By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

PELHAM – Avid hikers and fans of the natural scenery of Oak Mountain State Park have the opportunity to achieve an impressive physical feat this spring at the park.

The Mammoth March will be held on Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13. Saturday’s event is already sold out, with signups still available for Sunday’s event.

The event is a 20-mile hike of Oak Mountain State Park. The expectation is for hikers to complete the hike within 8 hours.

“There is no timekeeping, there are no failures, we only recognize the incredible courage it takes to rise to our challenge,” a statement from Mammoth March’s website reads. “Every participant completing the distance will be awarded their finisher medal and considered a winner.”

Complimentary parking is available on site for the event, and for those traveling in for the event, Mammoth March has secured discounted rooms at the Sleep Inn Oak Mountain in Pelham. Water and aid stations are set up along the route and are positioned approximately every 5-7 miles apart.

These stops will provide toilets, food and drink for all participants. Food and beverage amenities include water, energy drinks, cereal, protein bars and more.

The total elevation gain of the hike is approximately 2,300 feet, and the terrain consists mainly of unpaved hiking and dirt trails along with gravel roads and forest floor.

Michael Mitreuter, the creator of the Mammoth March, gave some background on why he created the event in the first place.

“I’m German, and the company I worked for previously was partnered with some other long-distance hiking events in Europe,” Mitreuter said. “The idea was to bring that to the U.S. since there was no such thing like an organized and safe challenge that doesn’t involve running.”

Mitreuter also gave context as to why OMSP was chosen as the event’s location.

“Oak Mountain is a beautiful, 20-mile route that’s challenging,” Mitreuter said. “It’s become a destination for a lot of people from out of state to do the event in Alabama. There’s lots of pluses, and we’ve been sold out from the first year (onward), so it’s been a great fit.”

Considering that Saturday’s hike is sold out, Mitreuter took the time to emphasize why the event has become so popular.

“The idea (for the event) was to bring something to life that is unique,” Mitreuter said. “We hit a niche for people who want a safe and organized outdoor challenge.”

That niche, according to Mitreuter, appeals to certain demographics of hikers.

“The average participant (of the Mammoth March) is around 45 to 50 years of age,” Mitreuter said. “(We have) lots of female hikers. About three-fourths of our participants are female. It’s not a timed event, so if you finish first or last you get the same recognition. You just have to beat the 20 miles before sunset, and that’s what’s drawing people in because they don’t want to be pushed along a trail. They just want to enjoy nature while doing the challenge.”

Mitreuter closed by giving those interested or already participating in the event some advice to best attack the challenge.

“Don’t overthink it,” Mitreuter said. “Just slowly increase the mileage as you go when you prep and when you train. Go out to Oak Mountain, do a 5-6 mile hike and then go to 8-9 miles a week later. Include some different terrain as well.”

To sign up and learn more about the event, visit Mammothmarch.com/alabama-sunday-25.