Description
The Rabid Raccoon, presented by Bad Beard Events, is an epic middle-distance race in Chattanooga, Tennessee, that begins atop Raccoon Mountain at Laurel Point. This event will take place on the north and western side of the mountain, utilizing the following trails: Megawatt, Grindstone Ridge, Lower Chunky, Live Wire 1 & 2, High Voltage, and Split Rock. To keep things interesting, each year, Rabid Raccoon alternates directions. The 2025 crew will follow the course in a clockwise fashion. How cool is that? Regardless of the direction, whether you're a competitive racer or a runner simply looking for a challenge, this gorgeous course is for you. All finishers receive a campfire mug.
BIG SHOUT OUT TO OUR SPONSORS: Fast Break, Rock/Creek, La Sportiva, Tucker Build, Black Diamond, Chattanooga Brewing Company, Peak Physical Therapy and Fitness, and Horton Design.
Packet Pickup
WHAT: Early Packet Pick Up
WHEN: January 10th, 2025
WHERE: Fast Break Athletics
TIME: 5:00PM - 6:30PM
Race Day
RACE DAY PACKET PICKUP
WHEN: Saturday, January 11th, 2025
WHERE: Start/Finish Line Area
TIME: 7:30AM - 8:15AM EST
RACE START
The 25K will begin at 8:30AM EST
**You have 5 hours to complete this course**
DIRECTIONS TO LAUREL POINT PARKING LOT
From Chattanooga, Tennessee (Approximately 20 Minutes)
Take EXIT #175 for Brown's Ferry Road
Turn RIGHT, and drive 0.8 miles
Turn LEFT on Elder Mountain Road (by Brown's Ferry Food Market)
Continue through the roundabout, and up Raccoon Mountain for 1.5 miles
Turn LEFT toward Raccoon Mountain Visitors' Center
Continue through the gate, and up the mountain for 1.2 miles
Atop the mountain, continue to follow the road to the RIGHT
Continue until you see the turn for the visitors' center on your RIGHT
Continue straight onto a single lane road
Continue 1.1 miles along the single-lane road.
Take the RIGHT turn toward Laurel Point. Drive 1.0 mile to the Laurel Point parking lot.
AID STATIONS
Heads up! **THIS IS A CUPLESS RACE** All runners must bring their own hydration pack or hand-held bottle.
Goodies will be common trail race fare: Granola bars, Gummy bears, Gels, Chips, etc
Water and Gatorade will also be available at each station. There will be 2 Aid Stations!
MEDICAL SERVICES- Chattanooga Hamilton County Rescue Service. These folks are awesome and work strictly on a donation basis. You can donate here: http://www.chcrs.org/Donation-Information
NEW THIS YEAR: FINSHER MUGS!!
Awards will be given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place Overall Female and Male.
FOOD! We will provide post-race food and beverages
**We love dogs but they cannot run on the course with you**
Volunteers
Without volunteers, the Bad Beard Race Series could not survive. We are so thankful for the hands and feet that have served us in the past, and beyond grateful for those who will help us in the future. If you are interested in volunteering, please click on the "VOLUNTEER" button at the top of the page! Otherwise, meet us at the starting line around 7:00AM! We'll put your hands to work!
Proceeds
A portion of the race proceeds will benefit the Southern Off Road Biking Association (SORBA), a regional division of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA).
Mission: SORBA Chattanooga seeks to utilize advocacy, education, and recreational activities to promote land access, trail preservation, and new trail development in and around the Chattanooga area.
Accommodations
Chattanooga has some cool spots. We recommend the Crash Pad, Hotel Indigo, Mayor’s Mansion B&B, The Moxy, and Raccoon Mountain Caverns and Campgrounds.
REGISTRATION CHANGES/TRANSFERS
There will be no refunds for this race, and bib numbers may not be transferred to another runner.
Bib-swapping will result in disqualification.
Event's current local time: 5:17 AM ET
