Heritage Area Hustle Race Series
The Heritage Area Hustle Race Series, in its inaugural year, is MSNHA’s annual challenge and fundraiser designed to support MSNHA’s programs and projects related to outdoor recreation, arts & culture, and equity of access to natural and cultural resources.
Each of the three races occurs in one of the Shoals’ premier outdoor destinations. Participants of all three races also are recognized with a special medal after completing the final race of the year, the Shady Lady.
Explore details of each race below. Click the buttons to view each race’s website with course maps and to register for that race. Those interested in completing the series can register for each race separately or register with the series bundle option to save $5 on each race.
Date: Saturday, March 16, 2024
Location: University of North Alabama & Wildwood Park, Florence
The Bad Kitty is not a smooth “rails-to-trails” type event. It is called the Bad Kitty for a reason. Both 5k and 10k courses have curves, hills, uneven ground, roots, rocks, small water crossings, and a potential for muddy areas if it rains. The scenery is beautiful and inspiring with a mix of tall hardwoods and Cypress Creek bordering one side of the course in Wildwood Park.
Both courses will be marked with an aid station at the finish line in Wildwood Park. All distances will include about 1 mile of road running from the UNA Campus to the trails in Wildwood Park. The 10K will have around 5 miles of single-track trail. Sections of the course may be challenging. The 5K will include ~2 miles of less challenging trail. While this trail may be easier, it will still include hills and the same types of surfaces that may result in falling as the longer course. You also never know if Leo the Lion will escape from UNA and join us on the trails!
Event Schedule
8:30 AM – Race Day Check-in Starts
10:00 AM – 10K Start
10:15 AM — 5K Start
11:30 AM – Awards
All proceeds from the Bad Kitty Trail 5K & 10K will help support trail development projects and recreational programming in Wildwood Park.
Date: Saturday, June 22, 2024
Location: River Heritage Park, Florence, AL
Event Schedule
3:30 PM – Race Day Check-in Starts
5:00 PM – 5K Start
5:30 PM – 1-Mile Fun Run Start
6:00 PM – Awards
All proceeds from the Artsy Fartsy 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run will help support MSNHA arts-focused projects.
Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024
Location: Joe Wheeler State Park, Rogersville
You don’t need to be a lady to run in the League of Outdoor Women’s Shady Lady Trail Run! The race is open to men, women, children, aliens, kangaroos, etc. All of the funds raised go to support programming for the League of Outdoor Women, so come show the women in your life how much you want to support their outdoor adventures! As with the other races in the Heritage Area Hustle series, please feel free to run, walk, or otherwise complete the route as you see fit.
***The starting location and race day registration will be the Joe Wheeler Boat Ramp (not at the marina). From Highway 72, turn south onto McLean Drive. Drive 0.8 miles until reaching the First Creek Boat Ramp. Participants will meet at the Jimmy Sims Birding Trailhead.***
The trails at Joe Wheeler State Park are excellent for trail runs – they are relatively wide and well managed. Some elevation change on the trails is present and they are not maneuverable for strollers or wheelchairs not built for all-terrain navigation.
Event Schedule
7:30 AM – Race Day Check-in Starts
9:00 AM – Half Marathon Start
10:00 AM – 10K Start
10:30 AM – 5K Start
11:30 AM – Awards
All proceeds from the Shady Lady Trail 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon will help support the League of Outdoor Women. The League of Outdoor Women is a program of the Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area. LOW hosts monthly events in locations around northwest Alabama year-round and hosts a monthly LOW Book Club in Florence. Follow the League of Outdoor Women – LOW on Facebook to stay updated on all that we’ve got going on!
Volunteer for The Hustle
Get involved with our race series to meet new people, enjoy time exploring outdoors, help support natural & cultural resource conservation, and promote access to outdoor recreation in our community. We can’t make it happen without you.
Breakfast and coffee provided for all volunteers at our morning races (the Bad Kitty and Shady Lady Trail Runs). All volunteers will receive a free T-shirt for the race they volunteer! Email Programs Coordinator TJ Johnson (tjohnson34@una.edu) to get started.
Volunteer Roles
Registration
Help our Registration Staff greet and check-in racers and spectators. You also will assist with set-up and take down of our registration area. This job may require the use of a computer or app, but you will receive any needed training at the start of your shift.
On-Course
Water Station
Finish Line
Assist our team in celebrating and supporting racers as they cross the finish line. Be ready to give out plenty of high fives!
Heritage Area Hustle Sponsors & Vendors
Whether you are an individual looking to steward our local places and programs, a company looking to give back while exposing your brand to our conscientious audience, or a small business looking to share your goods, we have tax-deductible sponsorship and vendor opportunities that will fit your circumstances.
VENDORS – In addition to paying the $35 city permitting fee through the
“Become a Vendor” button above, you must also download, fill out, and email this Application for Vendor Permit form, along with a scanned copy of your business license to Programs Coordinator TJ Johnson (tjohnson34@una.edu), if registering as a vendor for the Bad Kitty or Artsy Fartsy. Vendor applications are due June 14!
Have Questions?
Need an answer to a question about a specific race, volunteer, or sponsorship opportunity? Email Programs Coordinator TJ Johnson (tjohnson34@una.edu).
