Vulcan Vault 2026
Details
The Vulcan Vault is a youth to professional meet that will be held at the Pelham Civic Complex in Pelham, AL on July 11. This is a USATF Sanctioned event. After the growth of the last 3 years and the heat that is common in Alabama in the summer, we made a change last year so the event is more comfortable and more spectator friendly. Last year's Vulcan Vault had huge additions with the lights and music from Vault Entertainment and we will again have that, but every athlete will get to have the Elite level experience.
Time & Location
July 11, 2026, 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM
500 Amphitheater Rd, Pelham, AL 35124, USA
Format, Warm-Up & Competition Schedule, of Events
The Vulcan Vault will start with the lowest height athletes and build up to our highest. The groups are mixed gender by season's best mark except for the emerging elite and the elite sections which will be separated by genders. We seed by season's best as they are the best indicator that we have found to make sure that the athletes are in the correct section for the competition. Please put an honest mark on your registration and not one just to win a section as we are instituting cut off bars after 1' above the highest mark entered for that section. Maximum of 16 athletes per section.
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Warm-ups for the 9:00 AM competition will begin promptly at 8:00 AM. The first flight will start at 9:00 AM as scheduled.
Throughout the day, subsequent sections may be adjusted based on the pace of competition and bar progressions. Our goal is to keep the event running efficiently while ensuring, and provided Athletes report 1-hr prior to competition every athlete receives a minimum of 45 minutes of warm-up time before their competition begins.
The Elite divisions are scheduled to begin at 12:00 PM.
Following the conclusion of the Elite competition, warm-ups for the 3:00 PM session will begin immediately, with competition starting after athletes have received at least 45 minutes of warm-up time.
We appreciate everyone’s flexibility as we make any necessary schedule adjustments throughout the day to provide the best possible competition experience for all athletes.
Athletes
The Vulcan Vault is for all ages and skill levels. We are limiting the meet's entries so that no section is over 16 athletes so we make sure that the athletes have the best chance at clearing PRs. We will make the progression of each section try to hit as many PRs as we can while still staying within the parameters of USATF and World Athletics rules. We are expecting a huge turn out as we sold out last year and look to sell out again this year. If you sign up and you jump higher than you registered you can always change your season's best mark up until July 4th. So feel reassured that you aren't locked into a height cause you signed up early.
Elites Information
This year, we will feature 10 men and 10 women in each of the Elite Divisions, following feedback from last year's competitor surveys. To be considered for the Elite Division, athletes must meet the following minimum standards:
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Women: 4.15m
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Men: 5.35m
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The top 10 men and women who have confirmed their entry into the Elite Division by June 29 will comprise the official elite field.
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The Elite Division is designated as a World Athletics Challenger-level (D Level) competition. Prize money will be awarded, with payout details to be announced in the coming weeks as sponsorships are finalized. For reference, last year's payouts were:
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1st: $2,500
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2nd: $1,250
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3rd: $750
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Athletes who meet the Elite Division standards but are not selected for the top 10 may compete in the Emerging Elite Division, which will be classified as a World Athletics F Level competition.
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If you meet the qualifying standards and are interested in competing in this year's Elite Division, please contact chris.spear@ascendpv.com
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Competition Awards!
The awards for this competition are truly unique and reflect the spirit of excellence and ironclad work ethic required of our sport. Each award is handcrafted, making it a one-of-a-kind symbol of achievement and dedication. Designed to stand out, these awards are more than trophies; they are works of art that celebrate the passion, hard work, and resilience of every athlete. By offering something handmade and distinctive, Vulcan Vault hopes to honor the individuality and effort each competitor brings to this event, ensuring that their accomplishments are recognized in a way that is as extraordinary as their journey.
Sign Up Rewards!
All athletes that sign up gain entry to the meet, a Vulcan Vault T-Shirt, and a seat in the arena for the Elite Competition. Athletes who sign up during the regular registration period will get to choose their size. Anyone who signs up on late registration will receive a large T-Shirt as we will have to make shirt orders prior to the close of the late registration.
Coaches Information
Coaches who bring more than 5 athletes receive 1 free spectator/coach entry per 5 athletes into the competition and a seat for the elite competition.
Facility Seating Map
Facility Layout
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4 Runways
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Men's and Women's Elite Sections
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World Athletics Sanctioning​
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16-20 Elite Athletes
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16-20 Youth and Open Competition
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​Support up to 320 athletes​
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16 Athletes Max per Section
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Professional Production
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Vault Entertainment LLC​
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Lights, Music, Video Streams
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Live Stream​
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Commentary & Host
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≈ 4,000 Arena Seat Capacity
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Prize Money Pool for Elite Athletes
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Awards for Each Section Winner
Event Lodging & Things to Do
Fairfield Inn & Suites Birmingham Pelham Reservation(s)
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Hampton Inn & Suites Birmingham-Pelham (I-65) Reservation(s)
Refund Policy
Due to the advanced planning required for event operations, including athlete SWAG purchases, participant packet preparation, and race start list coordination, at this time all event registrations are final. Once an entry is submitted, resources and commitments are made on behalf of each participant. Therefore, no refunds, credits, transfers, or deferrals of entry fees will be issued for any reason, including injury, illness, scheduling conflicts, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances. By registering, participants acknowledge and agree to this no-refund policy.
