Two Half the Marathon(s)
Front Half-Marathon / Back Half-Marathon
We have two (2) half-marathons - the Front Half Marathon starts with the marathon and finishes at Campus 805, and the Back Half Marathon that finishes with the marathon in the Von Braun Center South Hall. Each has its own advantages, so read carefully before deciding which half to choose. Keep in mind registration for the Back Half Marathon will be limited to 900 runners.
Front Half Marathon - This race starts with the marathon at 7am (6am early start) in front of the Von Braun Center and finishes at Campus 805. Shuttles will be running from Campus 805 back to the marathon finish in the South Hall until 12pm (noon). The time limit for this race is 3 hours (4 hours with an early start).
NOTE: Shuttle service for spectators will be provided from the Von Braun Center to Campus 805, and for finishers and spectators from the finish line at Campus 805 back to the VBC following the race.
This is a certified course.
Back Half Marathon - This race begins on the campus of the University of Alabama Huntsville (UAH) and merges with the full marathon to run through the Space and Rocket Center and Botanical Gardens before returning to the same exciting finish line inside the Von Braun Center South Hall! It should be a FAST half-marathon since there’s a net elevation drop. This race is limited to 900 runners. The time limit for this race is 4 hours.
NOTE: Shuttle service from the Von Braun Center to start line at the campus of UAH will be provided on race morning. Details will be included in race instructions sent out the week before the race.
This is a certified course.
Important information regarding both half-marathons:
Front Half Marathon will start at 7am. Runners must finish by 10am. (3 hour time limit)
Front Half Marathoners have the option of an early start at 6am for a 4 hour time limit. More information here.
Front Half Marathon will finish at Campus 805. Shuttle service will be provided from Campus 805 back to the Von Braun Center until 12 (noon) for finishers and spectators.
Back Half Marathon will start at 9am at the UAH Campus. Runners must finish by 1pm. (4 hour time limit)
Back Half Marathon will finish with the Marathon inside the South Hall of the Von Braun Center. This offers the unique opportunity for friends to finish the race together with one running the marathon and the other running the Back Half.
There are NO mile marker signs for the Back Half.
You will be asked to leave the course if you fall behind the sweepers for the marathon. They should be maintaining approximately a 13:44 pace (for the marathon distance…if they catch you this is the pace they will be maintaining).
For more information regarding either the Front Half or Back Half, please contact Dwayne and Dana DeBardelaben, Race Directors, at rocketcitymarathon@gmail.com.
Course Certification
Both courses are USATF certified.