Race Details

How the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon came about...

On April 27th, 2011, the owner of Full Moon Barbecue ushered employees and customers into the restaurant’s walk-in freezer saving 13 lives from an EF-4 tornado. Some of these individuals suffered broken bones, concussions and scrapes, but miraculously no one was killed. Unfortunately this story is not the same for all that were involved in that horrific Wednesday afternoon.

At 5:13 pm on April 27, a mile wide EF-4 tornado ripped through Tuscaloosa, Alabama leaving a 5.9-mile path of destruction throughout the city. Within six minutes, 12% of Tuscaloosa was destroyed, more than 7,000 individuals became unemployed, 1,200 citizens were injured, four schools were damaged or destroyed and multiple city infrastructures were damaged. Amongst some of those damaged included a fire and rescue station, a communication tower, the Environmental Services Department and the Emergency Management Agency. The loss of life, damage to property and emotional strain are a tremendous burden, but the people of Tuscaloosa have courageously united to help one another through such a trying time.

The City of Tuscaloosa has not let the sadness of this devastation define who we are, and continues to make an impelling run toward recovery each day! ReadBAMARead and the Kiwanis Club of Greater Tuscaloosa have joined forces to assist in the recovery efforts of the 2011 Tuscaloosa tornado. With a group of motivated and passionate individuals from the two organizations, as well as additional community representatives, we are ecstatic to bring you this inaugural event!

The Tuscaloosa Half Marathon and Fun Run community invite you to join us as we make a lasting mark in the revitalization of Tuscaloosa, Alabama! All proceeds from the inaugural Tuscaloosa Half Marathon will go directly toward rebuilding efforts for the playgrounds and school libraries that were affected by the April 27th tornado throughout the county. Sign up today to be a part of history in the making!

Run for a purpose. Run toward recovery.

To learn more about ReadBAMARead: readbamaread.org
To learn more about the Kiwanis Club of Greater Tuscaloosa and their playground initiative: http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20120423/NEWS/120429897

Did you know?

• Four schools were either destroyed or damaged in Tuscaloosa and Tuscaloosa County. They were: Alberta Elementary, University Place Elementary, University Place Middle School and Holt Elementary
• The playground in Rosedale, which the Kiwanis Club of Greater Tuscaloosa is assisting with, will be a state-of-the-art park including water features, a "no-limits" playground with features accessible to all children, green space and a community gathering point.
• Each registered runner allows ReadBAMARead to buy four books!
• The average cost of library quality “bound to stay bound” book is approximately $15 each.
• All children experience life and growth through a series of physical, emotional, intellectual and social stages, and playgrounds provide an environment for learning and developing through activity of play.
• ReadBAMARead has set out to raise $150,000 in order to have the necessary funds for the devastated libraries to purchase approximately 10,000 books.
• There are 150,000 service projects sponsored each year by Kiwanis Clubs.
• The school library represents for students one of our most cherished freedoms - the freedom to speak our minds and hear what others have to say.
• The Kiwanis Club of Greater Tuscaloosa is an organization made up entirely of volunteers with a mission to serve the children of West Alabama.
• 1 of every 4 Alabama residents is functionally illiterate.
• To fully implement this new playground in Rosedale, approximately $500,000 will need to be raised.
• The Rosedale park will serve as the launching point of the CityWalk, a 5.5-mile meandering greenway recreational trail which will connect both ends of the tornado's course across the city.

Registration Fees

Registration includes

Registration in to the 2013 Tuscaloosa Half Marathon includes:

• Official Tuscaloosa Half Marathon technical shirt
• Goody bag with coupons, promotional items, visitor information and more
• Refreshments at the start, along the course and at the finish
• Official Tuscaloosa Half Marathon Finishers Medal
• Official Finishers Certificate
• Live bands along the course
• Admission to the post race party at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater

Registration in to the Radiology Clinic Fun Run includes:

• Official Radiology Clinic cotton t-shirt
• Admission to the post race party at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater

Please note that these items are subject to change without notice. Also, only pre-registered individuals will be guaranteed a participant shirt.

Course Maps & Elevation

Half Marathon Course   Download Map	Fun Run Course   Download Map
Half Marathon Elevation   Download Map

Start/Finish locations

Tuscaloosa Half Marathon

Start: Downtown Tuscaloosa
Located between the City's intermodal facility and City Hall on 6th St.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401

Finish: Tuscaloosa Amphitheater
2710 Jack Warner Parkway
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401

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The Radiology Clinic Fun Run

Start/Finish: Government Plaza
Located between the City's intermodal facility and City Hall on 6th St.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401
**All Fun Run participants are highly encouraged to join us at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater for the Post Race Party!

