Blood Rock 25K & 50K - Pelham, Alabama - Running

The Blood Rock 25K & 50K is a Running race in Pelham, Alabama consisting of a 25K Trail Run and 50K Trail Run (Ultra).

The Blood Rock 25 & 50K race will start at 6:30 AM at the Redbud Pavilion near the BMX Track on Tranquility Road. Both races will use the same trails as the 2017 races including the same backcountry trails in the early part of the race. Shelby County has constructed a new section of multi-use trail that will eliminate most of the Findley Drive section we used in 2016.

The Course: The 25 & 50K will start at the Redbud Pavilion and follow a short section of the bike trail back to near the Chimneys, then take a small connector over the Light Trail to the campground. Runners will continue straight ahead through the campground to a trail leading off to the left and around the northwest side of Oak Mountain Lake. You will cross over the dam and continue on the gravel road then paved road, past the fishing center and turn right across the dam. At the parking lot just past the dam you will enter a trail that will eventually reach the Far End Back Trail. Turn left and head into the Oak Mountain Backcountry.

The next 6 miles are all in the backcountry. Runners will climb up and over the west ridge, then the east ridge of Double Oak Mountain. You will eventually reach Kings Chair Overlook, one of the best overlooks in the park. Be sure to stop of photo or two. Runners will continue along the east ridge on the old Rim Walk East trail for about a mile before the trail drops out from under you and you will find yourself at the bottom of Barkley Hill . After reaching the east ridge runners will head down the back side of Double Oak Mountain on an old wagon road into the Outback. ?Runners will eventually climb out of Donnavant Valley, up Topless Hill and return to Normal trails and eventually reach Redbud the end for 25K runners. 50K Runners, well, you have a little bit to go yet.