Photo Nelson Ndongala / Unsplash
- Half
CARNIVAL FROLIC 13.1 AND 5K
CARNIVAL FROLIC 13.1 AND 5K
“The River City”, Decatur, Alabama, hosts a fabulous running/biking trail and some of the nicest runners you’ll ever meet.
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2027 edition
Next up
Countdown
96
days to 6 Feb 2027
- Distance
- Half Marathon
- Course
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- Climb
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- Entry
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About
The race
“The River City”, Decatur, Alabama, hosts a fabulous running/biking trail and some of the nicest runners you’ll ever meet. Join us for our 11th annual Carnival Frolic 13.1-mile race taking you through our acclaimed historic districts, along the Tennessee River, and through Point Mallard Park. Our race course is USATF certified. A map of the Carnegie Frolic course can be found visiting https://www.certifiedroadraces.com/certificate/?type=l&id=AL16017JE . Is a shorter distance more your thing? Then grab some friends and run the half marathon relay option! You can have up to 4 relay members per team. And back for 2027 we will be offering a individual 5K Run! The 5K participants receive a race shirt, carnival swag and Finisher surprise! Also, at the finish line there will be Mardi Gras donuts, Gatorade and Pepsi products for our 5K participants! The 5K race will start at 7:15am and run out and back on the same Frolic course! All Frolic 13.1 individual participants receive a race shirt, carnival swag and Finishers Medal. Relay Team Participants receive a race shirt, carnival swag and team Finisher Medals! . Cash (yes, cold hard cash) and prizes will be awarded to the overall winners of the HALF MARATHON. We will also present 10 year age group winners with a little something extra. Additionally, all finishers of the Frolic will be treated to a post race celebration at the Carnegie Visual Arts Center with beignets, a sampling of red beans and rice and ONE FREE mimosa or cold…
Location
Decatur, AL, United States
North America · typically 6°C (43°F) on race day
Open in OpenStreetMapBefore you go
Pro tips
Racing it
- 01
Three Scenery Shifts
The course runs through the historic districts, along the Tennessee River, then through Point Mallard Park, so expect turns and changing shelter; use the river stretch to lock into even effort before the park.
From the description
- 02
Sharing with the 5K
The 5K starts at 7:15 and runs out and back on the same Frolic course, so half runners will meet 5K traffic early; seed yourself honestly at the start and stay alert on the shared sections.
From the description
- 03
Mardi Gras Finish Line
Finishers celebrate at the Carnegie Visual Arts Center with beignets, red beans and rice, and one free mimosa, so plan a warm layer and a little time to linger after you cross.
From the description
In Decatur
Race Day Roads
Downtown Decatur and the riverfront streets used by the course close on race morning, so park near the historic districts or the river and walk in rather than trying to drive across town.
Where to Watch
Spectators get good views in the downtown historic districts and along the Tennessee River waterfront, where runners pass twice-friendly stretches; Point Mallard Park is farther out and better reached by car.
After the Run
Downtown Decatur and the riverfront are compact and walkable, and the Tennessee River trail and city parks are gentle places for a recovery stroll. Mardi Gras season gives the town a festive mood.
Written by AI from the course data and the race's description; city tips are general knowledge. Check race-day details with the organizer.
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