Oak Mountain 50K, 25K & 6 Miler Trail Runs

The Oak Mountain 50K is directed by Jamie Henderson and Todd Henderson under the Pinhoti Trail Series, Alabama’s premier trail-running calendar since 2006. The race itself predates the series — first held in 2000 — making 2026 its 25th annual edition and the second-oldest 50K in the state. Registration is through UltraSignup.com, with entry fees of $85 (early, before January 10) and $105 (standard). No refunds, transfers, deferrals, or race-day registration are permitted. Packet pickup is race morning only, 6:30–7:15 AM.

The course and terrain

Oak Mountain State Park — Alabama’s largest, spanning 11,584 acres and established in 1927 — forms the dramatic backdrop. Elevation climbs from roughly 600 feet at the start to 1,260 feet at Shackleford Point, the park’s highest peak, with total climbing of approximately 3,600–3,900 feet. The 50K runs a single loop with no repeating sections, 95% on unpaved single-track through dense hardwood and pine forest laced with roots, rocks, and technical terrain. Runners follow color-coded trails through highlights including Peavine Falls (a naturally fed 65-foot waterfall), Maggie’s Glen, and Shackleford Point, with two major climbs up Double Oak Mountain. Four fully stocked aid stations plus water-only points support the course.

The 25K covers roughly 15.1 miles via the Yellow Trail to North Trailhead and back along the Red Bump Trail. The 6 Miler threads the Lake Trail, Rattlesnake Ridge Trail, Family Trail, and Red Trail — a newer addition offering a shorter but still rugged experience. All three distances start simultaneously at 7:30 AM, with cutoffs of 9:30 hours (50K), 9 hours (25K), and 5 hours (6 Miler).

Course records and notable runners

The men’s 50K record — 4:00:10 — was set in 2010 by Birmingham native Dane Mitchell, a Rock/Creek Race Team member who also held records at Mt. Cheaha 50K and Black Warrior 25K. The women’s record of 4:36:02 belongs to Beverley Anderson-Abbs, a Canadian-born ultrarunning legend with 150+ ultra finishes and podium results at Western States 100 and the Barkley Marathons, set when she was 44. Early standout Dewayne Satterfield posted the second- and third-fastest times ever (4:17:14 in 2002 and 4:19:18 in 2001), and Will Harlan broke 4:20 twice in the race’s opening years.

Series affiliation and participant milestones

The 50K carries a 200-runner cap with typical fields of 80–150 finishers. It anchors the Pinhoti Trail Series alongside Mt. Cheaha 50K (February 28), Rockin’ Choccolocco 50K (April 25), Rebecca Mountain 50 Mile/50K (September 12), and the flagship Pinhoti 100 (November 7–8, a Western States qualifier). Runners who complete Mt. Cheaha, Oak Mountain, and Rockin’ Choccolocco in a single year earn the coveted 50K Grand Slam buckle; finishing the full series adds a finisher buckle and series jacket.