The 2027 Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K takes place March 13 in Birmingham, Alabama, at Hoover's Veterans Park. The in-person 5K starts at 9:00 AM, with entry fees between $20 and $30. If you can't travel to the venue, the race offers a virtual participation option, allowing you to complete the 5K on your own schedule and location. This memorial race combines the competitive 5K with a family fun day component, making it a community-focused event. Whether you prefer the structure of a timed local race or the flexibility of virtual participation, this event accommodates both racing styles.
From the Race Organizer
The 13th Annual #Judy5K will be held on Saturday, March 13! Run, walk, or sleep in to support our great students, as all proceeds from this race go to scholarships for JSCC students in need. All are invited to enjoy fun activities including free popcorn, cotton candy, and other tasty treats! PLUS a DJ, face painting, and more! The annual Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K is held in honor of Jefferson State Community College’s former president Dr. Judy M. Merritt. Serving as President for 35 years, she was the first female president of an Alabama college; her leadership and vision were unparalleled. Judy, as she preferred to be called, embodied the spirit of Jefferson State and our mission to serve all in our community. “While the dream for many has been achieved, the fight for pathways to education, equality, and inclusion continues.” ~ Judy M. Merritt Medals will be awarded as follows: 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place Top Male & Female Overall Top male and female runners in the following categories: 12 & Under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+ Date : March 13, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. Price : 5K - $20 if registered by February 12; $25 if registered February 13 - March 12; $30 if registered on March 13 (day of race) $15 for College Students and Ages 18 and under - Use Code STUDENT at Checkout Out of state but still want to support? Want to sleep in on race day? Just want the T-shirt? Choose the Sleep In 5k / Virtual Challenge! Price: Sleep In 5k / Virtual Challenge - $15 5K participants and Virtual Challenge/Sleep In 5K participants will receive a swag bag, including the race day shirt (*T-Shirt - only guaranteed if registered before February 12th). Location: Hoover's Veterans Park, 4800 Valleydale Road, Birmingham, AL 35242 Packet Pick Up: Thursday, March 11th, between 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m., and Friday, March 12th, between 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Packet pickup is in the lobby of the Judy M. Merritt Health Science building on JSCC's Shelby-Hoover campus, located across from Veterans Park at the corner of Valleydale Road and Jaguar Drive. Packets will also be available for pickup on race day, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. at the Veterans Park Pavilion. All runners should be checked in by 8:30 a.m . Award Ceremony: Winners will be announced, and medals awarded around 10:30 a.m. at the pavilion. https://www.jeffersonstate.edu/5k/
Hotels Near This Race
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2027 Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K & Family Fun Day 2027 — Birmingham, AL
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for March 13.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Birmingham, AL.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is 2027 Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K & Family Fun Day 2027 — Birmingham, AL?
2027 Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K & Family Fun Day 2027 — Birmingham, AL takes place on March 13, 2027. The race is held in Birmingham, Alabama.
Where is 2027 Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K & Family Fun Day 2027 — Birmingham, AL held?
2027 Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K & Family Fun Day 2027 — Birmingham, AL is held at Hoover's Veterans Park in Birmingham, Alabama.
Where can I find hotels near 2027 Judy M. Merritt Memorial 5K & Family Fun Day 2027 — Birmingham, AL?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Birmingham. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
