The Rumpshaker 5K is Back for 2021

December 21, 2024

As with many other events in 2020, the Rumpshaker 5K did not happen as usual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is an important event in Birmingham to raise awareness about colorectal health during Colon Cancer Awareness Month in March, and this year, the race will be back on Saturday, March 27, 2021!

However, as you might expect, the Rumpshaker 5K will be different this year. Reduced crowds, mask requirements, social distancing, and virtual options include some of the necessary precautions due to the ongoing pandemic. 

Why Participate in the Rumpshaker in Birmingham?

The mission of the race and its founders is to promote awareness about colorectal cancer, raise funds to fight and treat it, and provide hope for colorectal cancer survivors and those affected by the disease.

According to the National Cancer Institute, colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. It is so important to raise awareness about this fact because approximately 50,000 Americans die each year from colorectal cancer. However, many of these deaths can be prevented with regular screenings and early detection.

At Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute, we are proud to be a part of raising awareness about these crucial facts by being a sponsor of the event.

Details about the 2021 Rumpshaker Race

This year, an in-person race will be possible with reduced crowds and social distancing, as well as additional precautions. Participants will be limited to 500 people, and there will be wave starts based on runners’ estimated finish time. (Find more COVID-19 FAQs here.)

Since capacity is limited this year and there are many who want to participate in a virtual option, there will also be a Rumpshaker virtual race this year. This is an excellent option for those more comfortable completing the Rumpshaker 5K on their own or with a small group of friends and family. With this “do it yourself” 5K, you have additional options and advantages, such as:

• Flexibility to choose your own date and 5K route
• Ability to race from home
• Chance to race anywhere, such as your neighborhood, favorite trail, Rumpshaker 5K route, etc.
• Opportunity to race your way by running, walking, biking, on a treadmill, etc.
• Use any fitness app or device to measure distance
• No crowds, making it a great option for immunocompromised or high-risk individuals

Race organizers encourage everyone to recruit a team and participate in the challenge together by setting up group chats or social media groups to help each team member achieve their goals.

Other Ideas for Colorectal Awareness

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, so we encourage you to complete your virtual 5K in March 2021. But, it can be done anytime before or after March. Whether competing in the in-person race, virtual race, or if you want to raise awareness on your own, here are several other ideas for raising awareness:

• Run or walk a 5K (3.1 miles)
• Form a team with friends and family 
• Invite friends and family from out of town to participate, virtually or in-person
• Create a friendly competition among friends to see who can complete the 5K the fastest
• Host a socially distanced "race" in your neighborhood or at a local park
• Organize a socially distanced "Walk at Lunch Day" for your office
• Organize a "Working Remote Walk at Lunch Day" for your office (everyone walks their neighborhood)
• Explore a new trail or route
• Use the official Rumpshaker race route
• Take a self-guided city tour
• Visit a state park
• Use a treadmill or stationary bike
• Host a walking scavenger hunt
• Exercise with your pet
• Have a team costume contest via Zoom
• Make signs in honor/memory of your loved one for your walk
• Organize a walking parade in honor/memory of your loved one
• Create a Facebook group for your Rumpshaker team

As you participate in any of the official Rumpshaker events, remember that your health and safety are the top priority. Race organizers will follow all COVID-19 protocols in place at the time of the in-person Rumpshaker 5K. This includes, but may not be limited to, social distancing and masks requirements. Register for all race options here.

Learn more about how you can raise awareness for colorectal health by contacting Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute today.

Alabama Colon & Rectal Institute specializes in treating diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus. We are the experts in performing colonoscopies, transrectal ultrasounds, and stapled hemorrhoidectomies. Our three doctors are known regionally for their expertise in these areas. Visit our website for more information, give us a call to make an appointment at (205) 458-5000, or email us at [email protected].