By Terry Schrimscher
SPRINGVILLE, Ala. — Trail runners will have a new event to enjoy next month when Springville hosts its first Biggie Stomp Trail Run 5k at Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve (BCCNP) on April 11. Billed as a chance to “run through Bigfoot territory,” the new event is open to all ages and abilities.
A scenic stream along a trail at Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve in Springville. Provided.
“The Biggie Stomp Trail Run will be a 5k run on a combination of two trails, Easy Rider and Slab Creek,” said Doug Morrison, preserve manager. “We are very excited to host trail runners and hope to make this a regular event.”
The nature preserve will be closed to the public to accommodate the run and should open at noon. Participants can pick up run packets at the Old Rock School in Springville on April 10, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Packets will also be available at the race site the morning of the event.
Registration for the run is now open online. Early registration is $35 but prices will increase to $40 April 1. A commemorative event t-shirt is included with early registration. Shirts will be available for purchase as well. Non-runners can still register as a shirt only participant and support the mission of the preserve.
“Proceeds will go to our 501c(3), Big Canoe Creek Preserve Partners,” Morrison said. “These funds can be used for a variety of things such as trail maintenance, wildlife conservation and outdoor education.”
In addition to the main race, Biggie Stomp will also feature a Kids Fun Run at 9:15 a.m., providing younger runners an opportunity to participate in the nature run. Awards will be presented to the top three overall male and female finishers, as well as top male and female youth competitors. The top three Kids Fun Run participants will also receive prizes. All participants will receive a swag bag and Biggie Stomp dog tags.
BCCNP opened to the public in 2024 and recently leased space in the Old Rock School to use as administrative offices and a future nature center where it will hold outreach events, nature classes and more. The nature preserve has hosted events, like the Trispot Darter Festival and Christmas in the Pines, but the Biggie Stomp 5K is the first competitive run at the park.
Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve, located at 1700 Murphrees Valley Road, is a project of the Forever Wild Land Trust (FWLT) in collaboration with a wide range of public and private partners.
