Dash through the Botanical Gardens

Runners will weave their way through the trails of Alabama’s largest-living museum rain or shine on Nov. 16.

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ 67.5 acres boasts miles of shaded paths, making it an ideal location for a fall run. Along the way, runners will pass more than 12,000 varieties of plants that line the trails as well as the largest public horticulture library in the U.S. and multiple specialized gardens, such as the Southern Living garden.

Proceeds from the race go to a good cause, explained Gardens Public Relations Coordinator Blake Ells.

“Funds raised help The Gardens achieve its educational mission with programs like Discovery Field Trips, which has provided a free, curriculum-based science education to Birmingham City Schools for a decade,” he said.

Little ones can participate, too. Birmingham Botanical Gardens invites children 7-17 to take join the Family Walk. Kids 6 and under are free.

After the run, an awards ceremony will take place at around 9:30 a.m. in the Gardens’ parking lot. Be sure to register ahead as day-of registration is not available.

5K registration is $25 before Nov. 15. The 1-Mile Family Walk is $20 for adults and $15 for ages 7-17.

Pickup will be at Trak Shack in Homewood on Friday, Nov. 15 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Weather permitting, there will be a tent outside.

Dirt Dash

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Nov. 16

8 a.m. 5K Fun Run

9 a.m. 1 mile Family Walk

Visit bbgardens.org/funrun.php.