July 11 - 21, 2024

Vol State

Missouri - Georgia

Sand Mountain, GA 500K Screwed, 500K Crewed

Registration closes: Wed, Jul 10 @ 11:59PM CT

About

The Vol-State is not just another ultramarathon. It is much more than that. The Vol-State is a journey, an adventure, and an exploration of inner space. It begins with a ferry ride across the Mississippi River, from Missouri to Kentucky, and finishes at “the Rock,” high atop Sand Mountain in Northeast Georgia. What lies in between are 314 miles of the great unknown. From the time the Vol-Stater steps off the Ferry, until they reach the Rock, they are totally reliant upon their own physical and mental resources. For the next three to ten days, in the face of the heat and humidity of July in Tennessee , the Vol-Stater must make their way on foot, along highways and backroads, from one small town to the next, over hills and across rivers, up mountains and down long valleys, all the while accounting for all of their most basic needs; “what will I eat?” “When will I find water?” Where will I sleep?”

Success is not guaranteed. There are no aid stations, teeming with volunteers waiting to tend to your every need and encourage you to continue. There are just miles and miles of empty road. Your friends can follow your progress from afar, but no pacers can carry your burden for you. If you do encounter another runner, theirs is the same desperate plight as your own. You will have doubts. Finishing will often seem an unfathomable dream. Your worst enemy may become the knowledge that an air conditioned ride to your car at the finish (in the dreaded seat of disgrace”) is but a phone call away.

Many will fail. But, for those who find the steely will and muster the sheer dogged tenacity to overcome the impossible obstacles, and reach the rock on foot, the Vol-State can be a transcendental experience. No words can adequately describe the sense of combined relief and amazement to be experienced at the Rock. No one can explain the regret that this incredible journey has actually come to an end. Former King, Barry Crumrine probably summed up the Vol-State experience as well as it can be put into words;

“I found in myself something that I never knew was there.”

Do I enter as Crewed or Uncrewed??

I know this is always a source of confusion. The race does not differentiate in the results between runners who run the race "crewed" and runners who run the race "screwed." The purpose of having the two categories has to do with how you will get to the starting line....
Most of the runners will be parking at Castle Rock on Wednesday morning, and riding the buses to Union City (driving the course in reverse). Those runners will have a lunch provided on the way, and double occupancy motel rooms for Wednesday night. After a good breakfast on Thursday morning, transportation will then be provided to the Ferry. Following your arrival at The Rock, we will assure your safe transport to a motel. This is important, as most runners arriving at The Rock are unfit to drive until after they have gotten some sleep!
It does not matter if you will have a crew for part, or all of the race, if you are riding the bus, you need to enter as "Uncrewed." It does not matter if you will run the entire race without a crew, if you are providing your own transportation to the start, and from the finish, you should enter as "Crewed."
You should consider long and hard, before selecting your category. The logistics of getting to and from the start/finish are not simple (as they are on opposite corners of a very long state) and many runners have ended up having to make a complicated transaction to switch to "uncrewed" before the race... also, many runners consider the bus ride to be one of the fun features of the event. It is the one chance to get to know your fellow Vol Staters before the race begin (and while everyone still feels good!) and to get a good look at the entire course, receiving tips and advice from seasoned veterans.

Other Info

Refunds; 90% refunds are available until December 24. Refunds will be available after that time, dependent on the ability to replace the withdrawing entrant from the wait list. Refunds will be made on a declining scale: January thru March 80% refund; April and May 70% refund; June 50% refund.
Wait List; A wait list will be maintained after the race has filled... Withdrawals replaced from the wait list will receive a refund at the rate listed above.
Unaided (screwed) runners will park their vehicles at the parking area at Castle Rock Ranch and ride tour buses backwards on the course to Union City, Tennessee, where they will be lodged in double occupancy Motel rooms overnight, and then provided bus transportation to the start. Runners with crews are allowed to enter as screwed, and take the bus ride. Runners without crews can provide their own transportation to the start, and enter as crewed.
Crewed and Screwed categories are unofficial, as all results are kept in a single finish list. Runners may have crews for any part, or all of the race, as desired.
Check-Ins: All entrants are required to report their location by phone at 0730 and 1930 each day. Texting will suffice, and runners planning to be on break at check-in time may report early..... Failure to check in will result in a search for your body.
Dropping Out: Runners may choose to drop from the race at any time, by simply calling in and requesting a ride to the car park. Transportation will be furnished at the earliest feasible time.

Event's current local time: 12:31 AM CT

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