A half century of Montclair running
Every year on Thanksgiving Day we welcome the Birmingham community to Montclair Road for the Sam Lapidus Montclair Run (SLMR), an event that celebrates the life of Sam Lapidus while raising funds for The J and the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders.
The event started in 1976 as The Montclair Run and quickly grew in popularity. Now boasting some 1,500 runners of all ages and abilities, the SLMR serves as a Thanksgiving tradition for many families and out-of-town visitors. The event is the LJCC’s longest-running annual fundraiser.
Couch-to-SLMR: A six-week 5k training plan
Our six-week program is designed for beginners who want to gradually build up their running ability. It’s easy to follow, descriptive, and structured to keep you motivated.
Volunteer
Help make a difference by volunteering for the SLMR! We have shifts available on race day (Thanksgiving) morning, ranging from 7:00–11:30 a.m., or the day before (Wednesday the 26th) to help distribute packets to runners. Check out the full list of shifts here.
Want to support in other ways? Help us spread the word by picking up posters and yard signs from The J’s lobby to place around your neighborhood, or by sharing our Facebook event or registration website with friends and local running groups.
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In 2009 the run was renamed to honor Sam Lapidus, who spent much of his childhood at the LJCC. From preschool to youth soccer to hanging out after school and playing in the gym or working out on the Fitness Floor — if you couldn’t find Sam at home, he was most likely at The J. During the six years that he battled Ewing sarcoma, a form of childhood cancer, Sam refused to let cancer define him and spent every minute he could at The J.
Although Sam died in November 2008, just days before his 15th birthday, his fighting spirit lives on at The J and among those who knew and loved him. It is therefore fitting that the SLMR benefits the LJCC, which Sam loved, and the fight against childhood cancer, which Sam so bravely fought.
Our limited parking at The J will be available on race day on a first-come first-served basis. Additional parking in the area will be available.
Participants are allowed to run with dogs and strollers. We only ask that they take special care that their small partners not interfere with other runners.
Co-sponsored by the LJCC and the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders
Five dollars of every runner’s registration is donated to the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, which so far has amounted to more than $120,000 since 2009 (this total includes money raised by a similar event that ran for a few years called Jam4Sam).
Become a sponsor
The Sam Lapidus Montclair Run attracts some 1,500 runners of all levels from near and far. Additionally, the event attracts nearly 1,000 spectators. The SLMR serves as a Thanksgiving Day reunion of sorts for many Birmingham families as they gather for the holiday.
While your sponsorship supports The J’s mission, the SLMR goes the extra mile, with $5 from each runner registration going directly to the Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s of Alabama. These funds help our partners in their mission of improving the quality of life and curing children with cancer and blood disorders.
Contact Brooke Bowles (205-383-4373) or click here if you’re interested in helping sponsor this worthy event.
Sponsorship levels
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THANK YOU, SPONSORS!
Presenting
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Course details
The race starts in front of the LJCC at 3960 Montclair Road. Runners head west on Montclair to Memory Lane before turning around and heading east on Montclair. 5K runners turn around at the 5K markers manned by volunteers. 10K runners continue to Putnam Middle School, where they turn around. Both races finish in the LJCC parking lot.
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Click to enlarge
