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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 18th - 20th, 2019
Race shirts are included with registration - Runners must register by October 7th to receive a shirt.
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 18, 19 & 20, 2019. The park is 26 miles south of downtown Birmingham, and 16 miles south of I 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.
We will provide one aid station at the Start/Finish with basic aid station food, oranges, bananas, cookies, chips, water, Tailwind, Cokes, PBJ sandwiches, grilled sandwiches, quesadillas, etc. Overnight we will have hot soup, broth, waffles, eggs, bacon, coffee and probably other tasty treats. You can place your order on one lap and we will have it ready when you come through the next lap or two. Friday and Saturday night we will probably arrange to have some pizza delivered. The race will be electronically timed with an RFID (chip timing) system.
Weekend Schedule:
Thursday, October 17th - 4:00 to 6:00 PM: Late Registration and Race Packet Pickup for all races will be at Veteran's Park in Alabaster at the start/finish area in the Aid Station Tents. The Aid Station tents are two 10 X 20 tent that will be located next to the running path near the parking lot. Thursday afternoon, 48 hour runners and relay teams may set up their personal aid stations along the course.
Friday, October 18th - 7:00 to 8:45 AM - Packet pickup for the 48 Hour Race will be at the Start area at Veteran's Park in the Aid Station Tents.
Personal aid stations for 48 hour runners and 48 hour relay teams may be setup anytime Friday Morning in the designated areas.
You may also register for all races between 7:00 AM and 8:45 AM. We will NOT be able to accept registrations after 8:45 AM.
Friday - 8:45 AM - Prerace briefing for the 48 Hour Race Solo and Relay
Friday - 9:00 AM Sharp - Start of 48 Hour Race and 48 Hour Relay.
Friday - 4:00 to 6:00 PM - Packet pickup and late registration for the 6, 12 and 24 Hour Races at the start area at Veteran's Park at the Aid Station Tents.
Saturday, October 19th - 7:00to 8:45 AM - Packet pickup at the aid station tents at Veteran's Park.
You may also register for all races between 7:00 AM and 8:45 AM. We will NOT be able to accept registrations after 8:45 AM.
Personal aid stations for 6, 12 & 24 hour runners and relay teams may be setup anytime Friday afternoon or Saturday Morning in the designated areas.
Saturday - 8:45 AM - Prerace briefing for the 2, 12 & 24 Hour Races Solo and Relay.
Saturday - 9:00 AM - Start of 24 Hour,12 Hour and 6 Hour race and 12 and 24 Hour Relay.
Saturday - 3:00 PM - Finish of the 6 Hour Race
Saturday - 9:00 PM - Finish of the 12 Hour race
Sunday - October 20th - 9:00 AM - Finish of 24 and 48 hour races.
Weekend Schedule:
Thursday, October 17th - 4:00 to 6:00 PM: Late Registration and Race Packet Pickup for all races will be at Veteran's Park in Alabaster at the start/finish area in the Aid Station Tents. The Aid Station tents are two 10 X 20 tent that will be located next to the running path near the parking lot. Thursday afternoon, 48 hour runners and relay teams may set up their personal aid stations along the course.
Friday, October 18th - 7:00 to 8:45 AM - Packet pickup for the 48 Hour Race will be at the Start area at Veteran's Park in the Aid Station Tents.
Personal aid stations for 48 hour runners and 48 hour relay teams may be setup anytime Friday Morning in the designated areas.
You may also register for all races between 7:00 AM and 8:45 AM. We will NOT be able to accept registrations after 8:45 AM.
Friday - 8:45 AM - Prerace briefing for the 48 Hour Race Solo and Relay
Friday - 9:00 AM Sharp - Start of 48 Hour Race and 48 Hour Relay.
Friday - 4:00 to 6:00 PM - Packet pickup and late registration for the 6, 12 and 24 Hour Races at the start area at Veteran's Park at the Aid Station Tents.
Saturday, October 19th - 7:00to 8:45 AM - Packet pickup at the aid station tents at Veteran's Park.
You may also register for all races between 7:00 AM and 8:45 AM. We will NOT be able to accept registrations after 8:45 AM.
Personal aid stations for 6, 12 & 24 hour runners and relay teams may be setup anytime Friday afternoon or Saturday Morning in the designated areas.
Saturday - 8:45 AM - Prerace briefing for the 2, 12 & 24 Hour Races Solo and Relay.
Saturday - 9:00 AM - Start of 24 Hour,12 Hour and 6 Hour race and 12 and 24 Hour Relay.
Saturday - 3:00 PM - Finish of the 6 Hour Race
Saturday - 9:00 PM - Finish of the 12 Hour race
Sunday - October 20th - 9:00 AM - Finish of 24 and 48 hour races.
Personal Aid Stations:
You will be able to set up personal aid stations in the park along the course. We will have specified areas where you are welcome to "stake" out your tent. There is no power available for personal aid stations so you will need a generator (It must be quiet!) if you want electricity. There is water available near the entrance to the walking paths close to the pavilion and the Start/Finish. View the Certification Certificate.
You will be able to set up personal aid stations in the park along the course. We will have specified areas where you are welcome to "stake" out your tent. There is no power available for personal aid stations so you will need a generator (It must be quiet!) if you want electricity. There is water available near the entrance to the walking paths close to the pavilion and the Start/Finish. View the Certification Certificate.
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.
Photos from around the park and during the 2017 and 2018 race.
Photos by David Christy, Gordon Harvey, Resolute Running and Southeastern Trail Runs
The Endless Mile course map run in clockwise direction.
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Start/Finish and Aid Station location and race route detail.
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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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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