Cahaba Medical Care 5K
About the Event
Join us for the 13th Annual Cahaba Medical Care 5K—formerly known as the Watermelon Run / Rockets & Rapids 5K—on Saturday, July 11th in Centreville, Alabama!
This annual tradition brings our community together for something bigger than a race. It’s a chance to move with purpose, to show up for one another, and to support the health and well-being of families across the communities we serve.
Whether you’re running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, every step you take helps make care more accessible—and more complete—for those who need it most.
THE NEED WE'RE RUNNING TOWARD:
You can’t be healthy if you’re hungry.
This year, the Cahaba 5K is raising money, food, and awareness to support our food pantries and nutrition programs across both rural and urban communities—because access to food is essential to health.
FOOD IS GOOD MEDICINE
Food insecurity isn’t abstract. It shows up in exam rooms every single day:
- Parents skipping meals so their kids can eat
- Children not getting enough nutrition to grow and learn
- Patients struggling to manage chronic illness without reliable access to food
- Families forced to choose between groceries and medication That's why
That's why Cahaba has made food access part of healthcare itself.
Where Your Support Goes
Every registration, donation, and food item collected helps support:
- Food pantries serving local neighborhoods
- Mobile food programs reaching families in rural areas
- Registered dietitians working directly with patients in clinic settings
- Nutrition support integrated into primary care
This is what we mean when we say food is medicine—not just an idea, but something we practice every day.
ABOUT CAHABA MEDICAL CARE: Cahaba Medical Care is a nonprofit Community Health Center with 27 clinic locations throughout Central Alabama in Bibb, Perry, Chilton, Jefferson, Wilcox, and Shelby Counties. We’re headquartered in Centreville, Alabama, approximately two blocks from the Cahaba River. Founded in 2004, we’re celebrating 22 joyful years of service to our communities!
ABOUT THE EVENT: The Cahaba Medical Care 5K welcomes participants of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you're chasing a personal best, competing for an age group award, or completing your very first race, there’s a place for you here.
**New this year!** We’re offering a Fun Run/Walk option for anyone who wants to join the fun without the pressure of being timed. It’s perfect for families, beginners, or anyone just looking to enjoy the experience. Fun Walk Registration is just $20 and includes a meal and a race shirt!
The course begins and ends at the Cahaba Medical Care Community Center, crossing the beautiful Cahaba River twice and winding through scenic views and historic uptown Centreville. Along the way, you’ll find hydration stations to help you beat the summer heat.
After you cross the finish line, stick around for:
- Ice-cold watermelon slices
- A delicious post-race meal
- Celebration on the Green festivities with vendors and activities
- A spectacular Independence Day fireworks show at 9PM
The Cahaba Medical Care 5K is now a USA Track & Field Certified Course! USATF Track ID: AL22021JE
Race Map and Cue Sheet on Strava!
**Make sure to take advantage of our Early Bird Registration - only $30 if you register by May 31st!
For sponsorship information, please contact Courtney Allen at courtney.allen@cahabamedicalcare.com.
Join fellow runners on July 11, 2026 for the Cahaba Medical Care 5K. It's a fantastic 5K featuring a flat and fast course in Centreville.
Races Offered
Running
Cahaba Medical Care 5K
EVENT SCHEDULE: Same-day registration will be available from 5:00-6:00 PM at the Cahaba Medical Care tent on the front lawn of the Community Center. All pre-registered participants must check in at the Cahaba Medical Care tent by 6:30 PM. Directly across from the Community Center will be the Celebration on the Green, which starts at 5:00 PM and includes vendors, food, live music, games, and other fun activities! The 5K will start promptly at 7:00 PM. Racers should be in place at the starting line by 6:45 PM. The awards ceremony will take place between 8:15 and 8:30 PM, and be sure to stick around for the Independence Day Fireworks Show at 9:00 PM! PARKING: Parking will be available in front of the Olon Heights Shopping Center located at 155 Birmingham Road. If needed, additional parking is available at Cahaba Medical Care (405 Belcher Street) and neighboring Bibb Medical Center (208 Pierson Avenue). COURSE/ROUTE INFO: From the starting line, racers will run west and make their way around the block, up through the Hospital Campus and onto Pierson Avenue. Crossing Birmingham Road will be assisted by volunteers and the local police department, where they will then take a left onto Park Drive and make their way through the Bibb County High School Campus along the Cahaba River. Runners will find the first water station behind the Bibb County Chamber of Commerce and take a left onto Walnut Street to cross the Cahaba River, then run a short but steep incline into the heart of historic uptown Centreville. (Note: There will be volunteers and/or a local policeman helping runners through the traffic light just over the bridge.) Runners will then turn around just past The Studio and the second water station and come back down the hill toward Cahaba Medical Care and the Bibb Medical Center campus. Racers will turn right by the Chamber of Commerce and make their way down to the scenic Cahaba Riverwalk trail. Just after passing the scenic overlook and canoe launch, they'll take a left to go back behind the school and back onto Park Drive. Runners will then cross over Birmingham Road again, make a left, and then a quick right onto Nicholson Ave. Runners will continue on Nicholson as they make their way past Cahaba Medical Care, BMC, and the Nursing Home, then take a left onto Library Street for one block, then another left onto Alexander Avenue. The finish line will be just up ahead near 195 Hospital Drive where the race began. The FINISH LINE will be just before the intersection of Alexander Avenue and Hospital Drive. Racers will be able to rest up, hydrate and enjoy cold watermelon slices and a delicious meal at the final station located on the front lawn of the "old" Cahaba Medical Care, now serving as the Cahaba Community Center.
Walking
5K Fun Walk (Participants will NOT be timed)
All pre-registered participants must check in at the Cahaba Medical Care tent by 6:30 PM. Directly across from the Community Center will be the Celebration on the Green, which starts at 5:00 PM and includes vendors, food, live music, games, and other fun activities! The 5K & Fun Walk will start promptly at 7:00 PM. Participants should be in place at the starting line by 6:45 PM. Fun Walk participants will NOT be timed, and therefore, will not be eligible for awards. PARKING: Parking will be available in front of the Olon Heights Shopping Center located at 155 Birmingham Road. If needed, additional parking is available at Cahaba Medical Care (405 Belcher Street) and neighboring Bibb Medical Center (208 Pierson Avenue).
About Centreville
Cahaba Medical Care 5K takes place in Centreville, Alabama, United States. The local timezone is America/Chicago.
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Race information has been sourced from the event's official website and other publicly available resources. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official website directly. If you notice any incorrect or missing information, don't hesitate to reach out to us by email.
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