Welcome to the third installment of the Wild Thangs Trail Series, an exhilarating adventure through the stunning mountains around Huntsville, Alabama. This series is tailored for trail runners at all levels—whether you're just starting out or looking to push your limits over challenging terrain. The Skunk Ape race on August 1st offers two distances: a scenic 5-mile route and a more demanding 10-mile course. Both routes traverse the picturesque Monte Sano State Park, featuring breathtaking bluff views, serene creek crossings, and refreshing waterfalls that dot the landscape. The courses are designed to be spectator-friendly, allowing friends and family to cheer you on from various vantage points along the way. Aid stations will be strategically placed throughout both distances, providing essential hydration with a mix of water, Gatorade, Coca-Cola, pretzels, M&Ms, granola bars, and more. To minimize waste, participants are encouraged to bring their own reusable cups or purchase one at registration for $5. As you cross the finish line, be sure to indulge in some well-deserved post-race refreshments from Marco's Pizza, a proud sponsor of this series. The event promises not only physical challenges but also camaraderie and fun among runners. Registration is limited to 400 participants per race, ensuring an intimate atmosphere where everyone feels supported throughout the day. Each entrant will receive a commemorative t-shirt and finisher award upon completion of either distance. Packet pickup for the Skunk Ape event takes place on Friday, July 31st from noon until 5 p.m., with additional morning pick-up options available at RunningLane's headquarters in Huntsville starting at 6:00 am race day. With average summer temperatures ranging between lows of 65°F to highs of 95°F, the event is designed to accommodate varying weather conditions and has flexible cutoff times aimed at encouraging participation regardless of experience level. Join us for an unforgettable trail running adventure where nature meets competition in a celebration of sport and community spirit.
Races Offered
10 Miler
Aug 01, 2026
straighten
Distance —
16.1K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:00
sell
$65.00
5 Miler
Aug 01, 2026
straighten
Distance —
8K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:00
sell
$55.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for August in Huntsville.
thermostatTemperature
20.7° / 31.2°
wb_sunnyFeels like
22.3° / 33.1°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
11h 11m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
2.8 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
7.6 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Very high
terrain
Course conditions
Hard and dry surface
sunny
Max UV Index
High (7.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
71.5%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
06:07
nightlight
Sunset
19:32
About Huntsville
Learn more about the host city, Huntsville.
Huntsville is in northern Alabama, about 20 miles from the border with Tennessee. The city is a center for missile defense and aerospace technologies, with companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman having major operations here. Cummings Research Park, the second largest research park in the country, is home to many of these companies.