In the Heat of the Night
About the race
This is a loop course on the Talladega Forest roads, surrounded by forest and the Pinhoti Trail. The race starts at the Frog Pond Overlook, an overlook for birds.
This was Alabama's first 100k trail race and the first night 100k trail race in the state.
Aid stations
This is a cupless event.
- There is an aid station at the start/finish.
- There are two full aid stations on the course.
- Drop bags are allowed at both aid stations for the 50k and 100k.
Perks, awards and finish
Shirts
- Each registrant receives a t-shirt, unless they opt out.
- Shirt deadline: July 13. Extra shirts are not ordered, so register early to guarantee one.
Awards
- Each finisher receives a handmade amulet for completing the distance they signed up for.
- Handmade awards go to the top three female and male finishers of each distance, awarded as they finish.
- Awards and eligibility apply only to the distance you signed up for.
- Runners who complete the 100k in consecutive years (counter clockwise and clockwise) earn the Double Down award when they finish the second year.
Hats
- 100k runners receive a BOCO Trucker hat, included with registration.
- All other distances can buy a hat at packet pickup.
- To preorder a hat, contact the organizer.
Finish line
The finish line has music, food and beverages. Spectators can stay to watch the sunrise and cheer the 100k runners in with a mimosa.
Packet pickup
Packet pickup is held on race day at the start from 3:45pm to 5:45pm.
Double Down challenge
Run the 100k in back-to-back years (clockwise and counter clockwise) to earn the Double Down award.
The course
100K
50K
25K
10K
The course is made up of maintained dirt and gravel forest roads for the entire loop. The direction of the course changes each year: in even years it runs counter clockwise, and in odd years it runs clockwise. The 10K is the only distance that does not run the loop; it runs up 3.1 miles, turns around and comes back down to the start/finish.
Location
City insight: Anniston
Anniston is the county seat of Calhoun County in Alabama, USA, and one of two principal cities of the Anniston–Oxford Metropolitan Statistical Area. Known as the Model City for its careful planning in the late nineteenth century, it sits on the slope of Blue Mountain. Summers are hot and humid, so spring and autumn are the best seasons to race.
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