About
This is a "point-to-point" trail race along the rugged New River section of the Cumberland Trail (CT). The race will start at the CT's Cave Branch trailhead and follow 90%+ single-track trail to finish at Cove Lake state park. It is a challenging course with over 7000 feet of elevation gain! This course crosses the high point of the Cumberland Trail, Cross Mountain, at over 3000’. Be prepared - the climb up Cross Mountain is steep and will be slow!
A shuttle ride will be provided from Cove Lake park to the start and will take at least 45 minutes. A tentative time to leave Cove lake state park is 6:00 a.m. for an approximate 7:00 a.m. start from the Cumberland trail Cave Branch trail head.
Course
This is a point-to-point course run primarily on the New River section of the Cumberland Trail State Park. The course 50k course will start at the Cave Branch trail head and proceed north and eastward along the Cumberland Trail to finish at Cove Lake State Park, in Caryville, Tn.
The 27k (17 mile) distance will begin at the Norma Road Trailhead and continue along the same route as the 50k.
Rules & Etiquette
We are fortunate to have outstanding cooperation from the Cumberland Trail State Park, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Cove Lake State Park, and Fleet Feet Sports. For this relationship and race to continue, and for this to be safe and fun for everyone, we need to respect the rules and the trail. This means:
Absolutely no littering. Leave your trash at the aid stations.
Let runners ahead of you know before you pass them so they can provide some room.
No bicycles, strollers, rollerblades, or pets on the course.
No alcohol consumption or display of these containers is allowed in the park.
And though we hope never to do this, we reserve the right to disqualify anyone who exhibits unsportsmanlike conduct or is abusive to volunteers.
Packet Pickup
Packets can be picked up race-day morning starting at 5:00 a.m. in the pool parking lot area from which the shuttle will leave.
Race Day
The race day schedule is still tentative, however, the shuttle ride from Cove Lake park to the start will take at least 45 minutes. A tentative time to leave Cove lake state park is 6:00 a.m. for an approximate 7:00 a.m. start from the Cumberland trail Cave Branch trail head.
Lodging
Hampton Inn 423-562-9888
Super 8 Motel: 423-562-8476
Camping is available at Cove Lake State Park on a first-come, first-served basis. For information, call 423-566-9701 or go to their website.
Event's current local time: 5:00 PM ET
