Big Race Weekend Kicks Off Across the Valley
De Armanville, AL · September 4, 2026
Keep a cold tumbler within reach today—blazing late-summer sun will test your stamina, but it will not slow down a packed weekend of valley athletics.
The Lead
A major outdoor weekend across the valley kicks off early this morning just down Highway 78 at Choccolocco Park, where collegiate cross-country runners from Auburn, Troy, and host Jacksonville State open their fall campaigns at the JSU Foothills Invitational. The starter's gun fires at 8:30 AM for the women’s 5K, followed by the men’s 5K at 9:00 AM, setting the pace for two full days of competition.
If you are mapping out Saturday morning, the complex turns over early to the annual Pink Heals 5K at 7:00 AM to benefit local families navigating childhood cancer, right before area high school teams take over the course for the Oxford Invitational at 8:00 AM. Expect heavier morning traffic along Leon Smith Parkway through midday Saturday as visiting squads and traveling supporters roll into town.
Local Pulse
Calhoun County Football Kicks Off Region Play Area varsity squads take to the highway tonight for region match-ups, including Oxford traveling to St. Clair County.
Anniston City Market Opens Saturday Morning Regional growers bring fresh harvest produce and handmade artisan goods to the downtown pavilion starting at 7:00 AM tomorrow.
Today's Outlook
- High 98°F · Low 74°F — Mainly clear
- Drink plenty of water and seek shade during the peak afternoon heat.
What's On Around Town
Oxford: JSU Foothills Invitational Choccolocco Park, 8:30 AM Watch collegiate runners open the fall season on the cross-country trails.
Anniston: Nature in Conversation Lunch and Learn Anniston Museum of Natural History (800 Museum Dr), 12:00 PM Explore natural history and museum collections during an engaging midday gallery program.
Odenville: Oxford High Varsity Football Mickey Venable Football Field, 7:00 PM Cheer on the Yellow Jackets as Class 5A region road play kicks off.
Oxford: Pink Heals 5K Run & Walk Choccolocco Park, 7:00 AM Support local pediatric cancer care with an early morning walk or run.
Spotlight & Story
- The Choccolocco Valley Sacred Harp Singings
- In 1844, when the four-shape songbook spread across rural Alabama, valley churches began turning their wooden pews inward to form a hollow square. Singers still pitch melodies a cappella using triangle, circle, square, and diamond notes, facing each other rather than a congregation.
De Armanville Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.
Sent with care by MailerDot — your city, every morning.