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Both the Government Plaza and Tuscaloosa Amphitheater are located in downtown Tuscaloosa, Alabama, walking distance from downtown shops and restaurants and a mile from the University of Alabama campus. Both locations are easy access from I-359 and University Blvd.

Directions

Both the Government Plaza (start line) and Tuscaloosa Amphitheater (finish line) are located in downtown Tuscaloosa, Alabama, walking distance from downtown shops and restaurants and a mile from the University of Alabama campus. Both locations are easy access from I-359 and University Blvd.

Tuscaloosa Intermodal Facility parking garage:

• From Birmingham Interstate I20/59:
  Exit 71B toward Tuscaloosa and turn Right on University Blvd. and one last right on 23rd Ave. Drive two blocks and the parking garage will be located on your left.
  
  
• From Meridian Mississippi Interstate I20/59:
  Exit 71B toward Tuscaloosa and turn Right on University Blvd. and one last right on 23rd Ave. Drive two blocks and the parking garage will be located on your left.
  
  
• From Northport Highway 82:
  Turn South onto Lurleen B. Wallace Blvd and turn Left on University Blvd. Take a right on 23rd Ave. Drive two blocks and the parking garage will be located on your left.
  
  
• From Moundville Highway 69:
  Turn North onto Highway 69. Continue on Highway 69/Lurleen B. Wallace Blvd and turn Right on University Blvd. Take a right on 23rd Ave. Drive two blocks and the parking garage will be located on your left.

Parking/Shuttle Service

• City of Tuscaloosa Intermodal Facility
• Downtown Tuscaloosa

For directions to these parking locations, please go to the "Directions" listed above. Additional event parking locations will be added upon availability.

Shuttle Service will be available to and from the Government Plaza and Tuscaloosa Amphitheater. The shuttle service to and from the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater and Government Plaza will run from 9:30 am - 12:30 pm.

An additional shuttle will be available for those who are participating in the two-person relay, which will shuttle runner #2 to the transition area, and then shuttle #1 to the finish area. There will be a central gathering location at the Tuscaloosa Government Plaza for the relay member #2. Relay member #2 will be transported to the exchange location beginning at 7:15 am. Two trips will have to be made. The relay shuttle will then transition relay member #1 to the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater so that they can cheer on their teammate and pick up their finisher medal!

Benefiting organizations

Benefiting organizations for the Inaugural Tuscaloosa Half Marathon and Fun Run are ReadBAMARead and the Kiwanis Club of Greater Tuscaloosa. 100% of event proceeds will go toward rebuilding efforts for the playgrounds and school libraries that were affected throughout the county on April 27, 2011.

Weekend Schedule

Friday   | Saturday   | Sunday

Friday, March 1, 2013

Walk MS 2013
Snow Hinton Park
9:00 a.m.

Tuscaloosa Barnyard, "Petting & Fun Farm"
Government Plaza
11453 Turner Bridge Road
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35406
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Tuscaloosa Half Marathon Race Expo and Check-in
Government Plaza
Located between the City's intermodal facility and City Hall on 6th Street
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401
11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Convocation
Moody Music Building
FREE
Noon

Women's Gymnastics vs. UCLA
Coleman Coliseum
323 Paul W Bryant Drive
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401
7:30 p.m.

The Mikado
Moody Music Building
$20 for adults / $5 for students
7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Tuscaloosa Half Marathon
Start: Government Plaza
Located between the City's intermodal facility and City Hall on 6th Street
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401
Finish: Tuscaloosa Amphitheater
2710 Jack Warner Parkway
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401
Start time: 8 a.m.

Walk MS 2013
Snow Hinton Park
9:00 a.m.


Alabama Women's State Bowling Tournament
Leland Lanes & Bama Lanes
9 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
More Info


The Radiology Clinic Fun Run
Start/Finish: Government Plaza
Located between the City's intermodal facility and City Hall on 6th Street
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401
Start time: 9 a.m.


