One by one, runners and cyclists crossed the finish line at the Alabama State Capitol Saturday, completing a 51-mile journey rooted in one of the most defining moments in American history.
) - One by one, runners and cyclists crossed the finish line at the Alabama State Capitol Saturday, completing a 51-mile journey rooted in one of the most defining moments in American history. The 8th annual Selma to Montgomery 51-Mile Relay and Bike Ride brought more than 1,400 participants to Alabama ’s Black Belt, retracing the same route taken during the 1965 Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March.
The event began early Saturday morning in Selma, with cyclists leading the way, followed by runners participating in relay teams and individual endurance runs. Hours later, participants arrived in Montgomery, finishing at the foot of the State Capitol along Dexter Avenue — a location deeply tied to the fight for voting rights.“We have about 450 cyclists and about 1,000 runners that are here today… and about 95% of our participants are from outside of Alabama,” said Virgil Chames, co-founder and race director. “What they come to do is walk through history.” Chames says the idea for the event began nearly a decade ago as a way to create something more meaningful than a traditional group run. “We wanted to do something more intentional… so we said what if we ran the entire route—really emulate the march,” he said. Since then, the event has expanded into a major endurance experience, drawing participants from more than 40 states — and even international visitors — who travel to Alabama to experience the history firsthand. “They come to walk through history, run through history, ride through history—walking in the steps of giants,” Chames added.Organizers estimate the race generates approximately $1.5 million in economic impact, with thousands of hotel stays across Selma and Montgomery and increased tourism throughout the Black Belt.Johnny Alderman, a cyclist with Major Taylor Orlando, says this was his third time completing the ride. “It’s just an honor to be here… honoring Dr. King,” Alderman said. “We’ve done this ride several years now, and we keep coming back for the experience.”“One of our goals is to promote health… and let people know cycling is for everyone,” he said. Organizers say the event is built on three key pillars: commemorating history, giving back to the community, and promoting fitness. They also note that a portion of the proceeds supports nonprofit organizations that continue the work of the civil rights movement today. Planning is already underway for next year’s race, with organizers expecting continued growth as more people seek to connect with the history of the Selma to Montgomery corridor. For participants, organizers say the message remains the same — this is not just a race, but a living reminder of the past and a call to move forward.Not reading this story on the WSFA News App? Get news alerts FASTER and FREE in the
Alabama News Selma Running 51-Mile Relay Civil Rights Alabama State Capitol Major Taylor Orlando Wsfa Wfsa
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Third capital murder arrest made in 2023 Montgomery homicideA third suspect is now charged with capital murder in the commission of a robbery in connection to a 2023 Montgomery homicide, court filings show.
Read more »
Suspect charged in December Montgomery shootingA suspect is under arrest and charged in connection to a mid-December Montgomery shooting, court filings are confirming
Read more »
Labaron Philon scores 29 points as Alabama defeats Hofstra 90-70 in NCAA TournamentMontgomery, Alabama
Read more »
Police announce arrest in triple shooting in MontgomeryMontgomery, Alabama
Read more »
Police: Death of University of Alabama student in Spain likely an accidentMontgomery, Alabama
Read more »
SLE Rodeo kicks off Friday in MontgomeryOne of the biggest rodeos in Alabama returns to the Capital City on Friday.
Read more »