The Rocket City Marathon Weekend takes place at the Von Braun Center in downtown Huntsville, Alabama each year on the 2nd full weekend in December. 

The Rocket City 10K, 5K and 1 Mile Family Fun Run run on Saturday Morning and the Marathon and Half Marathon run on Sunday.

Yes, a parent or legal guardian must register runners under 18 so the parent/guardian can sign the waiver.

We have a limited packet pickup available on race day for a fee.  All fees are donated to the charity group that will be managing race day packet pickup.  This must be purchased in advance of picking up your packet! 

To purchase:

• • sign in to your RunSignUp account
  • go to your Profile
  • select Manage Registration
  • and then select Add-Ons.

Race day packet pickup will be from 5:30am - 8am on Sunday morning for those that purchased this option.

Yes. Pacers are available for the Marathon distance only.  See Pacers Info page for details

With multiple races starting at different times, the notion of cutoff times can be confusing. We will have different sets of sweepers for the early start and regular start, but here is a simple list of slowest pace times for each race.

Marathon Early Start (6am): 7 hour time limit = 16:01/mile

Marathon Regular Start (7am): 6 hour time limit = = 13:44/mile

Half-Marathon (9am): 4 hour time limit = 18:18/mile

10K (7am): 2 hour time limit = 19:19/mile

5K (9am): 1 hour time limit = 19:19/mile

• NOTE: Cutoff times are a reflection of roads re-opening and not having police support. If you are slower than the cutoff times, you will  need to move to the sidewalks and be careful crossing intersections. Course markings may be removed after the official sweepers so you should be prepared and know the course route. We will keep the finish line open as long as possible.

You can change your shirt size or other details of your registration through your RunSignup Profile. To accomplish this, sign in to your RunSignUp account, go to your Profile, select Manage Registration, and then select one of the following:

• Giveaway - to change your Shirt size
• Add-Ons - to order a Spectator Medal, ITab or Race Day Packet Pickup
• Questions - to adjust your answers to other registration questions (emergency contact, estimated finish time, etc)

Our policy clearly states that we do NOT offer refunds or deferrals.
You can transfer your registration, as a gift, to another runner BEFORE September 1st.  "Selling your bib" online is illegal. If you see this online it's most likely a scam.

You can switch from one race distance to another, provided there are still open spots in the race you are transferring into BEFORE December 1st. To accomplish this transfer, sign in to your RunSignUp account, go to your profile, select Manage Registration, and then select Transfer.

Registered participants can be found here: https://runsignup.com/Race/FindARunner/?raceId=44733 and you should see your registration in your RunSignup Profile.

Yes! The 2026 Rocket City Marathon is a Boston qualifier for 2028.

Baby joggers, in-line skates, bicycles, pets, unauthorized vehicles and unregistered runners are prohibited on the course. There is no smoking on the course. The use of headphones is STRONGLY discouraged. 

Any participant breaking one of these rules will be removed from the course, disqualified and will not receive finisher’s amenities. These rules are due to our insurance policy and are set by the HTC Board of Directors for your safety and the safety of the other runners on the course. 

You can find the most current parking information here.

If you register for THREE events (both the 5K, 10K and either Half or the Full Marathon) you will receive a special hat-trick hat.  (1 Mile Family Friendly Run/Walk is not applicable).

Please see the Packet Pick up and Expo page.

All races start directly in front of the Von Braun Center's Propst Arena on Monroe St SW

and all races finish INSIDE the VBC's South Hall! (directly behind Propst Arena)

Race specific Drop Bags will be availalbe at shirt pickup for those who wish to have a little something waiting for them at the finish line.  Drop Bags are only available for the Full & Half Marathon and must use the provided bag. All bags must be dropped off prior to your race start in the South Hall of the VBC.

Yes, there are water stations for each race distance.  Please see the appropriate Race Details page in the Race Info drop down menu for details on their locations.

Yes, there are bathrooms available inside the lobby of the VBC South Hall as well as several porta-potties by the starting corrals.

Everyone gets a race shirt at packet pickup and a medal at the finish line!  Every runner, every distance.