Anniston, AL – The Woodstock 5K, a longstanding community road race in Anniston, Alabama, will serve as the host for the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA)’s National 5K Championship on August 2, 2025. Now in its 44th year, the race is organized by the Anniston Runners Club and will take place along Woodstock Avenue, beginning at Anniston High School.
Since its inception in 1981, the Woodstock 5K has grown in both size and stature, previously hosting 18 RRCA championship races, including seven national, five regional, and six state championships. The event continues to benefit northeast Alabama communities, with all proceeds going to support local schools and organizations, including the Arc of Calhoun & Cleburne Counties.
The 2025 event marks the introduction of co-race director Landon Delozier and the addition of Publix as a major sponsor. Publix will provide catering services for race participants following the finish. The event has already attracted hundreds of runners from 13 U.S. states and two other countries, with many elite athletes set to compete alongside local participants.
Returning competitors include past winners William Brown (2022) and Bradley Makuvire (2024), with Makuvire coming within five seconds of the course record last year. The elite men’s field also includes Samuel Ongaki, David Too, and Jay Day. In the women’s division, runners Amanda Cuomo, Macie Pfeuffer, and Elise Barron will represent the Birmingham area.
First-place finishers in both the male and female divisions will receive a $500 prize, with the amount increasing to $1,000 if the course record is broken. Additional cash prizes will be awarded for second and third place, along with awards for masters, grandmasters, and senior grandmasters. All top finishers will also receive gift cards from TrakShak, a longtime race sponsor.
The course records, both set in 2012, stand at 14:13 for men (Patrick Cheptoek) and 16:06 for women (Risper Gesabwa).
Beyond the competitive aspect, the Woodstock 5K offers perks for all registered participants, including a race T-shirt (while supplies last), finisher medal, and entry into prize drawings. The event also features a Team Challenge for groups to compete collectively and Kidstock 1K, a short race for children aged 1 to 11, following the main event.
As of July 14, registration for the Woodstock 5K is $48. The race begins at 7:30 A.M. Organizers are still seeking volunteers to assist with event logistics, including road safety, setup, and takedown.
For registration or volunteer information, visit www.annistonrunners.com or follow Woodstock5k on Facebook.
