The Trailblaze Challenge, a one-day, 26.3-mile endurance hike on the Pinhoti Trail, raises money for Make-A-Wish Alabama. This year marks the eighth year for the fundraiser in Alabama.

Those interested in taking on this unique challenge and joining the more than 1,300 Alabama adventurers that have taken the challenge, should register soon. The 12-week training program kicks off Jan. 27, in Mobile.

Make-A-Wish Alabama has set a record-breaking goal for the 2024 fundraiser: $1.1 million. If the goal is reached, it would rank as one of the top-grossing fundraising events held by a nonprofit in Alabama and the largest Trailblaze Challenge program in the U.S.

"It has been amazing to witness the journey that more than 1,300 people have taken since 2017," said Valerie Cunningham-Trainer, Vice President of Advancement for Make-A-Wish Alabama, in a statement. "There have been incredible displays of mental fortitude, new friendships formed, physical transformations and more than $4.85 million raised to grant wishes! It really is a program unlike any other."

See if you have what it takes to complete the challenge: one day, 26.3 miles through the Talladega National Forest. Those interested must attend a free, no-commitment info session. Attendees will have the opportunity to register for the challenge at the info session.

Two hike weekends will be held in Alabama in 2024: April 19-21 and May 3-5.
"The real challenge is to raise much-needed funds to grant the wishes of children in Alabama with critical illness," Scioneaux said. "A wish gives children renewed energy and strength, brings families closer together and unites communities."

For more information on the Trailblaze Challenge, visit www.alabamatrailblaze.com.

For more information on Make-A-Wish Alabama, visit www.alabama.wish.org.