A Classic Trail Race Reimagined at Sherando Lake

After a 15-year hiatus, the Great Eastern Endurance Run (GEER) is back—and better than ever. Set against the vibrant fall backdrop of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, GEER 2025 marks the long-awaited return to the iconic Sherando Lake Recreation Area, a gem once considered off-limits to special events. Now, with exclusive access secured, GEER invites trail runners back to one of the most scenic and challenging courses on the East Coast.

This is more than a race—it’s a homecoming for the ultra community. Crafted by the team behind Bad to the Bone Sports, GEER embraces everything that makes trail running great: technical singletrack, sweeping mountain views, and the kind of community spirit you can’t manufacture.

Trail Tested, Mountain Approved

Runners can choose from three distances—40 miles, 20 miles, and 10 miles—each offering its own taste of the wild. The course winds through dense Appalachian forest, up and over ridgelines, and along rocky jeep roads that test both grit and endurance. You'll summit Bald Mountain, traverse steep switchbacks, and descend into lush hollows, all while surrounded by the fiery colors of Virginia’s peak fall foliage.

The terrain is mostly singletrack and remote forest road, with only brief stretches of pavement within the park. Every twist and turn offers a new challenge—and a new reward.

Make no mistake: this is a true mountain course. It’s tough, it’s raw, and it’s absolutely unforgettable.

Aid Stations and Trail Support

Across all three distances, runners can count on well-stocked aid stations and attentive support throughout the course. Here's what you can expect:

• 40 Miler: 7 aid stations (not including the start and finish)
• 20 Miler: 2 aid stations
• 10 Miler: 1 aid station

The longest unsupported stretch is 9.3 miles in the 20 miler, so plan hydration and nutrition accordingly. Each aid station is stocked with water, Gatorade electrolyte drink, ice, fruit, salty snacks, sweet treats, GU vanilla gels, candies, chips, and pretzels—everything you need to keep moving strong.

Crew access is available at designated points along the course and can be reached by vehicle via the Blue Ridge Parkway. Please park with all four wheels off the pavement to avoid citations or towing. On the 40-mile course, there is one crew-only location at Bald Mountain Overlook (not an aid station).

Click here for the Aid Stations.

Strictly Enforced Cutoffs

Cutoff times are in place for the safety of all runners and volunteers, and will be strictly enforced with no exceptions:

• 40 Miler Cutoff: 12 hours.
• 20 Miler Cutoff: 6 hours

Runners will not be allowed to continue on the course beyond cutoff times, even if unassisted. Please respect these decisions, as they are in place to ensure your safety and that of race staff and volunteers.

Click here for the Cutoffs.

Drop Bag Policy

• No valuables – race management is not responsible for lost or stolen items
• Drop bags must be no larger than a small backpack; no paper bags
• Clearly label each drop bag with: Aid Station Name, Bib Number, and Your Name

Kennedy Trail Drop Bags will return to the finish line around 2 PM. You may retrieve them in person earlier if needed.

Bald Mountain Drop Bags will not return to the finish until after 4 PM. This location is not vehicle accessible, so do not place anything essential in this bag.

Unclaimed drop bags will not be shipped. What’s left behind may be lost forever!

Race Day Experience

From the first step to the final climb, GEER delivers an immersive trail running experience. Whether you're a seasoned ultrarunner or tackling your first mountain race, you’ll be welcomed into a passionate, tight-knit community that thrives on challenge, connection, and shared miles.

Expect stunning fall foliage, technical trails, and the kind of energy only the Blue Ridge Mountains can provide. Every finisher will receive a custom-designed medal and a high-quality technical race shirt.

While Sherando Lake’s park facilities will be closed for infrastructure upgrades, primitive camping may be available pending approval by the Forest Service. Updates on camping options will be posted on www.geerultra.com.

Registration and Entry Fees

Registration opens on Friday, July 25. Sign up early to secure your spot and save on entry fees:

• 40 Miler: $100 until Sept 1, $110 until Oct 1, $120 thereafter
• 20 Miler: $75 until Sept 1, $90 until Oct 1, $105 thereafter
• 10 Miler: $55 until Sept 1, $70 until Oct 1, $85 thereafter

GEER is designed to be both challenging and accessible, and we’re committed to keeping the pricing runner-friendly while maintaining a top-tier race experience.

Bad the Bone Sports

The Great Eastern Endurance Run is produced by Bad to the Bone Sports, a leader in endurance event production since 2001. Founded by elite athletes James Russell Gill III and Dr. Francesca Conte, the company is known for designing races that are as challenging as they are rewarding.

From 5Ks to 100Ks, every Bad to the Bone event is built on the belief that trail running can inspire runners to “Discover Your New Normal.” Their personal experience as professional competitors brings authenticity, precision, and passion to every mile.

For more information, visit www.geerultra.com or contact Francesca at francesca@badtothebone.biz.

Event's current local time: 12:24 PM ET