Speed Goat 50k

The Speed Goat 50k

speed goat 50k

The Speed Goat 50k held this weekend out in Utah might easily take the prize for the hardest 50k in the world. 11,600 feet of elevation gain in just 32 miles! Three words; Steep. Steep. Steep. This year might be the deepest mens field ever assembled for a state side Ultra (and in the running globally). Any time Salomon’s Killian Jonet from Spain lines up at the starting gate he’ll be the favorite and the one to chase, as he’s rarely beaten on a mountain course (or any other course).

The big news though is that one of the most recognizable faces in mountain running will be making his return after over a year off recovering from injuries. New Balance’s Tony Krupicka (we’ve got his weapons of choice, the NB 101’s on the wall in Homewood!) says he’s in the best shape of his life and one look over at his blog will tell you he’s been putting in a brutally steep training regime in mountains of Colorado getting ready for just this race.TK & Killian, that’s the race for first.

speed goat elevation

But that’s just the start as the field is stacked with huge names in the trail running world. Speed Goat former champion Nick Clark of Pearl Izumi, Max King, Dylan Bowman, and on and on and on. and on… and on…. Really, any of the top guys in the mens field are capable of having the kind of day to win this race.

The woman’s field this year isn’t as thick with top talent as the mens but all eyes will be on Salomon’s Anna Frost of New Zealand who is sure to reign supreme as she’s been on TK’s mountain training plan as of late, but this is only her 2 true mountain ultra, so one of the many strong ladies like Meghan Arbogast (at 50+ years), or up in coming talent Tina Lewis (2011 San Juan Solstice 50 winner) could easily keep it steady up the mountains and take the win away from the blonde bomber.

Once again, iRunFar.com will be bringing you the play by play Saturday morning and here’s their pre-game write up plus a fun video of race director and all around 100 mile superman Karl Metlzer’s race predictions (notice Karl’s sporting a Pinhoti 100 race shirt (Alabama’s finest 100 mile run!)

Speed Goat 50k Preview from iRunFar Here

Alabama Outdoors is excited to help spread the word of such great dirt running events out west as we get geared up for our own local Alabama trail running season to start soon!

We get things kicked off out at Red Mountain Park in Birmingham August 14th with our group trail runs once again. Be on the look out for several trail running clinics, gear demos, and races we’ll be hosting this late summer and fall. Stop by any of our locations and see the newest offerings in outdoor gear for trail runners, backpackers, to outdoor clothing styles.

First Annual Delta Dash

First Annual Delta Dash Coming to Stockton

delta dash

Join Alabama Outdoors for the 1st annual Delta Dash, a 5k obstacle course race in Stockton. The goal is simple…provide participants of all lifestyles and ages with an opportunity to test endurance, stamina, resilience, quick decision making skills, animal instinct and the ability to enjoy a face-full of mud, leaves or whatever else the terrain throws their way.

The Delta Dash will take place on over three miles of wooded terrain where several obstacles will be encountered. Obstacles could be anything from crawling in the mud, wading through a creek, a mega slip-and-slide, scaling hay bales or something else (we aren’t going to tell you all our secrets).

This opportunity for the adrenaline rush of your life will take place on Saturday, September 29th at Lower Bryant’s Landing in Stockton.

Proceeds will benefit the North Baldwin Young Professionals Scholarship Fund and the North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce.

delta dash
Register now and begin preparing for an adventure that will push you to new limits.

Alabama Outdoors to Open New Location in Florence

Alabama Outdoors to Open New Location in Florence

Our new location in The Rogers Building
Download Media Release Here.

As crowds enjoy the sounds of the W.C. Handy Music Festival in Florence, final preparations are being made inside the historic Rogers Building for new tenants, including Alabama Outdoors. The new location will replace the store’s current space on Court Street and is set to open on Friday, August 3rd.

“We’re happy for the opportunity to continue to provide exceptional service to our customers in a great new space downtown,” said store manager Rachel Jensen. “The location is new, but we look forward to seeing lots of familiar faces in the coming weeks.”

