Kettlebell Kountdown

The Kettlebell Kountdown is back for its third year, promising an unparalleled challenge unlike any other race on the calendar. This unique 50K competition combines running with kettlebell carrying, setting it apart from traditional races such as marathons or obstacle courses.
Each participant will navigate a one-mile loop while continuously holding a 20-pound kettlebell in their hand for the entire distance. The rules are strict: competitors must maintain contact with the weight throughout each lap and cannot use any external aids like ropes, vests, or containers to carry it. Resting the kettlebell on the ground is allowed but moving forward without picking it up results in disqualification.
The race begins at 8:00 AM sharp, with a strict time limit for completing each loop that decreases as the day progresses. For instance, lap one must be completed within 30 minutes, while later laps like number 29 have only 16 minutes to finish. If you don’t complete your lap in the designated timeframe, you’re out of the race.
The competition culminates with a final sprint where all remaining racers aim for the fastest time on the last one-mile loop starting at 7:30 PM. The top three male and female finishers will receive custom kettlebells as their prize, weighing in at 20 pounds for first place, 15 pounds for second, and 10 pounds for third.
The event takes place at Oak Mountain State Park near Pelham, Alabama, offering scenic trails through the park’s natural beauty. Packet pickup is on race day from 6:30 AM to 7:40 AM at Lakeside Pavilion, where you’ll receive a custom t-shirt and your kettlebell for use during the event.
A pre-race briefing will be held before the start of the competition at 7:40 AM. Racers are welcome to set up tents or aid stations in the designated area near the starting line but no pacers are allowed on the course itself, which is reserved strictly for competitors only.
This race isn’t just about physical endurance; it’s a test of mental fortitude as participants push through increasingly challenging time constraints over 31 laps. Only those who complete all loops will earn an official finisher's medal and be eligible to win one of the custom kettlebells awarded based on their final position in each division.
Join us for this unforgettable experience that challenges your limits while celebrating the unique spirit of competition found nowhere else.