DESCRIPTION
Course Overview – A Deep Run Through Tennessee’s Wildest Backcountry
This year’s event takes runners deep into one of the most striking and geologically unique landscapes in Middle Tennessee. The 50 Miler and 25K both traverse the rugged Caney Fork and Scotts Gulf region — an area shaped over millions of years by water, limestone, and time, and still largely untouched by development.
This land is defined by towering sandstone and limestone bluffs, massive overlooks, sinkholes, caves, and waterfalls that appear directly out of the rock, disappear underground, and re-emerge downstream. Much of the water you’ll encounter on this course doesn’t simply flow downhill — it vanishes into cave systems, travels unseen beneath your feet, and bursts back out through springs and cliff faces, creating waterfalls and streams that feel almost unreal.
Runners will move along high overlooks with sweeping views into deep river gorges, descend into shaded hollows carved by centuries of flowing water, and travel through terrain that feels ancient and wild. This region served as a natural corridor for Indigenous peoples and early settlers, and even today it remains one of the most remote and dramatic landscapes in Tennessee.
The 50 Miler
The 50 Miler is the featured distance this year, replacing the former 50K. It is a demanding, full-day effort designed for experienced trail and ultra runners. Expect long stretches of technical trail, sustained climbs and descents, remote sections where you feel far from everything, and constant visual reward. This course does not give away miles easily — every mile must be earned.
The 50 Miler will start at 6:00 AM, sending runners into the gorge as first light breaks over the cliffs and rivers below. It’s a true ultra experience built around patience, endurance, and respect for the terrain.
The 25K
The 25K offers a shorter but still challenging introduction to this landscape and shares the same rugged character and scenery as the longer course. It is not an “easy” option — runners should expect real trail, meaningful elevation change, and a true backcountry feel packed into a more approachable distance.
The 25K will start at 8:00 AM, allowing runners to head out as the forest fully wakes up and the gorge fills with light.
Start / Finish Experience
Both distances start and finish at Camp Latimer, creating a central hub for the entire race day. Runners, crews, and spectators will be able to experience the energy of the early-morning start, the quiet tension of the middle miles, and the celebration as finishers return from deep within the gorge.
This is more than a race through the woods. It’s a run through ancient rock, hidden water, and wild Tennessee backcountry — big views, deep forest, and miles that will stay with you long after the finish line.
Latimer Reservation
We’re excited to partner with Latimer Reservation as this year’s official start and finish location. Nestled on the Cumberland Plateau in Spencer, Tennessee, Camp Latimer offers a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort for runners, crew, family, and friends.
Participants are welcome to stay Friday night before the race, the night of the race, or make a full weekend out of it. Camp Latimer offers both tent and cabin lodging, along with full facilities including showers, restrooms, shared gathering spaces, and plenty of room to relax. Tent camping is available on raised platforms with cots for those who want the outdoor experience, while climate-controlled cabins provide comfortable bunk rooms and private leader rooms for a more restful stay.
Set on 1,550 acres of scenic forest and open space, Camp Latimer provides a peaceful and social environment where runners can gather, unwind, and connect before and after the event. Staying on site allows us to create a true race-weekend experience, with opportunities to spend time together, share stories, and celebrate the effort that goes into race day.
If you are interested in reserving a camping or cabin spot, lodging options will be available as add-ons during race registration. We encourage participants to arrive early or stay late, as we’ll be hosting informal get-togethers before and after the race and are working on a very cool guest speaker to make the weekend even more memorable.
RACE DAY
Race Weekend Layout – Camp Latimer
The Caney Fork race weekend is designed to be more than just a start line and finish chute. We’re building a full weekend experience at Camp Latimer Scout Reservation, centered around community, preparation, and time together in one of Tennessee’s most scenic backcountry settings.
Friday – Arrival & Pre-Race Gathering
The race area opens at 2:00 PM on Friday. Runners, crew, and family are welcome to arrive early, get settled, and enjoy the camp facilities.
Packet pickup will be available Friday evening from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM near the main camp building. This is the recommended option for runners to make race morning as smooth as possible.
At 7:00 PM, we’ll gather for a pre-race dinner at camp. Following dinner, we’ll host a course overview and race briefing beginning around 7:30 PM, with time for questions and final notes. This will cover key course features, aid stations, safety considerations, and race-day logistics.
We’re also planning an evening activity or guest presentation during the weekend. Final details will be announced closer to race day once confirmed.
Saturday – Race Day
Race-day packet pickup begins at 5:00 AM near the main camp building for those unable to pick up on Friday.
50 Miler Start: 6:00 AM CDT
25K Start: 8:00 AM CDT
Both races start and finish near the main camp building at Camp Latimer, creating a central hub for runners, crews, volunteers, and spectators throughout the day.
The 50 Miler will have a hard cutoff of 8:00 PM, marking the official end of the race.
Saturday Evening – Finish Line & Dinner
As runners continue to finish throughout the afternoon and evening, the camp will remain active and welcoming. Dinner will begin around 7:00 PM, allowing finishers, crews, and volunteers to gather, refuel, and celebrate the day’s efforts together as the final runners make their way in.
Additional evening activities or a guest speaker may be scheduled depending on availability, and details will be shared once finalized.
Course Information
A detailed race layout, including aid station locations, crew access notes, drop bag details, and final course information, will be sent out approximately one week before the event so runners can fully prepare.
CUTOFFS
REFUNDS/TRANSFERS
Refunds before a month out are acceptable, after that we do not allow them
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: 4:34 PM CT