Post Race Party presented by Jim 'N Nick's
Tuscaloosa Amphitheater
2710 Jack Warner Parkway
Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401
Time: 9:15 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Congratulate your runner as they cross the finish line at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater and enter in to a well-deserved Post Race Party! Enjoy mouth-watering BBQ from Jim 'N Nick's, a cold beer (or beverage) and live music provided by Tuscaloosa's own local band, "Shiny Machine". Kimberly Madison and Scott Shepherd, with 95.3 the Bear's Madison & Shepherd in the Morning Show, will join runners at the finish line to keep everyone entertained as well! Awards will be given to the top three male and female finishers. Don't miss out on the fun!

The Mikado
Moody Music Building
$20 for adults / $5 for students
7:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 3, 2013

UA Women's Basketball
vs. Missouri
Time: TBA

Walk MS 2013
Snow Hinton Park
9:00 a.m.


Alabama Women's State Bowling Tournament
Leland Lanes & Bama Lanes
9 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
More Info

UA Men's Tennis
vs. Mississippi Statei
Time: 1:00 p.m.

The Mikado
Moody Music Building
$20 for adults / $5 for students
3:00 p.m.



Please check back regularly for more specific details and additional events added to the weekend schedule. Please note, the above items are also subject to change.

Hotels

Headquarter Hotels

Hotel Capstone
320 Paul W. Bryant Drive | Tuscaloosa, AL | 35401
205.752.3200
Distance from: Start line: 1.6 miles | Finish line: 2.3 miles | Expo: 1.7 miles
Discounted Rates: Friday/Saturday - $119 Single; $119 Double

Hotel Capstone is ideally located on the University of Alabama's lovely Tuscaloosa campus and offers the perfect spot for business or pleasure. Come and enjoy a unique and luxurious brand of Southern hospitality at Hotel Capstone. We are proud to be the only full service hotel in the Tuscaloosa area. In order to accommodate the runners needs, Hotel Capstone will open their bistro at 6 a.m. on March 2nd for breakfast.
Reserve a Room
To make a reservation with Hotel Capstone, please call 1-800-477-2262 and request a room in the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon Block. Making this request will allow guests to receive the group rate. The group rate cut off date will be Monday, February 11, 2013 or until the group block is sold out.

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Hampton Inn - University
600 Harper Lee Drive | Tuscaloosa, AL | 35404
205.553.9800
Distance from: Start line: 3.4 miles | Finish line: 3.8 miles | Expo: 3.4 miles
Discounted Rates: Friday/Saturday - $115 Single; $115 Double

Home to the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa is rich with both history and beauty. Our friendly city, located along the banks of the Black Warrior River, offers a variety of activities, from upscale entertainment to down home good times. When you stay at the Hampton Inn Tuscaloosa-University hotel, you'll have it all: college town charm, small town hospitality and big city excitement. Complimentary amenities include: "On the House" Hot breakfast, "On the Go" breakfast bags, fresh baked cookies in the evenings, wireless high speed internet access, 100% Hampton Guarantee, free local and 800 calls, irons/boards, in room coffee, hair dyers, access to local gym, outdoor pool and interior corridors. Breakfast will be available at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 2nd, to accommodate the runners needs.
Reserve a Room
To make a reservation with the Hampton Inn University location, please book online by clicking on the link: http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/groups/personalized/T/TCLALHX-THM-20130301/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG The group rate cut off date will be Monday, February 11, 2013 or until the group block is sold out.

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Hilton Garden Inn
800 Hollywood Blvd. | Tuscaloosa, AL | 35405
205.722.0360
Distance from: Start line: 4 miles | Finish line: 4.2 miles | Expo: 3.8 miles
Discounted Rates: Friday/Saturday - $99 Single; $99 Double

Located just outside of Downtown Tuscaloosa and only minutes from the University of Alabama, our bright and airy Tuscaloosa hotel has everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. Discover comfortable accommodation and convenient location at our welcoming Hilton Garden Inn Tuscaloosa hotel. Make yourself at home on our "oh-so-comfortable" beds and enjoy daily cooked-to-order breakfasts and complimentary WiFi. Race participants will receive the special discounted rate of $5.95 for Continental breakfast in our Great American Grill.
Reserve a Room
To make a reservation with the Hilton Garden Inn Tuscaloosa location, please call the hotel directly at 1.205.722.0360 or toll free at 1.877.782.9444. When making a reservation, be sure to mention that you are with the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon. The group rate cut off date will be Monday, February 11, 2013 or until the group block is sold out.

