Boulevard Blast returns to Norwood

Take a run — or walk — through one of Birmingham’s historic neighborhoods this month with the Boulevard Blast 5K in Norwood.

This year’s Boulevard Blast will be Sept. 24, with the 5K beginning at 9 a.m. and the one-mile fun run and walk beginning at 9:30 a.m. The 5K path runs through the Norwood neighborhood of downtown Birmingham, featuring tree-lined streets and century-old homes. 

The run is part of the Norwood Resource Center’s “Get Healthy on the Boulevard” program. Other elements of the healthy living program include learning community gardens and a fresh produce market. The 5K has had Mountain Brook participants and organizers, including from St. Luke’s Episcopal, involved for many years.

This is Boulevard Blast’s third year. Prior to the race, there will be food vendors and family activities including Zumba and line dancing. Runners and walkers with strollers are welcome but asked to line up at the back of the start line.

In October 2015, the Norwood Resource Center experienced a fire that destroyed part of their building. Proceeds this year will fund Norwood’s community programs, including the Get Healthy program, a variety of classes and utility bill assistance, as well as efforts to help the center recover from the fire.

Registration is $30 on raceroster.com and free for kids ages 5 and younger. Go to norwoodresourcecenter.org or email jlittle@norwoodresourcecenter.org for more information.