The second annual BHM26.2 race to benefit Magic Moments and Children’s of Alabama is coming Sunday, April 14 at Railroad Park.
Published: March 29, 2019
The event features a full marathon, half marathon, marathon relay and fun run throughout Birmingham landmarks. Each race will start and finish at scenic Railroad Park, where more than 2,500 runners are expected to participate. This race is also a 2019 Boston Marathon qualifier race.
The BHM26.2 is the only fully charitable marathon in Alabama and provides a fresh, new course to runners in Birmingham, statewide and regionally.
Last year’s inaugural event saw more than 2,000 participants and raised more than $250,000 for local children who benefit from the care, services and experiences provided by Magic Moments and Children’s of Alabama. All proceeds from this year’s event will again benefit Magic Moments – the only wish-granting organization devoted exclusively to children in Alabama with chronic, life-threatening illnesses – and Children’s of Alabama, which provides care for children in every county in Alabama.
The full marathon is a one-loop course that showcases Birmingham’s growth and diverse cityscape and takes runners past landmarks for which the Magic City, as well as Homewood and Mountain Brook, are known.
WHAT: BHM26.2 Race Series – Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay & Fun Run with After Party
WHO: Benefiting Magic Moments & Children’s of Alabama
WHEN: Sunday, April 14, 2019 | Marathon, Half Marathon & Marathon Relay: 7 a.m. | Fun Run: 10 a.m. | After Party: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Band August Night: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. | Awards Ceremony & Presentation: 11:30 a.m. | Feat. Party of the Year: noon to 2 p.m. WHERE: Railroad Park – 1600 1st Ave. S.; Birmingham, AL 35233
The BHM26.2 Fun Run is a one-mile tour of downtown Birmingham’s Railroad Park and is open to all ages; children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by a registered adult. Registration for all races will end April 13, 2019 at 11:59 p.m.
Runners and their friends and family will celebrate crossing the finish line at the official BHM26.2 Party of the Year After Party sponsored by Stifel from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees will be entertained with live music from Party of the Year from the producers of The Black Jacket Symphony and local band August Night. Guests will also enjoy the Kids’ Zone by Fun Source, BBQ pork meal provided by Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q, refreshments from Coca Cola Bottling Co., Tito’s Handmade Vodka and a FitVine Wine Tasting. Runners receive one complimentary After Party ticket with race registration as well as a complimentary drink from Tito’s Handmade Vodka for those over the age of 21. Additional After Party tickets may be purchased at the discounted rate of $18 per ticket if purchased at the time of race registration.
After Party tickets are $25 each until Saturday, April 13, 2019 and $30 at the door. Children 8 and under do not need a ticket to attend the After Party. During the After Party, representatives from Medical Properties Trust will surprise a child and his/her family with the reveal of a Magic Moment. The reveal is set for 11:30 a.m. and will be hosted by Will Lochamy. A $10,000 price purse will be divided among the top finishers in their race category.
Each year, race organizers select 26 children from Alabama – one for each mile of the marathon – to become the official BHM26.2 “Mile Marker Children.” Each child has been diagnosed with one or more chronic life-threatening illnesses. All Mile Marker Children have been granted non-medical moments through Magic Moments, where they have a chance to ask for an experience or item they would otherwise not be able to do or have. Mile Marker Children from 2018 will serve as ambassadors for the race this year as well.
The BHM26.2 race series is produced by Magic Moments and Children’s of Alabama and led by Anna Martin, BHM26.2 co-founder; Stephanie Moore, BHM26.2 co-founder; and Sandy Naramore, executive director of Magic Moments. BIRMINGHAM PARENT IS A SPONSOR.