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Courtyard by Marriott
4115 Courtney Drive | Tuscaloosa, AL | 35405
866.699.9212 | 205.750.8384
Distance from: Start line: 4.1 miles | Finish line: 4.2 miles | Expo: 3.9 miles
Discounted Rates: Friday/Saturday - $109 Single; $109 Double

You'll love the newly-renovated Courtyard Tuscaloosa. Our Tuscaloosa, AL hotel is conveniently located off I-59 and I-20, near the University of Alabama and downtown Tuscaloosa. Our hotel features free WiFi and 32" flat-screen TVs in every guest room. The Bistro offers delicious breakfasts and dinners with beverages from Starbuck and our full bar.
Reserve a Room
To make a reservation with the Courtyard by Marriott location, please call the hotel directly at 205.750.8384. When making a reservation, be sure to mention that you are with the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon. The group rate cut off date will be Monday, February 11, 2013 or until the group block is sold out.

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Official Hotels

Hampton Inn - Tuscaloosa East
6400 Interstate Drive | Tuscaloosa, AL | 35453
866.699.9212 | 205.562.9000
Distance from: Start line: 9.6 miles | Finish line: 9.8 miles | Expo: 9.4 miles
Discounted Rates: Friday/Saturday - $100 Single; $100 Double

Home to the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa is rich with both history and beauty. Our friendly city, located along the banks of the Black Warrior River, offers a variety of activities, from upscale entertainment to down home good times. When you stay at the Hampton Inn Tuscaloosa-University hotel, you'll have it all: college town charm, small town hospitality and big city excitement. Breakfast will be available at 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 2nd, to accommodate the runners needs.
Reserve a Room
To make a reservation with the Hampton Inn Tuscaloosa-East location, please book online by clicking on the link: http://hamptoninn.hilton.com/en/hp/groups/personalized/T/TCLBMHX-THM-20130301/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG. The group rate cut off date will be Monday, February 11, 2013 or until the group block is sold out.

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Ramada Inn
631 Skyland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa, AL | 35404
205.759.4431
Distance from: Start line: 5.2 miles | Finish line: 5.4 miles | Expo: 5 miles
Discounted Rates: Friday/Saturday - $69 Single; $79 Double

Book a room at our Ramada Tuscaloosa, Alabama hotel for warm comforts and great rates. Our Tuscaloosa hotel is just four miles from downtown Tuscaloosa. Wake up after a restorative sleep at our Ramada hotel and jump start your morning with free continental breakfast. The Ramada Inn of Tuscaloosa is pet-friendly and is also part of the Wyndham Rewards Program. To accommodate the half marathon participants, an expanded breakfast will be served, complimentary, beginning at 5:30 am.
Reserve a Room
To make a reservation with the Ramada Inn location, please contact the property directly at 205.759.4431 and mention that you are with the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon. The group rate cut off date will be Monday, February 11, 2013 or until the group block is sold out.

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Best Western Park Plaza
3801 McFarland Blvd. E | Tuscaloosa, AL | 35405
205.556.9690
Distance from: Start line: 5.1 miles | Finish line: 5.2 miles | Expo: 4.8 miles
Discounted Rates: Friday/Saturday - $79 Single; $75 Double

Stay at this Tuscaloosa, Alabama hotel providing convenient access to key area attractions include the University of Alabama, Alabama Museum of Natural History and the Bama Belle Riverboat. Guests will experience the best in customer service and accommodations at an unbeatable value. Amenities include: hot breakfast buffet, outdoor swimming pool, exercise facilities, business services. The Best Western Park Plaza is pet friendly. To help accommodate the needs of the half marathon participants, the Best Western Park Plaza will begin serving breakfast at 5:30 am on Saturday, March 2nd.
Reserve a Room
To make a reservation with the Best Western Park Plaza, please contact the hotel directly at 205.556.9690. When making a reservation, please be sure to mention that you are with The Tuscaloosa Half Marathon. The group rate cut off date will be Monday, February 11, 2013 or until the group block is sold out.

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Fairfield Inn by Marriott
4101 Courtney Drive | Tuscaloosa, AL | 35405
205.366.0900
Distance from: Start line: 3.7 miles | Finish line: 3.8 miles | Expo: 3.5 miles
Discounted Rates: Friday/Saturday - $94 Single; $94 Double

The Fairfield Inn by Marriott is the perfect choice for the discerning guest that demands the exemplary service and superior quality that the Marriott name stands for... at a price that is comparable to a budget hotel. Amenities include: Complimentary Hot Breakfast, heated indoor pool, wifi internet, business center, fitness center and brand new flat screen televisions!
Reserve a Room
To make a reservation with the Fairfield Inn by Marriott location, please call the hotel directly at 205.366.0900. When making a reservation, be sure to mention that you are with the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon. The group rate cut off date will be Monday, February 11, 2013 or until the group block is sold out.

