Medal Madness at Gadsden, AL (26) 2026
Best For: Repetitive loop lovers and trail runners who don't mind a mental grind.
Course Character: Flat, repetitive pea gravel loops.
Logistics Score: ⭐⭐⭐
Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
---
This isn't a scenic tour of Alabama; it's a grit test. Because the course relies on short out-and-back loops, you’ll be seeing the same trees and the same spectators dozens of times, which is either meditative or maddening depending on your headspace. If you want a "journey" race, look elsewhere; if you want a low-cost, high-medal-count grind, this is your spot.
Medal Madness at Gadsden, AL (26) 2026 takes place on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Gadsden, United States. The event offers 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon distances. It is a specialized trail event held at James Martin Trail Park, characterized by its repetitive loop structure.
What is the terrain actually like?
Don't expect technical singletrack or muddy roots. This is a pea gravel trail course, which means it’s relatively predictable but can get dusty or slick depending on the recent rain. The catch is the repetition: the 5K and 10K are essentially short out-and-back segments repeated multiple times, and the Half Marathon is a 1.09-mile loop done six times. You can check the specific routes on Mapmyrun ↗ and Mapmyrun ↗. It’s a "rhythm" course—great for pacing, terrible if you struggle with monotony.
How much am I going to sweat?
You need to prepare for the Alabama summer. Running in Gadsden in late June means high humidity and temperatures that will climb rapidly after the 8:00 AM start. Since you are on gravel, there is very little shade on the loops. Wear lightweight, moisture-wicking gear and don't skimp on electrolyte supplementation. This is a "heat management" race as much as a running race.
What are my options for distance?
You have three choices: a 5K, a 10K, or a 13.1M (Half Marathon). All distances start at 8:00 AM. If you want to test your mental toughness, go for the Half; if you just want to enjoy a quick trail blast before the heat becomes unbearable, the 5K is the smartest play. Note that there is a 3-hour and 30-minute time limit for the event.
What will it cost me to enter?
The pricing is remarkably fair for a trail event, though you’ll need to move fast as the event is currently listed as sold out. The 5K is $30, the 10K is $45, and the Half Marathon is $65. There is a significant discount for youth (ages 1–15) at just $5 across all distances, making it a decent budget option for families.