Red Shoe Run: Rockin' 5K

The biggest block party in downtown Birmingham starts at the starting line. Red Shoe Run: Rockin’ 5K is a high-energy morning filled with music, movement, and meaning — all to help families stay close during their child’s medical journey.

Every registration provides nights of rest, warm meals, and comfort for families staying at Ronald McDonald House Alabama. Whether you’re running the 5K, walking the 1 Mile Fun Run, or joining as a Snoozer from home, your steps create a lasting impact. 

After you cross the finish line, the celebration continues with a DJ, awards, and a community that knows how to have fun for a cause. Together, we’re making Family Stays possible.

Special thanks to our 2026 Red Shoe Run Committee! 

Co-Chair: Amber Harbison & Caleb Mills 

 

You can view the course map using one of the two links below:

TURN BY TURN PRINTABLE MAP (5K)

MAPMYRUN INTERACTIVE MAP (5K)

TURN BY TURN PRINTABLE MAP (1 MILE)

Pre-Race Packet Pickup

Date: Thursday, 4/09 and Friday, 4/10

Time: 11am - 6pm 

Location: Ronald McDonald House Alabama 

1700 4th Ave S 

Birmingham, AL 35233

• Pre-race packet pickup is HIGHLY encouraged to minimize congestion on race day. 
• Pre-race packet pick up is for 5K and 1 Mile participants ONLY. (Packets will be mailed to Snoozer participants.)

Race Day 

Saturday, April 11, 2026

Location: 1700 4th Ave S Birmingham, AL 35233

7am: Walk Up Registration Open 
7am: Already registered but need packet and bib? Visit the check-in table 
8:00am: 5K Race Kick Off
8:10am: 1 Mile Fun Run Kick Off
9:10: Awards Ceremony

What is Red Shoe Run: Rockin' 5K?

Red Shoe Run is an annual celebration of family, fundraising and awareness for Ronald McDonald House Alabama.

Can I dress up? 

The fan favorite theme is back for another year as our "Rockin’ 5K" and we encourage runners to wear a fun costume! There will be an award for the best costume. 

Is the Red Shoe Run: Rockin' 5K and 1-Mile fun run a run or walk?

Both! We encourage runner and walkers of all abilities to participate. 

Can I transfer between races? 

No, race transfers are not available.

Is Red Shoe Run: Rockin' 5K a timed event?

Yes, the timing chip is located on the backside of your bib number for all in-person 5K participants. On race day, all in-person 5K participants' race time will be recorded. Times will be available online and in-person 5K participants will be eligible for awards.

What is included with my entry fee? 

Red Shoe Run: Rockin' 5K t-shirt, entry into the race, and post-race refreshment (water, fruit, and granola bar). 

What is included in my race packet?

For all in-person participants: Red Shoe Run: Rockin' 5K t-shirt and race bib. The race bib must be worn on the front t-shirt on the day of the race. For all snoozers: Red Shoe Run: Rockin' 5K t-shirt. Be on the lookout for a virtual race packet to include important race details - this will be sent via email. 

When will I receive my race packet?

For all in-person participants, curbside packet pick up will be offered on Thursday, 4/09 and Friday, 4/10 at Ronald McDonald House (1700 4th Ave S.) 11am-6pm and is highly encouraged to help minimize crowd congestion on race day. For all virtual participants, the race packet will be mailed in a timely manner. 

What are the post-race refreshments?

Post race refreshments will include water, fruit, and granola bars. 

Can I wear headphones? 

Runner safety is a top priority. Please be alert and mindful of race personnel and other participants to ensure a safe and enjoyable race for everyone.

Can I use a stroller? 

Yes, but please start in the back of the runners and walkers. If you are participating with strollers and/or children, we ask that you keep your children with you at all times. This will allow your family members, and our other participants, a safer race experience. We ask that all persons (including children) who participate in the 5K or Fun Run be a registered participant. A registered participant has paid the registration fee and a waiver has been signed on their behalf. The only exception would be a baby that remains in a stroller for the duration of the 5K or Fun Run.

What happens if it rains on race day?

Red Shoe Run: Rockin' 5K will occur rain or shine, warm or cold. We reserve the right to cancel in extreme circumstances. In that event, there will be no refunds, rather, your entry fee will be used as a donation to Ronald McDonald House Alabama.

What time should I arrive?

Arrive early! Limited parking is available at various parking lots. We strongly encourage carpooling! The 5K will begin promptly at 8:00am and the 1-mile fun run will begin at 8:10am. 

Will there be awards?

Yes! Overall and age group awards will be presented for participants with a timing chip (5K participants).

 

Getting Started

To begin, become a fundraiser as an individual. You will receive additional support from Ronald McDonald House Alabama Staff and Volunteers to assist with fundraising efforts. All individual fundraisers who agree to raise a minimum of $500 during the registration process will be given the option to receive a refund for a portion of their race registration fee once the goal has been met. 

