Race to the Lake

Overview

ONLY $10 FOR RTTL 2026 This low-cost event is to showcase the true BUTS mission of getting people out on the trails in a fun and happy environment that's open to everyone. The start finish will be at the Lakeside pavilion near the South Trail Head. BUTS will also have a membership booth at the race for anyone who wants to join the group and help us support our local trails and Trail Runners.

BUTS RTTL is a 10 mile lollipop course traversing some of the best single track Alabama has to offer! In true BUTS fashion this will be a fun race with plenty of climbing (about 2k of vertical gain). There is a 4hr cutoff for the race. That's a 24 min pace or 2.5mph. if you can hike that pace you're welcome to come join in the fun. The back of the pack is always the most fun!

Packet Pick up

Packet-pick-up is race day Sunday morning from 6:30 to 7:30am at the Lakeside pavilion. No late or race day registrations please.

Race Start/Finish

Race to the Lake starts and finishes at the Lakeside pavilion Oak Mountain State Park. This pavilion is near the South Trailhead parking lot. Most GPS devices will take you to the South Trail head. All participants are required to pay the $5 fee in cash to enter the park. Also don't forget that eligible military veterans now get in free to Oak Mountain State Park.

Course Description

The 10 mile race leaves from the South trailhead on the Yellow Trail. Runners will start off with a couple of steep up and downs on the beginning of the Yellow Trail before taking a hard right on to the Green trail. Runners will "quickly" ascend up to the West Ridge Road. Follow this technical but runnable trail a mile or two before dropping down on the Yellow/White Connector. Descend on this steep and rocky trail to the first valley and take a hard right onto the Orange Horse trail. This trail takes you to the Group Camp Rd, take a right and follow the gravel road past the cabins and jump back on the Orange trail. Veer right and descend to meet up with the Yellow trail. Follow this around the Lake to the BMX course. At just over halfway this is your only chance to grab some aid. Stay on the Yellow trail for a few more hilly climbs and descents through the foothills of Oak Mountain. Cross the road to the Alabama Wildlife Center and continue to the intersection of the Green and Yellow Trail. Here you'll turn right and head up a short climb on Green/Yellow Connector to Yellow Trail two more quick hills before a fast finish that will make you forget the pain you experienced in the first 9 miles of the race.

Runners Aid

There is one aid station around half way through the 10 mile race. It will have water and a few simple items like gels. This will be an unmanned aid station however it is possible that a few people may want to hang out there for a few hours to give Runners a hand and take a few pictures.