are also more bathrooms located at the playground across the main road from the race course.
Lodging Close to Veteran's Park:
The closest Hotel to the race is Candlewood Suites located 5.4 from the park. Here is a link to Google Maps with directions.
There is a new Holiday Inn Express located 5.8 miles for Veterans Park. Here is a link to Google Maps with Directions.
There are also hotels in Calera and Pelham ranging from 7 to 12 miles from Veteran's Park. Google Maps Link to all Hotels.
Camping is available at Oak Mountain State Park. The campground is 18 miles from Veteran's Park. Google Maps Link to OMSP Campground
Other Near by "Nicesities:"
There is a Publix Grocery Store 2 miles north of the park on Hwy 119 Directly across the Hwy from the Publix is a Walgreen's. However, most important, there is a Starbucks just 100 yards further down Hwy 119 in the same block as the store. What more could you want?
The Course: The course is USATF Certified and Sanctioned. This will be a great chance to set a new world's record. (Or a new Personal Record.)
As stated above, the course is 100% asphalt and very smooth. It will be exactly 1 mile in length, + 10.72 ft. There is about 15 feet of elevation gain per lap. The trails will be fully lighted all night. You should still have a headlamp, just in case.
Partial Laps: 48 Hour and 24 Hour runners still running at 8:45 AM Sunday morning will receive a flag with your Bib # on it. Carry it as your start what will likely be your last lap and when you hear the HORN ending the race, place the flag where you are. We will "roll" the course after the race and add your extra distance. For 6 and 12 hour runners only the last full lap completed will count toward your total distance. (NOTE) If you are going for a state or national or "World" record, please let us know in advance. We will provide you with a flag with your bib # on it. Place the flag where you are when the horn goes off.
There are "Real" bathrooms with hot and cold running water located near the start/finish area, just a couple of steps off the actual course. There are also two large playgrounds close to the parking area. There are picnic areas and pavilions scattered around the course. Pavilions may be rented if you don't want to fool with a tent. There are also more bathrooms located at the playground across the main road from the race course.
Lodging Close to Veteran's Park:
The closest Hotel to the race is Candlewood Suites located 5.4 from the park. Here is a link to Google Maps with directions.
There is a new Holiday Inn Express located 5.8 miles for Veterans Park. Here is a link to Google Maps with Directions.
There are also hotels in Calera and Pelham ranging from 7 to 12 miles from Veteran's Park. Google Maps Link to all Hotels.
Camping is available at Oak Mountain State Park. The campground is 18 miles from Veteran's Park. Google Maps Link to OMSP Campground
Other Near by "Nicesities:"
There is a Publix Grocery Store 2 miles north of the park on Hwy 119 Directly across the Hwy from the Publix is a Walgreen's. However, most important, there is a Starbucks just 100 yards further down Hwy 119 in the same block as the store. What more could you want?
The Course: The course is USATF Certified and Sanctioned. This will be a great chance to set a new world's record. (Or a new Personal Record.)
As stated above, the course is 100% asphalt and very smooth. It will be exactly 1 mile in length, + 10.72 ft. There is about 15 feet of elevation gain per lap. The trails will be fully lighted all night. You should still have a headlamp, just in case.
Partial Laps: 48 Hour and 24 Hour runners still running at 8:45 AM Sunday morning will receive a flag with your Bib # on it. Carry it as your start what will likely be your last lap and when you hear the HORN ending the race, place the flag where you are. We will "roll" the course after the race and add your extra distance. For 6 and 12 hour runners only the last full lap completed will count toward your total distance. (NOTE) If you are going for a state or national or "World" record, please let us know in advance. We will provide you with a flag with your bib # on it. Place the flag where you are when the horn goes off.
Start/Finish and Aid Station location and race route detail.
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The Endless Mile course map run in clockwise direction.
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Photos from around the park and during the 2017 and 2018 race.
Photos by David Christy, Gordon Harvey, Resolute Running and Southeastern Trail Runs
Links to 4 albums by David Christy Photography - Endless Mile 2018
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Link to Photos by Gordon Harvey of the 2018 Endless Mile |
Resolute Running Relay Team Photos
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An Oral Report on the 2018 Endless Mile Race Report by Shannon Aldridge: |
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Split Times for the 2019 Endless Mile Races
2018 Endless Mile Results - Splits
Marathon Run photos from the 2017 Endless Mile
Click the image to take a tour of the Endless Mile "Aid Station Alley"
Results for the 2017 Endless Mile
Contact Southeastern Trail Runs:
Southeastern Trail Runs,
220 Normandy Ln,
Chelsea, AL 35043
Email RD - Southeastern Trail Runs
Southeastern Trail Runs,
220 Normandy Ln,
Chelsea, AL 35043
Email RD - Southeastern Trail Runs