Tuscaloosa families will have a chance to get a head start on Gauntlet weekend with an evening full of fun, music, and activities for all ages.
The Tuscaloosa Gauntlet Kids Race & Festival is set for Friday, April 17, bringing a mix of family-friendly entertainment and youth competition to the community. Organizers say the event is designed not only for young runners, but also for families looking to enjoy a lively spring evening together.
Festivities will begin at 4 p.m. with check-in, packet pickup, and the official opening of the festival. Attendees can expect a vibrant atmosphere featuring food trucks, inflatable attractions for kids, and live entertainment.
Providing the soundtrack for the evening will be The Whiskey River Band – Alabama, adding a dose of live music to keep the crowd energized throughout the event.
The highlight of the evening—the kids races—will begin at 6 p.m., with divisions for children ages 4 to 8 and ages 9 and up. The races are part of the larger Tuscaloosa Gauntlet weekend, which continues with adult events on Saturday.
Winners will be recognized during an awards ceremony scheduled for 7:30 p.m., before the festival wraps up at 8 p.m.
Even those not participating in the race are encouraged to attend. Organizers emphasize that the festival is open to the public, offering a welcoming environment for families, friends, and community members to gather and enjoy the evening.
Registration for the kids race is available online, and participants can take advantage of promotional discounts. A $5 discount is available for the kids race using code PARAKIDS, while adults planning to compete on April 18 can receive $10 off with the code PARAFIT.
For many in Tuscaloosa, the event serves as both a celebration of community and an active start to a weekend centered around fitness, fun, and connection.