Helping Hands Half Marathon / 5K
Muscle Shoals' Helping Hands Half Marathon offers a fast, flat course with growing community support.
Race Date
Oct 24, 2026
Location
Muscle Shoals, AL
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Location
- Muscle Shoals, Alabama
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 5,400
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Helping Hands Half Marathon in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, has become a fixture for runners seeking a fast, flat course. Now in its third edition, the race has seen significant growth, with recent fields approaching 5,144 finishers, a notable increase from its median of around 265.
Runners from approximately seven states make the trip to this USATF-certified course, which boasts a minimal elevation change, making it a prime candidate for personal bests. The event is held at Bank Independent's Team Campus, offering a new and accessible starting point.
With a repeat-runner loyalty rate of about 21%, the Helping Hands Half Marathon is building a dedicated following. The event also includes a 5K, catering to a broader range of participants. This growing race offers a well-organized experience with a focus on a smooth, speedy run.
Race-provided description
Join us for this year's Helping Hands Half Marathon and 5K on Saturday, October 24th in a NEW LOCATION!! Beginning this year, our event will be held at Bank Independent's Team Campus located at 530 Reservation Road, Muscle Shoals, AL 35661.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Start Time
7:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
530 Reservation Road, Muscle Shoals, AL, 35661
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
AL24018JE · Helping Hands Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Standout684 years running
~265 finishers a year
shrinking
34% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources
runners from 9 states
winner 1:14:53
typical high 75°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
53°
Afternoon (High)
75°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.1"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
66%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 5,400 finishers actually crossed the line across 4 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
5,400
Median time
2:09:51
Latest turnout
235
States
18
Turnout by year
2023–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Helping Hands Half Marathon / 5K?
The Helping Hands Half Marathon / 5K was held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the Helping Hands Half Marathon / 5K take place?
It takes place in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.
What distances does the Helping Hands Half Marathon / 5K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K.
Is the Helping Hands Half Marathon / 5K course flat and good for a PR?
The Helping Hands Half Marathon / 5K is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Helping Hands Half Marathon / 5K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 5,400 runners who have completed the Helping Hands Half Marathon / 5K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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