Y It Matters 5K & Fun Run (formerly the Race to the Courthouse 5K)

Announcement! 

After 37 years of successful Noojin & White Race to Courthouse 5K events, we’re excited to introduce a new name and brand for our annual race! Formerly known as the Race to the Courthouse, we are evolving our annual event to energize the community and create broader appeal. This thoughtful re-imagining of our long-standing event will foster an even deeper connection with our community in all the ways that it matters.

Y It Matters captures the heart of our mission: To strengthen or community with focus in three areas: youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. By running/walking in the Y It Matters 5K and Fun Run, you're supporting critical programs in all three areas, ensuring that EVERYONE has access, regardless of ability to pay full fees. Proceeds from the race will continue to support the youth of the Downtown Youth Center. 

As an organization with a 140-year history, we will continue to honor our past, including Ronnie Noojin and Jere White. 

In 1976, Ronnie Noojin formed the Noojin, Haley and Ashford firm. In 1980, those three lawyers joined the Hare, Wynn, Newell & Newton law firm, where Ronnie practiced for the remainder of his life. Ronnie served on the Alabama Trial Lawyers Association’s Board of Governors and on its Executive Committee. He was a member and President of the Birmingham Bar’s Executive Committee. Mr. Noojin died on June 17, 1996, after an eight month battle with brain cancer.

Jere White was one of the founding members of Lightfoot, Franklin & White, LLC, and he is perhaps best known for his skills as a trial lawyer.  For over 30 years, Jere handled significant civil cases of all types in state and federal courts in Alabama and throughout the United States, and he was one of the few lawyers in Alabama inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers, International Academy of Trial Lawyers, and the American Board of Trial Advocates. What is less known about Jere is his tremendous support of the downtown YMCA.  He was a regular lunch time runner, a board member and chairman, and a generous benefactor to the YMCA for three decades. Jere also was the YMCA’s Volunteer of the Year ­— a real testament to his commitment to the YMCA and its mission.

The starting line for our race will be on 1st Avenue South between Regions Field and Railroad Park. The after party will be at Good People Brewing Company, just a few steps away from the start/finish line of the race.

If you have any questions about this race, please contact the race director at