MADISON- An array of entertaining and competitive road races is on the schedule for runners of all ages and caliber of running talents. Fleet Feet of Madison and Huntsville, along with the Huntsville Track Club, have orchestrated a tremendous yearly second-half schedule of events along with training programs in an attempt to prepare all runners for the quest of a successful outing.

The bevy of running related events for the late summer and fall begin with the annual “Running of the Bulls” on Aug. 26 beginning at 8:00 a.m. near Tortora’s in Hampton Cove with the finish line located at Hampton Cove Middle School. Proceeds from the race go to the Hampton Cove Middle School P.T.A. The run is comprised of a 5K and 1-mile fun run.

Fleet Feet will host its own “Fall Fitness Festival” on Sept. 9 at Hays Farm near Grissom High in South Huntsville. Numerous vendors will be on hand in health-related areas while the festival will include a fun run, kids run and community bicycle ride. Also on board will be yard games and food trucks. The event is free.

October 14 is the date for the annual Fleet Feet “Monte Sano 15K” and 1-mile fun run. The race begins at 7:30 a.m. at Monte Sano United Methodist Church.

The annual “Liz Hurley Ribbon Run 5K” is scheduled for Oct. 21 at 8:00 a.m. with the start at Huntsville Middle School. The “No Boundaries” training program for the event is set to begin Aug. 23 with the eight-week training to include runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:00 p.m. leading up to the Oct. 21 Ribbon Run. The program knows no shape, size or speed. Contact Suzanne Swift via e-mail: suzanne@fleetfeethuntsville.com. Fee is $100.

Training kicks off Aug. 27, 1:30 p.m. at Oak Park in Huntsville for the Oct. 29 “Oak Park Challenge.” Fee for the eight-week training schedule is $100. The trail event is highly regarded in the area and the proper trail running techniques will be taught as part of the training regimen. Contact suzanne@fleetfeethuntsville.com.

November 4 is the date of the “Huntsville Half-Marathon.” The 8:00 a.m. start will be held at Hillwood Baptist Church. Contact Jose Garcia Aponte at 407-412-2327 for details.

The “Dizzy Fifties Trail Run” will be held at Monte Sano State Park at 7:00 a.m. on Nov. 18. Limit 125 runners for this event. Call Clay Self at 256-797-3625 for details.

The 2023 “Ditto Landing 10K” is Nov. 26 at 8:00 a.m. and the “Rocket City 10K, Mural 5K and Kids Marathon” on Dec. 9 in downtown Huntsville. Training sessions will be held both Madison and Huntsville locations of Fleet Feet. Kickoff for training at the Madison location of Fleet Feet is Sept. 27 with sessions officially getting underway Monday, Oct. 2 at 6:00 a.m. In Huntsville, kickoff for training will be held Sept. 28 with actual training starting Oct. 3, 6:00 p.m. at the Huntsville location of Fleet Feet. Fee is $125.

The annual “Rocket City Marathon” will be held Dec. 10 this year in downtown Huntsville. Coaches will be available for the marathon training program which kicks off Saturday, Sept 9 at 6:00 a.m. Regular training runs will be held on Tuesdays at 6:00 a.m. or 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 6:00 a.m. Training schedule lasts 14 weeks. Cost is $200 and includes personalized training intensities. The program will also host training for the “Rocket City Half-Marathon” also held on Dec. 10. Contact Fleet Feet for details.

The 2023 schedule will conclude with the “Recover From The Holiday 50K” at 8:00 a.m. at John Hunt Park in Huntsville. Call 256-565-2926 to register for this popular holiday running favorite.