Walking tall: Mammoth March brings thousands to Oak Mountain State Park

Published 7:36 pm Tuesday, April 15, 2025

By Dave Domescik

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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – The Mammoth March, held on Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13, brought together thousands of hikers and nature enthusiasts to the challenging terrain and beautiful splendor of Oak Mountain State Park.

The event consisted of a 20-mile hike of Oak Mountain State Park, with water and aid stations set up along the route every 5-7 miles apart. Food and beverage amenities were also provided, including water, energy drinks, cereal, protein bars and more.

With a total elevation gain of approximately 2,300 feet and the terrain consisting of mainly unpaved hiking and dirt trails along with gravel roads and forest floor, the hike presented a sizable yet fun challenge for participants.

Michael Mitreuter, the creator of the Mammoth March, shared that the event was a success.

“In one word, it went great,” Mitreuter said. “It was the first time ever we hosted the event on back-to-back days … I would think it’s a major success. We’ve been receiving nothing but overwhelming and positive feedback from participants… the weather couldn’t have been better, so overall (it was a) great time, great weekend.”

The event brought approximately 1700 registered participants overall for the weekend, a new record for Mammoth March. 1300 participants actually started the race, with around 90 percent finishing the full Mammoth March.

While hundreds participated in the Mammoth March, Mitreuter noted that the event typically pulls in a similar demographic.

“No matter where we host the event, we always have the same kind of demographics,” Mitreuter said. “It’s a little bit of an older demographic than you’d encounter on your typical 5K marathon or endurance event. The average would be around 48-49 years of age and about 70 percent female.”

Mitreuter also emphasized that the event brings in plenty of participants from outside of Shelby County.

“About 30 to 35 percent of (participants) came from out of state,” Mitreuter said. “That’s a little higher than we experience in other states. A lot more people traveled to Alabama and Shelby County to experience the event, with about a third of all participants from out of state.”

The feedback that Mitreuter and the team at Mammoth March has received has been overwhelmingly positive.

“We’ve been receiving a lot of feedback about how well-organized the event is,” Mitreuter said. “Now that we have about 50 events under our belt, we know how to run an event. There were a lot of people praising how professional it was. Overall feedback, especially from those out of state, was how beautiful the park is.”

Kendall Williams, the manager of tourism and events with Shelby County, discussed why the event is so successful year after year.

“The Mammoth March is unique in that it’s not a ‘race’,” Williams said. “It’s just a challenge to see if you can complete it, and I think that’s what really draws people in. This year we were the very first doubleheader that they’ve ever had.”

Williams, who attended the event, described meeting people from across the country.

“I was actually out there on Sunday and met people from New York, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Massachusetts and from all over the United States,” Williams said. “Some were interested in Oak Mountain State Park specifically, and then some have just become Mammoth Marchers and that’s what they do.”

Williams added that the team behind Mammoth March does an excellent job of pouring back into the communities that they serve.

“They do a great job of really promoting local,” Williams said. “They worked with our team, with Discover Shelby to put together while you’re in town type tips. We put together one sheet of what to do while they’re in town and they sent it out with all the emails that went out to all the participants… They really try and promote the community that’s helping support them, as well.”

Williams concluded by mentioning that the Mammoth March will return to Oak Mountain State Park in 2026.

“We’re excited to welcome them back again next year,” Williams said. “(Completing the Mammoth March) truly is a badge of honor… Oak Mountain is not an easy hike for all of those who completed it and those that just attempted it. I’m so proud to be a part of this event and see it continue to grow.”

For more information on the Mammoth March, visit Mammothmarch.com. For more information on Oak Mountain State Park, visit Alapark.com/parks/oak-mountain-state-park.

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