City: Birmingham, AL

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Telephone: (205) 870-7771

Insider Pick:

Description: The 2011 Mercedes Marathon marked the 10th anniversary of this much-beloved run. First organized to fund The Bell Center, a non-profit that supports parents with children born prematurely or with Down syndrome and other genetic disorders, the marathon event has grown significantly, hosting the 2003 USA Men’s Marathon Championships in preparation for hosting the 2004 USA Men’s Marathon Olympic Trials. It’s an all-around fun time for runners as well as their families and friends as the multi-loop course makes for an exciting, spectator-friendly route. In fact, the loop course idea was so successful, that both the New York and Boston Marathons recently employed it. Runners and fans dress up in silly costumes, and bands will often play to rouse the runners along the route. Volunteers provide great support throughout the race, and whether you’re a professional marathoner or just a weekend warrior, expect numerous festivities. The race, with more than 9,000 participants each year, has raised around $2 million for local charities. Look for the marathon, half-­marathon, marathon relay, 5K, and kids’ marathon over the event weekend.