Birmingham Wine 10K

I have nothing but good things to say about this race! This is my second year running it; the first I was just a participant. This past year, however, I was a race ambassador and got some unique insight into how hard the organizers work to make everything happen. The result is an absolutely electric atmosphere that fosters a real sense of community for local and visiting runners. The start line takes on a more serious edge with everyone gearing up to run. This addictive energy is kept up through out the course with well placed cheer groups and water stops. Finally, the post-race village welcomes you to the finish with music, massages and refreshments (wine, of course, but also grilled cheese, breakfast burritos and plenty of water!). Every year they bring in a big name in the running community to pace a group. My first year, Emma Coburn came and this year they brought Meb Keflezighi. Due to the congenial nature of this race, you find your self casually rubbing elbows with these running celebrities. I was easily able to chat and take pictures with both Emma and Meb. The course is net downhill and USATF certified, so runners looking for some good qualifying times should definitely check this race out. It is also well marked and blocked off from traffic. I always feel incredibly safe running this course. My only word of advice (and why I rated the course 4 stars instead of 5) is to be careful during the first half! It winds through a neighborhood with quite a few hills. Although the course is net downhill, going too fast at the beginning can set you up for some hurt at the end! Long story short, I LOVE the Birmingham Wine 10k! The organizers are amazing, the atmosphere is amazing and, when run smart, the course is pretty great too! I recommend any runner of any skill level to get down to Birmingham, AL and try this one out!

This race is top notch. Pros: 1) In addition to race day packet pickup, they have 3 days of rerace packet pickup that you can take advantage of. 2) They always have a big name guest in attendance. Of particular note they have had 2 olympic medalists (Meb and Emma Coburn). They pulled duty as a pacer during the race, handed out the awards at the end, and were available for photo opportunies.3) Post race mimosas, wine, breakfast burritos, and the best grilled cheeses ever! I know there was more but there was so much going on that those were the only things I grabbed. 4) The buses that shuttle you to the starting line are comfortable and run often back and forth. I had no issues at all!5) Bag drop at the start so you can take extra clothes, shoes, etc with you on the bus, drop it off at the bag check, and retrieve it after you finish. 6) This is a fast net downhill course and it is well marked. Note, it is NOT flat but it is net downhill. My first year I took net downhill to mean flat or downhill the entire time...there are some rolling hills in miles 2 and 3 but they are not bad. It is downhill or flat all the way after mile 3. 7) The race is backed by Lululemon and they gave out free clothes based on certain criteria. This year it was every 100th finisher. 8) The medals are LARGE and high quality. I probably have over 100 medals hanging on my walls and this one is the prettiest of them all.9) Looking for some competition? I'm normally a top age group finisher in local Birmingham races but at Wine 10k I was humbled back to 12th! That means there is plenty of competition to help push you to a shiny new PR. Don't be intimidated if you are a slower runner, this race is a load of fun for all ability levels. Come walk it and enjoy the after party!1 and only Con: 1) Parking is a little tight at the finish line. I recommend you get there early enough to find a spot.