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| Event | Distance | When | Entry fee | Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday, Oct 5, 2026 | ||||
| Free Couch to 5K Training | 5K | Oct 5, 20269:00 AM | Free | – |
| Saturday, Dec 12, 2026 | ||||
| Y It Matters 5K | 5K | Dec 12, 20268:00 AM | $40$45 after Oct 1, 2026 | – |
| Y It Matters 5K - Sleep-In Option | 5K | Dec 12, 20268:00 AM | $30$35 after Oct 1, 2026 | – |
| Y It Matters Fun Run | Kids | Dec 12, 20269:00 AM | $20$25 after Oct 1, 2026 | – |
Entry fees exclude processing fees. Prices and dates come from the race's registration page and refresh nightly.
The 5K fee goes up to $45 on Oct 1, 2026.
Online registration closes Dec 12, 2026, unless the race fills first.
A typical finisher at a 5K in Birmingham runs 36:28, about 11:44 a mile, based on 29 races with published results. Women typically finish in 39:53 and men in 30:38.
Sunrise on race morning is at about 6:43 AM, and the Free Couch to 5K Training starts at 9:00 AM. The start sits about 630 feet above sea level.
Fees exclude processing fees. Comparisons use current entry fees and published results from races nearby.
Starting line will be on 1st Ave between Regions Field and Railroad Park, Birmingham, AL 35233
The pin marks the address the race lists, which is usually the start. The organizers have not shared a course map with us yet.
Aggregated from official results for Y It Matters 5K & Fun Run. Individual finisher names are not stored here.
In 2025, the fastest tenth finished in 22:59 or better, the top quarter in 28:05, and half the field in 34:47; the last tenth came in after 52:01.
| Age | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Under 20 | 26:39 | 21:44 |
| 20-29 | 24:52 | 22:23 |
| 30-39 | 25:50 | 22:08 |
| 40-49 | 25:22 | 20:28 |
| 50-59 | 30:38 | 28:45 |
| 60-69 | 34:46 | 29:00 |
| 70+ | n/a | 43:45 |
Groups with fewer than five finishers are left out. Awards vary by race; check the race's rules.
Where a finish time would have placed in 2025.
Up 188 percent since 2021.
All events combined, from official results.
From 2021 to 2025, the field went from 96 to 276 finishers, and the median time rose from 31:51 to 34:47.
| Year | Finishers | Median | Fastest tenth | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 276 (+48%) | 34:47 | under 22:59 | 17:37 |
| 2024 | 187 (-1%) | 32:31 | under 23:05 | 16:45 |
| 2023 | 188 (+3%) | 31:45 | under 23:43 | 16:38 |
| 2022 | 183 (+91%) | 30:49 | under 21:33 | 18:06 |
| 2021 | 96 | 31:51 | under 22:49 | 17:21 |
From each year's official results for the 5K; virtual options are left out.
About average for Alabama 5Ks
The fastest quarter of the 2025 5K field finished under 28:05, against 28:29 in a typical Alabama 5K, so times here are about average.
Compares the fastest quarter of each field, so walkers and first-timers do not skew it. It reflects the course and the field together: a flat course, cool weather, or a competitive crowd all make times faster.
Around October 5 the day usually runs from 62°F at dawn to 79°F in the afternoon, with measurable rain on about 9% of days. Cold snaps dip to 53°F and hot years reach 84°F.
Based on 75 days within a week of the date over the last 5 years, from historical weather for the start area. Not a forecast.
What the organizers of Y It Matters 5K & Fun Run cover on their registration page, in brief.
Schedule and packet pickup
Entry Fees for Y It Matters 5K. Team and Individual Race Pricing: $40 – October 10 - December 12, 2025. $45 – December 13, 2025 (Race Day). Entry Fees for Y It Matters 5K. Team and Individual Race Pricing: $15– October 10 - December 12…
Organize this race? Add details or a correction
Saturday, December 12, 2026, 8am
5K Race Fee: Starting at $40
Fun Run Race Fee: Starting at $25
YMCA members receive and YMCA will receive a discount: More info to come.
To be guaranteed a shirt, you must register by Friday, Nov. 13, 2026
Sleep in registration available. If you do not want to participate on race day but want to support the Y and get a race T-shirt, we are happy for the support. Shirts must be picked up prior to event day at packet pickup.
Payment: Credit cards are the only accepted form of payment. No cash or checks will be accepted.
Please note there is a processing fee and sales tax associated with each entry.