The Sam Lapidus Montclair Run

The 50th Annual Sam Lapidus Montclair Run

Lace up your running shoes and join us for a historic milestone! This Thanksgiving marks the 50th annual Sam Lapidus Montclair Run (SLMR). What began in 1976 as the Montclair Run has grown over five decades into one of Alabama's most cherished holiday traditions, bringing together families, neighbors, and out-of-town visitors.

Running for a Reason: Honoring Sam's Legacy
While we celebrate 50 years of this incredible community event, we also run with deep purpose. In 2009, the event was renamed to honor Sam Lapidus, who lost his battle with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a form of childhood cancer, in November 2008—just nine days before his 15th birthday.

To honor his memory, $5 of every runner’s registration is donated directly to the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s of Alabama. To date, the Levite Jewish Community Center (LJCC) has raised and donated more than $100,000 to support this vital organization.

Today, the SLMR welcomes approximately 1,500 runners of all ages, serving as a pillar of local opportunity, community well-being, and Thanksgiving tradition.

Event Details & Awards

• A Festive Tradition: In honor of our 50th year, come dressed to celebrate! Awards will be given to our creative friends who arrive best-dressed in costume.
• Guaranteed Shirt Deadline: To ensure we remain excellent stewards of our community funds, there is a registration cutoff for a guaranteed event t-shirt. Register by November 10, 2026, to guarantee your 50th-anniversary shirt in your preferred size. Remaining shirt inventory will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis after this date.

About the Levite Jewish Community Center
With “Community” as our middle name, the LJCC takes immense pride in being an active partner to the broader Birmingham area. We make it our daily responsibility to serve, enhance, and uplift our neighbors through high-quality fitness, recreational, and educational programming.

Located on 70 beautiful, wooded acres off Montclair Road, our facility is open to the entire community. As a proud recipient of Birmingham Jewish Federation and United Way dollars, we impact thousands of residents annually through:

• A premier fitness center, dozens of weekly group classes, and personal training.
• Aquatics facilities, including indoor and outdoor pools, a baby pool, and swim programs.
• A scenic five-mile hiking and biking trail.
• A highly respected early childhood education program, summer camps, and year-round youth activities.

Packet Pick-Up Information
Location: Levite Jewish Community Center (3960 Montclair Road, Birmingham, AL 35213)

• Pre-Race Packet Pick-Up (Main Lobby): Wednesday, November 25 | 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Race Day Packet Pick-Up (Wood Gym): Thursday, November 26 | 7 a.m. – 8 a.m.

Be a part of Birmingham history—register today to secure your spot in the 50th annual milestone run!

Join fellow runners on November 26, 2026 for the The Sam Lapidus Montclair Run. It's a fantastic 5K, 10K, 1.6K, Friends of Sam (Absentee Registration) featuring a flat and fast course in Birmingham.