Y It Matters 5K & Fun Run

The YMCA of Greater Birmingham Y It Matters 5K and Fun Run captures the heart of our mission: To strengthen community in three areas: Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. By running/walking in the Y It Matters 5K & Fun Run, you’re supporting critical programs in these three areas. The proceeds from the event will continue to benefit the children of Downtown Youth Center and Northeast Community YMCA

Y It Matters 5K – Sleep-In Option

Don’t want to run or walk the event but still want to support the Downtown YMCA Youth Center? You will still get the official race day t-shirt if you register by Nov. 13.

Y It Matters Fun Run

Children and their families are invited to run our Fun Run as part of the Y It Matters Race Day. The course is a 1-mile fun run, out and back. Paying participants will receive a race shirt. A parent/guardian may run alongside their child(ren) at no cost, but will not receive a bib, shirt or medal. Fun Run Registration will prompt adults registering minors to identify as a parent running with a minor so we can accurately track participation.  

Free Couch to 5K Training

You don’t need to be a fast runner to successfully prepare for your first 5K ? the goal is simply to gradually get your body comfortable running and walking about 3.1 miles. Our Couch to 5K program includes a structured training plan, incredible community and coaching support, a progress tracker, group meet-ups, and more. Best of all, C25K training is open to the entire community at no cost, and participants do not have to register for the Y It Matters 5K & Fun Run to take part in training. Enrollment in our free Couch to 5K does not automatically register you for the Y It Matters 5K. Register for the race here on Runsignup. Sign up for the Couch to 5K at ymcabham.org/couch-to-5k

Volunteers Needed!

The Y It Matters 5K & Fun Run needs volunteers, and there are jobs before, during and after the race. On Tuesday, Dec. 8, from 5 to 8 p.m., volunteers will put together swag bags and race packets at the Shades Valley YMCA (3551 Montgomery Hwy, Homewood). On Friday, Dec. 11, packet pickup at the same YMCA runs in two-hour shifts from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Race day is Saturday, Dec. 12, at Good People Brewery (114 14th St S, Birmingham). Volunteers are needed from 6 to 10:30 a.m. to set up the course, hand out shirts and bibs, marshal the route (the top priority), work registration, cheer on runners, help with medals and awards, and break everything down afterward. YMCA Teen and Junior Leaders Club members can also sign up as Fun Run “course buddies” and run alongside the kids. Sign up at runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/AL/Birmingham/YItMatters5K. After you register, you’ll get an email asking you to complete the YMCA’s volunteer waiver, which takes about five minutes.