Mobile, Alabama: Azalea Trail Run

For nearly two decades, the world's fastest distance runners have come to compete in Mobile's famous 10 kilometer race, which takes place on oak tree-shaded streets lined with pink, red and white azaleas in their full bloom. 

Annually, selected as one of the nation's top 25 road races by such national publications as Runner's World and Running Times, the Azalea Trail Run attracts nearly 10,000 participants ready to go the distance - a far cry from the 861 runners who participated in the first run back in 1978. Now one of Mobile's biggest attractions and Alabama's largest participatory sporting event, this March event attracts runners from approximately 35 states and a dozen foreign countries.

Visitors need not be an avid runners to enjoy the Azalea Trail festivities. There is also a two-mile Fun Run and a variety of other activities all week long.