Description

WARNING - The Savage Gulf is extremely hard. Some say the hardest marathon in the U.S. Each year we have to pull several people from the course. Please be prepared and well trained before attempting this run/ruck.

We are glad to be back for the 2025 Savage Gulf Marathon! 

This event is coordinated by the HardWin Adventures, and Tennessee Park Rangers Association. Proceeds are used for training scholarships available to State Park Rangers for professional development.

When: 3/29/25
Time: 8:00am CST (Marathon) - 9:00am (25k)
Where: Savage Gulf Park - Race start location is given a week before the event to all runners
Cost: Marathon - $85, and 25k -$75

The course will be a little different from the years before. The starting area will be in a new section that will be given out to all runners a week before the race. We have also added a new 25k (15 miles) section if you would rather have a shorter day : brutal, unforgiving, rocky, steep terrain you could imagine in between.

Race is limited to the first 200 registrations.  To qualify, all marathoners must have completed one marathon or longer race previously. Anyone can join the 25k.

All participants will receive a participation award. The top 3 male and female finishers will receive rewards.

PACKET PICK UP - The race will have packet pickup the morning of the event at the start location

Race Layout - We will have the race layout sent to all runners a week before the race

Our Mission

Beyond a great race this event benefits the Tennessee Park Rangers Association (TPRA) The TPRA helps to promote professionalism, raise hiring standards, improve communications, upgrade working conditions, support and participate in active training programs, and champion common concerns among the members of the Tennessee Park Rangers Association and those individuals representing Tennessee State Parks. Everyone who participates in this event will be helping their cause.

Marathon Description

There is a reason race spectators chant “You Survived the Savage Gulf Marathon!” once you cross the finish line. This marathon is known to be one of the toughest in the Southeast. The marathon features two steep descents and climbs into and out of the Savage Gulf on Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau. Along the route you will encounter challenging terrain with a variety of beautiful scenery including large stone formations, waterfalls, historic sites, wildflowers and old growth forest. To qualify to participate in this race you must have completed a marathon or longer race, this isn’t your average trail run with finishing times ranging between 4.5 hours to 8 hours. You are guaranteed to challenge yourself with this very grueling and scenic marathon.

Join us at the Savage Gulf Marathon for 26.2 miles of rugged terrain as you trek up and down the steep gorge known as Savage Gulf, cross several streams, and run along the edge of the bluff. This is a technical race you don’t want to miss.

25k and RUCK Description

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.

Safety Notice

Please note that for the safety of all runners there is a 5 hour cut off at mile 18. All runners that have not reached the mile 18 aid station by 1:00pm will be located and escorted to the finish line by race volunteers.

ALL participants will be required to follow all COVID/social distancing protocols on race day. This information will be included in the racer information email sent the week of the race.

About The Park

Savage Gulf is a 14,357 acre State Natural Area that contains some of the most spectacular natural rock formations in Tennessee. Purchased by the state in 1973 to protect one of the last known stands of virgin timber in the Eastern United States, Savage Gulf has 55 miles of trails and ten primitive campsites. The Savage Gulf Ranger Station is the eastern access point to the Savage Gulf-Stone Door trail system that traverses the most rugged and scenic areas of the South Cumberland complex. The Stone Door Ranger Station is within the Savage Gulf area and is accessible off State Highway 56 near Beersheba Springs. It is named for the Great Stone Door, a 150-foot deep crevice at the crest of the Plateau. It is the western access for the Savage Gulf-Stone Door trails network.

Event's current local time: 8:26 AM CT