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By RACHEL RAIFORD | Staff Writer

PELHAM – Thrifting just got a lot more competitive with the upcoming Thrift Store Half Marathon & 5K set for Oak Mountain State Park in early February.

For this race, each runner is required to outfit their entire race kit, nutrition and pack from their local thrift store, with the exception of necessary undergarments and shoes. The cost of items for the race cannot exceed $20, creating a unique long-distance run in one of the state’s top trail parks.

The event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Packet pickup will be available at 7 a.m. the morning of the race, and the half marathon will begin promptly at 8 a.m. by the BMX track. The 10K will begin at 8:15 a.m. to allow half marathon runners to clear the course.

The course is beginner friendly and features rarely used trails and some prettier sections of Oak Mountain State Park.

The course averages around 100 feet of climbing per mile, and is described as being very runnable.

Aid stations will be placed every 4-6 miles. These stations will be water only as participants will be hauling their thrift store nutrition with them.

Each participant will have until race day to gather their race kit items from their favorite thrift store.

Everything will need to come from a store of choice, including a shirt, pants, hats, gloves, a pack, food, drink and a drink holder all for the value total of $20.

With the unique twist to the race, there will also be opportunities to win unique prizes. There will be awards for first place for female and male in both races, and some special thrift store awards given to multiple participants.

Registration for either race is $30 and will close on Thursday, Feb. 1 at 11:59 p.m. To register now visit Ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=109425&fbclid=IwAR3W6cwSlmN_MjxzX3SYWIAounNJHLmxEapC7H3mw0aNzbHEuNuvtIPy3tc.