Where and when is the Rocket City Marathon?
Huntsville, Alabama
The Rocket City 10K and Mural Run 5K take place on the 2nd Saturday in December each year. The Marathon and both Half Marathons (Front Half and Back Half) will take place the next day.
Can I run the marathon if I am under 18 years old?
Yes, However, we do require your parent's permission.
Can someone else pick up my packet for me?
Yes, we now have a process that allows others to pick-up packets. If you can not make it to the Expo/Packet Pick-up during official hours a friend or family member my pick-up your packet as long as the attached card is completed.
Does the Marathon have pace groups?
Yes. See this link for details
What are the slowest (and fastest) paces allowed for each race?
With multiple races starting at different times, the notion of cutoff times can be daunting. We will have different sets of sweepers for the early start and regular start, but here is a simple list of slowest pace times for each race.
Marathon Early Start (6am): 7 hour time limit = 16:02/mile
Front Half-Marathon Early Start (6am): 4 hour time limit = 18:19/mile
Marathon Regular Start (7am): 6 hour time limit = = 13:44/mile
Front Half-Marathon Regular Start (7am): 3 hour time limit = 13:44/mile
Back Half-Marathon (9am): 4 hour time limit = 18:19/mile
10K (7am): 2 hour time limit = 19:21/mile
5K (9am): 1 hour time limit = 19:21/mile
NOTE: The 10K and 5K are meant to be walker-friendly, so the cutoff times are a reflection of roads re-opening and not having police support. If you are slower than the cutoff times, you'll need to move to the sidewalks and be careful crossing intersections. We will keep the finish line open as long as possible.
In addition, the Marathon Early Start and Front Half Marathon Early Start also have a fastest time allowed. The fastest pace for early starters will be 13:44/mile until the halfway point. After 13.1 miles, early starters will be allowed to run as fast as desired.
How do I get a refund if I cannot attend? Can I transfer my entry to someone else?
Our policy states that we do NOT offer refunds or deferrals.
You can transfer your registration, as a gift, to another runner. You will NOT receive a refund for the transfer.
Can I transfer from one race distance to another?
You can transfer from one race distance to another, provided there are still open spots in the race you are transferring into. To accomplish this transfer, sign in to your RunSignUp account, go to your profile, select Manage Registration, and then select Transfer. There is a small transfer fee and you will have to pay the difference in registration cost between the races.
How do I know for sure if I am registered?
Registered participants can be found here: https://runsignup.com/Race/FindARunner/?raceId=44733
Is this race a Boston Qualifier?
Yes! The 2024 Rocket City Marathon is a Boston qualifier for 2026.
What is NOT allowed on the course?
Baby joggers, in-line skates, bicycles, unauthorized vehicles and unregistered runners are prohibited on the course. No pets or smoking on the course PLEASE! Any participant breaking one of these rules will be removed from the course, disqualified and will not receive finisher’s amenities. These rules are due to our insurance policy and are set by the HTC Board of Directors and are for your safety and the safety of the hundreds of other runners on the course. Check out our rules page for more information. The use of headphones is STRONGLY discouraged. (NOTE: There is an exception for baby joggers and strollers on the 5K course, we ask that you start near the back and not impede other participants.)
Where can we park for the races?
You can find the most current parking information here.
What is the “Challenge”?
If you register for, and complete, ANY TWO events (including the Mural Run 5K and 10K) you will receive a special Challenge gift.
What is the “Hat Trick”?
If you register, and complete, any THREE events (both the Mural Run 5K, 10K and either Half or the Full Marathon) you will receive BOTH the Challenge gift AND a super awesome hat-trick hat.
Is there a shuttle to the start of the Back Half-Marathon?
Yes, shuttles will be running from the Von Braun Center (VBC) to the University of Alabama Huntsville (UAH) on Sunday morning beginning around 7:15am. Additional information will be included in the race instructions sent out the week before the race.
Is there a shuttle from the Von Braun Center to Campus 805 for spectators?
Yes, shuttles will be running from the Von Braun Center (VBC) to Campus 805 on Sunday morning beginning around 7:15am until about 11:30am.
Is there a shuttle from the Front Half Marathon finish line back to the Von Braun Center?
Yes, shuttles will be running from Campus 805 to the Von Braun Center (VBC) Sunday morning. The last shuttle will leave Campus 805 at 12 (noon).