WEATHER UPDATE
Hey everyone,
The weather has taken a turn, and we’re now facing the possibility of a lightning storm. Hosting a race on the plateau in these conditions isn’t safe for our volunteers or participants. I’ve experienced it firsthand—some areas have no cover, and it can be extremely dangerous.
As of now, the race is still on. We’ll make the final call on Friday morning and continue working on the course until then.
If we have to cancel, I’m working on alternative options. Unfortunately, everyone will take a hit in some way, whether that means rescheduling or offering discounts for a future HardWin race.
I know this isn’t ideal, but safety is my top priority. I appreciate everyone’s cooperation and understanding.
Talk soon,
Hardin
DESCRIPTION
50k:
The Caney Fork Ultra has been shortened to a 50k from its previous 40 mile distance since we no longer cross the Caney Fork River. The 50k is ran on a mix of single track and some gravel across Bridgestone Firestone Centennial Wilderness WMA, The Nature Conservancy's Bridgestone Nature Reserve, as well as one of Tennessee's newest State Parks, Scotts Gulf Wilderness State Park. Runners will pass beautiful overlooks along the Scotts Gulf Rim and pass no fewer than six waterfalls as well as crossing Copper Cascades along the course, so even though we dont cross the Caney Fork River any longer, you will still get your feet wet!
25:
The new Caney Fork 25k course will be ran along trails in Bridgestone Firestone Centennial Wilderness WMA and Scotts Gulf Wilderness State park and also this year include Virgin Falls. The new course passes Big Laurel Falls, Yellow Bluff overlook, giving a beautiful view of Scotts Gulf and the Caney Fork River below, as well as passing Gunstock Falls, Lower Polly Branch Falls, and Copper Cascades. 25k runners and ruckers will get their feet wet as well!
BIB PICKUP
Race Packets will be picked up on Race morning at our new start/finish area "The Big Red Barn" on Centennial Wilderness Chestnut Mountain Ranch.
RACE DAY
50K start time: 8:00am CDT 3/15/25
25 start time: 9:00 am CDT 3/15/25
Both Races start and finish at "The Big Red Barn" on Bridgestone Firestone Centennial Wilderness Chestnut Mountain Ranch.
Coordinates for "The Big Red Barn" start/finish area are below
35.872243,-85.273146
CUTOFFS
Cutoff at each aid station are as follows and are at the discretion of the Aid Station Captain. Runners must LEAVE BEFORE CUTOFF TIMES. Be at Aid Station 4(Polly Branch) mile 22 - by 2:30 pm CDT
Aid Station 5 (Scotts Gulf Rd) mile 26.5 - 3:30 pm CDT
*Please note*
Distances between some Aid Stations are quite a bit further than what you might be used to. This is due to the fact that trails in Scotts Gulf can be extremely remote and access is very limited by road. Make sure that your water is full and that you have enough food to make it to the next Aid Station. The 50k course is extremely remote and rugged in many areas along The Caney Fork River!
RACE CUTOFF FOR THE 50K IS 9 HOURS WHICH EQUALS A PACE OF 18 MINUTES PER MILE
The 25 will have one Aid Station which will be the Scotts Gulf Rd Station at approximately half way. There is no cutoff at the Aid Station for the 25k. However you have 8 hours to complete it.
REFUNDS/TRANSFERS
We do not allow refunds or transfers. If for some reason you cannot attend the Race after registering we may defer your registration to the following year.
50k COURSE
25K COURSE
HardRuck
We’re excited to offer the Rucking Division again for each race. For those new to the concept, rucking involves walking or hiking with a weighted pack. The term comes from the military word “Rucksack,” meaning “Backpack.”
Weight Requirements:
Over 150lb: 20lb dry weight
Under 150lb: 10lb dry weight
Weigh-ins will occur 30 minutes before the race start—no weigh-in, no patch. The weight must be in the form of a steel ruck plate, weight vest blocks, bumper plates, or other items with clearly stamped weight. Participants may not remove or reduce the weight during the event and may face random checks at aid stations or anywhere on the course. We rely on the honor system, so please do the right thing.
Event's current local time: 3:14 PM CT
