Event Overview

The Dueling Banjos 5K/10K is a 2-for-1 race that pairs the extremely hard uphill 5K trail race with a net-negative downhill 10K trail race.

This is a race that is meant to test your limits. It sets out to define your ability to climb the steep and rugged terrain of the McMullen Cove trail system in the 5K and then challenge your downhill speed in the 10K descent back to the start.

Don't think you can just pick the 5K or 10K only in this event...We want everyone to experience the wide array of toughness that these trails have to offer. YOU MUST REGISTER FOR BOTH RACES TO GET A BIB

The 5K is the by far the toughest 5K in North Alabama (Think Run steep, get high type vibes). This is over a 1000 ft climb to the top of the mountain. We will give you some time to rest by the fire to stay warm and then swiftly start the 10K with a net downhill of more than 600 ft. This means that the 10K is fast and fun, a great way to reward yourself after the tough climb to the top.

Our thoughts on the race are this: Try to run your 5K in less time than your 10K. That is how different these races are. The 5K is tough and continuously grueling and the 10K is slightly technical but still very fast. A comparison of talents, a dueling of banjos, or just simply the will to suffer uphill versus downhill.

Will you take on the challenge? Will you grind it out and see if you have mountain goat speed uphill or the power to fly down the mountain?

Proceeds to Charity and McMullen Cove Trail Committee

Proceeds will benefit childhood cancer research!

We will also make a donation to the McMullen Cove Trail Committee that will be used for trail maintenance and development.

Timeline

The 5K will start promptly at 7 am at the clubhouse at McMullen Cove, AKA the Commons. 38 McMullen Lane, Gurley, AL 35748.

We will start with the 5K from the neighborhood and then start the 10K from the top of the mountain at 8:30 am. Our goal is to allow 99% of people to make it to the top of the mountain before starting the 10K. We will have a fire and food and drinks at the top of the mountain at the finish of the 5K for those that get there earlier and need to stay warm.

10K will start promptly at 8:30 am from the top of the mountain and will be chip timed. The net-downhill course will be fast and likely boast times comparable to the 5K climb for a lot of people.

A great goal for runners will be to beat their 5K time with their 10K time. I know that sounds crazy but I ascertain that some people will accomplish this goal!

Aid Stations

We will have a few aid stations for these races.

The 5K will not have an on course aid station but we will have the best aid station party known to trail racing at the top of the mountain. We will have tents, a giant fire, food, and all fueling needs here. EFP electrolytes, water, and pancakes will be here. I cannot think of any better combination.

The 10K will have one aid station half way down to the finish with water and electrolytes provided by EFP.

The finish line will be fully stocked with EFP electrolytes, water, LMNT, and Ron's famous Redneck stew and Chili! You definitely won't want to miss the festivities we have planned.

Swag

We have got the most badass set of things planned for you guys. We have the amazing logo design by Julia Donovan on an amazing tech trail t-shirt awarded to all 5K/10K finishers. This is a shirt that you'll want to wear to the woods over and over again! We also have custom finisher medals for all finishers of both races and Fleet Feet Age group and Top 3 Overall awards for everyone in both races.

Sponsors

Fleet Feet Huntsville and Madison
Swift Recovery
Return 2 Sport PT & Performance
Edge Fitness and Performance
McMullen Cove
Nike Trail
Widflour Macarons

Courses

5K: https://www.strava.com/routes/3279263290804651948

10K: https://www.strava.com/routes/3315751495471488442

Parking

This event takes place in a private community that has gated access. We have fully unrestricted access the day of the event and you will be able to enter the gates as long as you mention that you are here for the race.

Parking will be in and around the Commons clubhouse at 38 McMullen Lane. We will have volunteer directing vehicles into designated parking areas in and around this address. We advise you to come early and ensure easy parking prior to the race.

Packet Pickup

Packet Pickup with be at Swift Recovery and Return 2 Sport PT Friday from 10 AM-5 PM on 4/11/25. Race pay packet pickup will be available from 6-7 AM at the Commons Clubhouse in McMullen Cove.

Post-Race Party

We will have a chili cookout at the clubhouse post-race. Come hungry and bring the family as this is a family friendly event that we want the whole community to enjoy!

Awards

We will have special Top 3 overall awards presented to the 5K and 10K winners and Fleet Feet Age group awards given to the age group winners in each race.

Event's current local time: 8:29 PM CT