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Country Inn & Suites
4801 McFarland Blvd. E | Tuscaloosa, AL | 35405
205.345.9999
Distance from: Start line: 5.4 miles | Finish line: 5.5 miles | Expo: 5.1 miles
Discounted Rates: Friday/Saturday - $89 Single; $99 Double

The Country Inn & Suites of Tuscaloosa is located conveniently off of I-20/59 (Exit 73), only minutes to the University of Alabama as well as a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment choices. The Country Inn in Tuscaloosa is also newly remodeled, and each and every room has been revamped and upgraded to match the highest Carlson Brand standard. To accommodate the needs of the half marathon participants, breakfast will be provided at 5:30 am on Saturday, March 2nd.
Reserve a Room
To reserve a room with the Country Inn & Suites of Tuscaloosa, please contact the property directly at 205.345.9999. When making a reservation, be sure to mention that you are with the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon. The group rate cut off date will be Monday, February 11, 2013 or until the group block is sold out.

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Microtel Inn & Suites
1417 Veterans Memorial Parkway | Tuscaloosa, AL | 35405
205.553.4095
Distance from: Start line: 3.7 miles | Finish line: 3.8 miles | Expo: 3.5 miles
Discounted Rates: Friday/Saturday - $99 Single; $109 Double

Minutes away from the University of Alabama and Downtown Tuscaloosa, our Microtel Inn & Suites is a non-smoking, four-story interior corridor property. You will enjoy our many handy amenities, including free hot breakfast, free WiFi and much more. Our spacial guest rooms feature pillow top bedding, flat screen TVs and more. The Microtel Inn & Suites is a pet-friendly hotel.
Reserve a Room
To reserve a room with the Microtel Inn & Suites of Tuscaloosa, please contact the property directly at 205.553.4095. When making a reservation, be sure to mention that you are with the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon. The group rate cut off date will be Monday, February 11, 2013 or until the group block is sold out.

Tuscaloosa Half Marathon Two-Person Relay

Not a long distance runner, but still wishing to be a part of the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon? We have the perfect option for you! The Tuscaloosa Half Marathon committee has opened a two-person relay! Each relay member will run 6.55 miles, transitioning in close proximity to the Leland Shopping Center. Registration costs for half marathon two-man relay will be:

$40.00 per person until November 27, 2012
$45.00 per person November 28, 2012 - January 15, 2013
$50.00 per person, January 16 - February 28, 2013

Registration includes the same items as the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon.

The Radiology Clinic Fun Run

Click here to view PDFs on this page

All participants are encouraged to preregister in order to guarantee a fun run shirt. Those who register the morning of the event are NOT guaranteed a race shirt. Last day to register online is February 28, 2013. Don't miss out!

We are excited to announce the addition of The Radiology Clinic Fun Run! This Fun Run will be a one mile walk, jog, skip, run (you get the idea!) that is available for anyone and everyone! Participants will gather in Downtown Tuscaloosa at 9 am on Saturday, March 2, 2013. Once the Fun Run is complete, participants are invited to join us for the post-race party at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater!

The Fun Run Committee is in the process of working with the schools in Tuscaloosa and Tuscaloosa County to develop a "half marathon" program. Students will be asked to run 12.1 miles throughout the month of February and will gather on March 2nd to finish the last mile of their half marathon!

In conjunction with the "Run Toward Recovery" theme, The Radiology Clinic Fun Run will incorporate a heroes theme with a balloon release at the end of the race in honor of their heroes. Local community heroes will be around for the day to join us in this celebration!

For details on The Radiology Clinic Fun Run – Half Marathon School Program, view here or download here

To download the Official Kid's Mileage Log Sheet, view here or download here

To download the "kid friendly" Mileage Log Sheet, view here or download here

Participating children can log their mileage in their own unique way by using this specific log sheet. Each balloon represents .25 miles, with a group of four balloons representing one mile. This log sheet gives children the opportunity to see first-hand the progress that they are making!

Please note, to participate in The Radiology Clinic Fun Run you DO NOT have to participate in the Half Marathon Program. Anyone is welcome to join us for the one mile Fun Run on Saturday, March 2 at 9 am!

Questions? Please e-mail them to tuscaloosahalfmarathon@gmail.com