The grand opening will include a ribbon cutting ceremony courtesy of the Shoals Chamber of Commerce, and will also coincide with First Friday and the back to school tax-free weekend. There will be back to school specials throughout the weekend, as well as prize giveaways at the store on Saturday.

“It’s going to be great to be able to take a more active role in some of the traditions and events like First Friday downtown,” Jensen said. “We’ll be closer to the heart of Downtown Florence.”

The existing location, which was originally opened as Shoal Creek Outdoors in 1996, was purchased by Alabama Outdoors in 1999. The store will be closed Saturday, July 28th before reopening in the Rogers Building.

Alabama Outdoors is a leading provider of apparel, footwear and equipment that enhances the outdoor life. Specializing in product from The North Face, Patagonia, Chaco, Merrell, TOMS, Mountain Khaki’s and others, Alabama Outdoors has established itself through excellent service to customers, quality products and expertise in the outdoors.

The grand opening for the new location at 119 North Court Street is set for 10 a.m. Friday, August 3rd. The ribbon cutting will take place at 1 p.m. and is open to the public.

Operating since 1975 and based in Homewood, Ala., Alabama Outdoors currently manages six retail locations across the state.

Hardrock 100 Endurance Race

Hardrock 100 Endurance Race

|Revised Tuesday July 17, 2012 | 11:21 AM |

They don’t call this race the Hard Walk for no reason. With the same elevation gain and loss of ascending and descending Mt. Everest, it’s amazing that 98 runners out of the 141 starters finished the Hard Rock 100 miler Endurance Run starting and ending in the small San Juan Mnts. town of Silverton Colorado.

The North Face runner Hal Koerner (2 time Western States 100 winner and key player in the Unbreakable ultra documentary) brought in the 3rd fastest time in history winning the Hard Rock 100 men’s ultra endurance race after holding off a late charge and 4th fastest time by Arc’Teryx runner Joe Grant. The Pre-Race favorite Dakota Jones (Montrail Ultra Team) came in 3rd overall. On the women’s side Pearl Izumi runner Darcy Africa stayed a steady course and took home the win after pre-race favorite Diana Finkle dropped at mile 87. Congrats to all the finishers on not only a successful race but for the inspiration as we drawl closer to the trail racing season here in the southeast.

Come join us August 14th out at Red Mountain Park in Birmingham as we start back up our weekly Tuesday night trail runs with demos and prizes give aways from the likes of Saucony.
Anyone out there running our epic local Pinhoti 100 in November? We’re looking forward to it!

10th Annual Hot Hundred Bike Ride

10th Annual Hot Hundred Bike Ride

hot hundred bike rideAlabama Outdoors is pleased to return as a sponsor of the Hot Hundred, “The Hottest Ride in the South.” The ride, with 29, 36, 52, 71 and 102-mile options, will feature new additions this year, including air-conditioned facilities before and after the ride, shower facilities, use of the outdoor pool after the ride, and plentiful onsite parking.

All Hot Hundred riders will be supported with SAG drivers, mechanics, route signage, road markings, maps (included in your goody bags or print one here). Profile rest stops will be stocked with ice water, Gatorade, fruit, cookies and other snacks. The rest stops are graciously staffed by volunteers from  local non-profit organizations.

The Hot Hundred made the 2011 list of Best Bike Rides in America in Spryliving.com  http://www.spryliving.com/articles/bike-rides-scenic-best-america/

The Hot Hundred is the main fundraiser for the Tuscaloosa Mental Health Task Force. The Tuscaloosa Community Mental Health Task Force is helping to increase our community’s understanding and support for our citizens who have mental illness.  The Task Force is a not-for-profit community action organization that provides a structured and organized arena to address mental health issues, concerns, and services in the local community.  The Task Force includes over 50 agencies, businesses, and organizations that provide mental health or outreach services.

Click here to register for the 2012 Hot Hundred.

The registration fee for 2012 is $35 if registered by Tuesday, July 24th, at noon (Central Time). The registration fee is $50 after noon on July 24th, 2012. The first 300 to register will receive t-shirts. You may also use the Registration link to make a donation to the Tuscaloosa Mental Health Task Force.