Location
Panther Creek State Park
2010 Panther Creek Road
Morristown, TN 37814
Packet Pickup options will be at the race start location:
Friday 9/20 from 6:30pm-8:30pm
Saturday 9/21 Race Morning from 6:00am-7:20am
Race Information
❗️❗️A CHEROKEE ULTRA QUALIFIER ❗️❗️
Reach a 50k or greater distance and this qualifies for the required 50k for The Cherokee Ultra in 2026!
Nestled around a finger of Cherokee Lake, Panther Creek State Park presents the perfect back drop for this fall ultra-marathon. Offering 3,6,12 and 24 hour races, the Dirt Circuit is sure to deliver a challenge to runners of all backgrounds and abilities. For this spectator-friendly race, athletes, vendors, family, and friends are encouraged to enjoy the fun at Base Camp throughout the weekend. You pick where your finish line is.
The Dirt Circuit is 2.9 miles of trail mostly resembling that of a cross country course. The loop course is a combination of wide and single track trails through fields and woods with two wooden bridge crossings. The course winds gently around the park offering many scenic views of Panther Creek. The Dirt Circuit starts and finishes at the soccer fields, which serve as Base Camp for the weekend.
The race will start at 8:00 am Saturday. The 24 hour race will continue through the night. The course will be marked with flags and tape at all major trail crossings. Head lamps are strongly encouraged.
Relay teams do not have to hand off at every lap. Teams are welcome to develop their own strategy for when and who will run next for their team.
The Dirt Circuit race is cup free. Runners are responsible for carrying their own hydration systems with them.
Runners must have their official race number visible at all times to ensure they receive credit for each lap.
Pacing / Crewing of runners is permitted.
Unsportsmanlike conduct, course cutting, littering, or violation of any of the policies set forth will be grounds for disqualification.
Again - place your bib on the FRONT of your person (to be really really clear, NOT on your back) or your hard earned laps might not get counted!
Registration Information
Although we will make every effort, event t-shirts are not guaranteed to participants who register during the late registration period. Shirts guaranteed up till August 20th
East Coast Adventures refund cutoff for this event is August 1st. Race entries cannot be transferred between events, years, or individuals. Please know that your entry fee is spent well in advance of the race. Refunds will not be issued in the case of inclement weather, natural disaster, or other unforeseen circumstances out of our control but we will have a reschedule date available.
Ruck 6hrs added in 2024
New for 2024 was the 6hr Ruck option. We've saw the rucking sport grow over the last few years,and multiple people have reached out asking for a rucking division. So we here it is!
RUCK!
We are thrilled to host a ruck division for the 6hr race. For the uninitiated, rucking is typically described as walking/hiking with a weighted pack. The activity gets its name from “rucksacks,” which is military-speak for “backpack.”
Men - 30lb dry
Female -15lb dry
Boys under 15 - 20lbs
Girls under 15 -10lbs
We are excited to say each finisher will receive a patch once your race is officially over or you've tapped out.
You must weigh-in. To make this administratively simple-no weigh-in = no finishers patch.
You must also relay to RDs or event staff when you are officially ending your race!
Please plan to weigh in 30 minutes to 1 hr prior to the event start.
Weight must be in the form of a steel ruck plate, weight vest blocks, bumper plates or other items which have the weight clearly stamped. Removal of plates or reduction of weight during the event is not authorized. Honor system applies. Do the right thing.
We want this to be an awesome addition to our ultra events!
Sponsors
We are entirely thankful for everyone who supports us and we couldn't do these events without our sponsors.
Hoist Hydration
Salty britches anti chafing
Drankful Hydration packs
Gu energy gels
Magic Number Events
Greater Me personal training
UnRunning
FIA Knoxville
Allegiance Flags
Legends and lore pizza
The Long Run
Nick Morgan Photography
Sloans Hardware of Vonore
Modern Forms
Isaiah house 117
Aid Stations
There will be one aid station which will be located at Base Camp. It will be stocked with water, electrolyte drink, gels, bars, fruit, snacks, and first aid. Runners are encouraged to bring their own race nutrition as well.
Awards
3 Hour Solo
Top 3 Male
Top 3 Female
6 Hour Solo
Top 3 Male
Top 3 Female
12 Hour Solo
Top 3 Male
Top 3 Female
24 Hour Solo
Top 3 Male
Top 3 Female
12 Hour Relay
Top Relay Team
24 Hour Relay
Top Relay Team
T-shirts and finisher awards for all who participate ( When registered within swag cutoff date)
The awards ceremony will commence immediately after the last finishers of each race.
Belt buckles for the worthy.
Accommodations
Primitive camping is included with your registration at Base Camp (soccer fields) for both Friday and Saturday nights. RV sites and cabins are available through the Panther Creek State Park Campground. For more information please visit:
http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/panther-creek
There are a few hotels within a short drive from Panther Creek State Park.
Econo Lodge
5984 West Andrew Johnson Hwy
Morristown, TN 37814
423.586.8504
Hampton Inn
3750 West Andrew Johnson Hwy
Morristown, TN 37814
423.587.0952
Refunds
Refunds will be available until Aug 1st minus the UltraSignup fee. No refunds will be given after Aug 1st 2025. At this point we have placed our order for swag and shirts. We truly understand that life happens and things pop up and people get sick but for us to do our part and plan with volunteers and swag we simply cannot roll entrys over or offer refunds.In the event of unsafe weather a makeup date will be attempted to be rescheduled. Race registrations are not transferable to other participants. Please consider these factors carefully before completing your registration.
Event's current local time: 3:36 PM ET
