Conquer the Cave 5K
Sun, Sep 20, 2026, 5:00 AM CDT
- Location
- 637 Cave Rd, Woodville, AL 35776
- Type
- Run
Finish signup on the organizer site (check fees and dates there).
Race feel
Run through a stunning cave system after a scenic valley start. This 5K offers a cool, unique adventure unlike any other.
- Scenic
- Quirky
Scenic
QuirkyExperience a truly unique 5K that begins in a beautiful valley, framed by picturesque mountains and fields. The highlight of this race is a memorable 0.6-mile section through the 'crown jewel of caves in the Southeast,' Cathedral Caverns. Inside, enjoy a consistently cool 58F temperature and decorative lighting. This event features multiple wave starts to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey for all participants through this extraordinary course.
What to expect
- Begin your run in a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains and fields.
- Enter a magnificent cave for a 0.6-mile out-and-back section, enjoying decorative lighting and a cool 58F temperature.
- Pick up a glow stick at the cave's turnaround point.
Past race snapshot
What the field usually feels like
A plain-English read from past public results. It is helpful context, not a prediction.
Crowd
Small field
92 5K finishers in 2024. A quieter race where the pack may spread out more quickly.
Typical finish
42:44
Think middle-of-the-pack, using chip time when available.
Competitive feel
Speedy front
There is real pace up front, even if the overall field is broad. Front-group read: 26:46.
People mix
Balanced mix
About 49% women and 51% men among finishers who listed gender.
Quick read
For the 5K in 2024, this looks like a small field: 92 finishers are represented here. A middle-of-the-pack finish was around 42:44. The quicker front of the field averaged about 26:46. Use it as a feel check, not a promise about race day.
Where runners came from
Aggregated city counts only. Small groups stay hidden in public views.
Dothan, AL
Travel draw
Madison, AL
Travel draw
Huntsville, AL
Travel draw
Arab, AL
Travel draw
Owens Cross Roads, AL
Travel draw
Award clues
Historic placement clues only. Race-day awards can use different rules.
Overall observed placement
Top 3 (from finish order in our sample)
Show the year-by-year numbers
| Distance | Year | Finishers | Typical | Average | Front 10% | Fastest M / W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5K | 2024 | 92 | 42:44 | 43:27 | 26:46 | 20:07 / 30:14 |
Last summary update: May 2, 2026
From the organizer
The race starts in a beautiful valley with picturesque mountains and fields in the background. Once runners get to the 1.9 mile mark they will enter the crown jewel of caves in the Southeast. The portion of the 5k course that runs through the cave is an out and back 0.6mi that is wide enough for 2 way traffic. Runners will pick up a glow stick at the turn around point and the decorative lighting will be on at all times. The average temperatures for race day are a low of 54F, high of 79F. Meanwhile inside the cave the year round temperature is a cool 58F. This will truly be a race like no other.
Check out this awesome video on Cathedral Caverns State Park to get an idea of the beautiful scenery. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cbIBSopnDo
Packet pickup will be at RunningLane on FRIDAY from 2-7PM and SATURDAY September 20th from 10:30AM-4:30PM . RunningLane is located at 2407 Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville, AL 35801. There will also be packet pickup at the race on Sunday from 7:00AM-10AM. Please arrive 1 hour before your wave start.
Due to the interest in this race and the size of the cave, we will have multiple heats or "waves" of 200 runners each. Each wave will go off 30 minutes after the first. Example:
9:00am: 1st Wave 9:30am: 2nd Wave 10:00am: 3rd Wave 10:30am: 4th Wave 11:00am: 5th Wave
We are unable to move runners from different waves based on the wave you select during registration. Please check with family and friends on which wave you want to participate in BEFORE registering that way you are able to run/ walk together.
You must stick to your wave assignment! If you do not run in the wave you signed up for, you will not receive a finishing time.