• Lead by example: make a self-donation to show your commitment to our mission.

• Update your personal fundraising webpage with your story - your reason for participating in Red Shoe Run.

• Send pre-written emails from your Fundraiser Page to ask for support from friends, family, and coworkers.

• Use an online platform or program to host a virtual game night, bake sale, class, or other fundraising event.

• Tap into your social network by starting a Facebook Fundraiser. 

 

Special Awards

Our special awards for individuals include:

• House Hero MVP (top individual fundraiser) 

• Best Costume

• All individual participants who raise at least $100 will be entered into a drawing for our Appreciation Award and will receive a Swag Bag filled with lots of goodies. 

 

Once you have created your team, contact Hope Ryer: hryer@ronaldmcdonaldhouseal.org for fundraising resources or take a look at our toolkit here.

2025 Race Awards:

Overall and age group awards will be presented for in-person 5K participants. 

• Top 3 Overall Male/Female
• Overall Masters Male/Female
• Top 3 Male/Female Age Group Awards (14 and under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+)

Overall and age-group awards will not be duplicated. 

2025 Team & Fundraiser Award Categories:

• Extra Mile Award (largest team) 
• House Heroes Award (1st place fundraising team) 
• Most Enthusiastic (best team spirit) 
• Corporate Challenge Week Winner 

2025 Team Incentives & Perks: 

• When a team hits their fundraising goal, the team captain becomes eligible to receive Ronald McDonald House Alabama swag
• Team roll-call during awards ceremony
• VIP Table seating 10+Members 
• Complimentary sign 10+ Members 
• Recognition on RSR Facebook event page 

2025 Individual Award Categories: 

• House Hero MVP (top individual fundraiser) 
• Best Costume

2025 Individual Incentives: 

• All individual participants who raise at least $100 will be entered into a drawing for our Appreciation Award. 

Create a Company Team 

Employees from companies of all sizes can make a difference by participating in Red Shoe Run. Benefits include:

• Team-building - A Run/Walk team is a fun way to create camaraderie in your office!

• Networking - Encourages co-workers to meet peers from other departments.

• Leadership skills - Employees can volunteer to act as Team Captains.

• Health and wellness - Encourages co-workers to get out and run/walk on event day.

• Philanthropy - By participating in Red Shoe Run, you're keeping a family close to their sick or injured child free of charge and giving back to a critical cause in your community. 

Create a Friends & Family Team

Friends and Family Teams are at the heart of Red Shoe Run, and they often stretch beyond immediate friends and family to include neighbors, community organizations, religious groups, civic groups and schools. Regardless of who joins, forming a Friends and Family team is an effective way to bring even more awareness and funds to fuel our mission. At the same time, team members can get involved in the community and move toward their personal health and wellness goals.

Getting Started

To begin, have someone register as a Team Captain. All team captains will receive additional support from Ronald McDonald House Alabama Staff and Volunteers to assist with fundraising efforts.

• Lead by example: make a self-donation to show your commitment to our mission. 

• Update your personal fundraising webpage with your story - your reason for participating in Red Shoe Run. 

• Send pre-written emails from your Fundraiser Page to ask for support from friends, family, and coworkers. 

• Use an online platform or program to host a virtual game night, bake sale, class, or other fundraising event. 

• Tap into your social network by starting a Facebook Fundraiser. 

Team Perks 

Rockin’ Roadies: 1-8 group members

• Team liaison 

• Recognition on RSU page

• On site kickoff *location depending*

Rising Stars: 9-24 group members:

• Race liaison 

• Complimentary team signs

• Team recognition on stage

• Team recognition on RSU page

• On site kickoff *location depending*

Headliner Heroes: 25 and up group members:

• Race liaison 

• Complimentary team signs

• Team recognition on stage

• Team recognition on RSU page

• Team recognition on RMHCA page 

• On site kickoff *location depending*

All Team Captains receive Ronald McDonald House Alabama swag!

Please note: to receive event day perks, teams must hit their fundraising goal by Tuesday, April 1, 2026.

Special Awards 

• Extra Mile Team Award (most team members)

• House Heroes Award (top fundraising team)

• Most Enthusiastic Award (most team spirited)

• All individual participants who raise at least $100 will be entered into a drawing for our Appreciation Award and will receive an Ronald McDonald House Alabama Swag Bag filled with lots of goodies

Once you have created your team, contact Hope Ryer, Events Coordinator, at hryer@ronaldmcdonaldhouseal.org for fundraising resources or you can find a toolkit here. 

 

In-Person 1 Mile Fun Run: T-Shirt

In-Person 5K Run/Walk: T-Shirt

Red Shoe Snoozer: T-Shirt