Events
Bark to the Beat Music 5k
Place
Description
Do you love music, animals, and getting in shape? Perfect! Whether you walk, run, or do a little of both, the 2nd annual Bark to the Beat Music 5k is the perfect opportunity to help you grow in healthiness, support an amazing cause, and have fun while doing so. Do you know what else? All along the course, musicians from the University of Alabama School of Music and surrounding high schools will perform LIVE so you can enjoy a concert amidst your running/walking!
This run/walk serves as a fundraiser for the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter (https://www.metroanimalshelter.org/), who will be present at the run/walk (yes, with many of their adorable animals). The course will launch from Butler Field across from the School of Music on UA's campus (home of the UA Million Dollar Band, next to Arby's) and follow a path in the blocks nearby that is new and improved from last year! While the event officially launches at 8:00am (the competitive wave), additional waves will be released at 8:30am and 9:00am. The 8:00am wave is the only competitive wave with 5k-time prizes (which will be announced at the event soon after 9am).
Bark to the Beat Music 5k is hosted by the University of Alabama School of Music (https://music.ua.edu/) in collaboration with the UA Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). It is open to participants of all ages and abilities (those under 19 must be accompanied by a legal guardian unless you are a currently-enrolled student at The University of Alabama).
Cost of 5k is $25 through February 28 (after which the cost goes up to $30). Early registration is highly recommended (and requested). Late registration at packet pick-up or on the day of the race is only available while extra bibs last. Registration costs include race participation, tshirt*, bib, and medal (*tshirts are only available to those who register BEFORE MARCH 20). Additional swag bag items are available to those who pick-up their packet earliest.
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
FAQ
- What if the weather is bad?
- A little rain doesn't scare us away! But, in the event of severe weather, we will cancel or postpone the event. Notification will be sent by 7:30am on April 5, 2025 if the event must cancel or postpone. No refunds for cancellation or postponement.
- A little rain doesn't scare us away! But, in the event of severe weather, we will cancel or postpone the event. Notification will be sent by 7:30am on April 5, 2025 if the event must cancel or postpone. No refunds for cancellation or postponement.
- What time does it start?
- Waves will release at 8:00am, 8:30am, and 9:00am (you get to choose your wave!). Please arrive a minimum of 15 minutes before your chosen wave.
- The 8:00am wave will be the competitive wave, should you wish to compete for a time-based prize. But everyone of all abilities and speeds are welcome in all waves.
- Where can I pick up my race-day packet?
- Preferred: Wagner's Runwalk, Tuscaloosa: April 4, 2025 from 12:00-5:30pm (either inside the store or just outside)
- 420 Queen City Avenue
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
- 420 Queen City Avenue
- Race-day: see the information tent. Packet-pick-up will begin at 7:15am on the day of the race
- Preferred: Wagner's Runwalk, Tuscaloosa: April 4, 2025 from 12:00-5:30pm (either inside the store or just outside)
- Should I register early?
- YES! Before Mach 20! The earlier you register, the better deal you receive.
- We cannot guarantee entry to those who wish to register on the day of the event. If you wait until the event to register, we also cannot guarantee participant items like tshirts, medals, etc. (and the price may be higher).
- Does this count as a UA Greek Point?
- Yes! To those registered for the event, the code will be made available on site of the 5k.
- Yes! To those registered for the event, the code will be made available on site of the 5k.
- Are children allowed to participate?
- YES! All ages and abilities are welcome. But all participants must be registered.
- YES! All ages and abilities are welcome. But all participants must be registered.
- Can participants push strollers during the 5k?
- Yes! However, please keep the following in mind (for your safety and that of your children and those around you):
- The 5k is heavily on sidewalks, so being side-by-side another stroller is discouraged
- There are two small curbs and a short stretch of short grass that are part of the course (so, a jogging stroller might be preferred)
- If you desire to take part in the 5k when the crowd has thinned slightly, consider starting with the 8:30am or 9:00am wave.
- Yes! However, please keep the following in mind (for your safety and that of your children and those around you):
- Do young children need to register?
- All children may participate alongside a parent or guardian. Children 4 or under do not need to register unless you wish for them to receive a t-shirt, swag bag, and participation medal. Children 5 and up should register.
- All children may participate alongside a parent or guardian. Children 4 or under do not need to register unless you wish for them to receive a t-shirt, swag bag, and participation medal. Children 5 and up should register.
- Do I have to run the 5k?
- NO! You may walk the 5k, run the 5k, run/walk the 5k, prance the 5k, or whatever makes you most comfortable! It is low pressure (we're here to have fun)
- NO! You may walk the 5k, run the 5k, run/walk the 5k, prance the 5k, or whatever makes you most comfortable! It is low pressure (we're here to have fun)
- Can I bring my dog?
- Yes! The following, though, must be followed:
- Dogs must be well-behaved, vaccinated, peaceful, friendly, and comfortable around large groups of people (including children) and live music.
- Dogs MUST remain leashed at ALL TIMES.
- Dogs must be comfortable around other dogs
- Owner is responsible for cleaning dogs bathroom deposits immediately (no one wants to step in #2 at a 5k).
- If you wish for your dog to go on the 5k course with you, please aim to participate in the 8:30am or 9:00am (or at the back of the 8:00am) waves so those wishing to run competitively do not have to worry about slowing down to pet your adorable animal.
- Yes! The following, though, must be followed:
- Can non-participants come to enjoy the music and cheer on their friends?
- Yes! We would love the support. Simply aim to always stay clear of the race pathway.
- If you wish to sit along the course, please bring your own folding chair with you
- Where do I park?
- You can park in the 2nd Avenue Capstone Parking Deck right next to Butler Field and across from the School of Music. As parts of 2nd Avenue will be closed for the 5k, please enter and exit the deck solely using the access from Paul Bryant Drive.
- Questions?
- Use the contact form above or email: barktothebeatmusic5k@gmail.com
- Use the contact form above or email: barktothebeatmusic5k@gmail.com
- Can I or my business sponsor the event (in turn supporting Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter)?
- Yes! We would be honored. Click here to learn more: Sponsorship Information
Training Plan: Walker
Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.
Training Plan: Novice
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Training Plan: Intermediate
Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.
Directions
Race will launch from Butler Field (home of the Million Dollar Band) on the campus of The University of Alabama, located across from the School of Music (810 Second Avenue, Tuscaloosa 35487).
MapMyRun Map
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