Welcome to Wartrace
Way back in 1979, avid runner Gary Cantrell looked far and wide for races near him. He decided to start his own race using a combination of his training roads. Two score and six years ago now, Gary has become better known as the infamous lazarus lake, but the first Saturday in May has meant one thing in the scenic hills of Bedford County, Tennessee; the return of the Foot Warriors.
And the Ultra-Marathoners have kept coming back to stroll the quiet streets of Wartrace and Bell Buckle, enjoying the picturesque homes and quaint shops.
They come back to share in the reunion of the Ultra community.
Back to celebrate the end of Winter with a run in the inspiring springtime beauty of the Highland Rim.
Back to be a part of one of the most competitive Road Ultras in the US, and to match their times against the fastest runners of the past 46 years.
Back to strive for a coveted Gold Shirt... or Blue Shirt... or Red Shirt.
Back to feast on the bountiful repast at both pre- and post-run festivities.
But, most of all, the Ultra-Marathoners keep coming back because, at the Strolling Jim™, every runner is a hero, an honored guest, and a welcomed friend.
Join us this May for the 47th running of the race, and you will find your own reasons to keep coming back.
Schedule of Events
ALL TIMES ARE CENTRAL DAYLIGHT TIME
Friday, May 2: 101 Spring Street, Wartrace, TN
3PM - 6:30PM -- Packet Pickup/Late Registration --- Race Tent by Fountain
4PM --- Course Tour --- Meet by the Race Tent by Fountain for this tour.
4:30PM - 7:00PM Pre-Race Feed We recommend Chabbi's Sweets & Eats -- 98 Main Street E. Wartrace. They have a nice variety and are located right there in Wartrace.
Please support local businesses.
Saturday, May 3: 101 Spring Street, Wartrace TN
5:30AM - 6:30AM -- Late Packet pick up; Late Registration --- Race Tent by Fountain
PARKING: There is a lot of parking at the Jernigan Field, and Wynette-Ayers Park - 119 Bridgeview Street, Wartrace, TN. Plan to arrive to the area early. You won't be able to park within 1/4 mile of the start; if you are late, you'll have to start and catch up.
6:45AM - Assemble at the Wellhouse for final instructions and photos
7:00AM -- Strolling Jim 40 START --- Wartrace Wellhouse.
Don't get caught on the wrong side of the tracks. If you've been here, you know what this means!
WE WILL START ON TIME
11:00 -???? -- Ultra finishers; get your awards, and enjoy the Post Race Party outside under the Big Tent by the fountain. BBQ chicken and sides.
FINISH LINE-- Finish in front of the haunted Walking Horse Hotel.
Zack Beavin crushes course record at Strolling Jim!
In 2021, Zack Beavin, of Lexington, KY followed up on his 2019 pursuit of one of the most revered records in all of ultra running; (Andy Jones' brilliant 3:59:26). where he established a couple of new course record splits on his way to the second fastest Jim ever!! Of course, his 4:07:42 left him wanting more.
Zack came in trained and ready, with an adjusted plan for knocking off the record. By the 50km it was apparent that he would not be denied, and cruised to an incredible 3:55:44 finish. HE DID IT! Cool thing was that Andy Jones was in attendance, and presented Zack's awards to him. Two class acts!
Camille Herron smashes women's Course Record
2022 was the year that things worked out for multiple world record holder, Camille Herron, to run Strolling Jim. She did not disappoint, holding off ultrarunning legend Harvey Lewis, and smashing Leah Thorvilson's 11 year old record by 48 seconds.
Camping; Parking, and Lodging options
CAMPING: Looking for a very convenient place to stay?
Camping is allowed in the Winnette Ayers Park, and at Jernigan Field, 119 Bridgeview St, Wartrace TN, just a quarter mile from the start/finish. You can tent camp around the perimeter of the Horse Ring. Sleep in your car if you wish. There are Rest Rooms available at Jernigan Field. RVs are welcome to park in the large grass field next to Jernigan Field (see signs), along the edge of the field, but note, there is no electricity or hookups.
NOTE: You do NOT have to register, or reserve a campsite. Just show up, and camp. There is plenty of space for everyone.
Parking: Volunteers will be on hand on Saturday morning to assist you. You will park in the large area directly across from Winnette Ayers park, and next to Jernigan Field, 119 Bridgeview St, Wartrace.
Lodging:The Walking Horse Hotel is located at the finish line, and a block from the starting line. Unfortunately, due to the fire last year, they have not reopened. It's still a cool looking old, haunted building right at the finish line.
Bed and Breakfast in the area: Seasons B&B - Bell Buckle - 615-516-3421. www.seasonsbnb.com
Hinkle HIll Inn Retreat House, Bell Buckle -
615-429-8629; www.hinklehillinn.com
The Walker Inn - Bell Buckle - 931-312-0856
Nearby Lodging: There are lots of hotels in Murfreesboro, TN, about 25 miles from Wartrace. Shelbyville isnabout 10 miles, and if you're coming from the south, Manchester, TN, is about 17 miles away.
Race Bling and Awards.
At packet pick up, you'll receive a Strolling Jim shirt, a booklet with lots of historic information and course maps, your race bib with timing chip, and perhaps a few giveaways.
ALL FINISHERS receive a finisher's medal.
At the finish, get your color shirt if you earn one, and a Strolling Jim top finisher trophy if you earn one.
Please don't leave the finish line without your stuff.
Course Map
You can get the course layout by visiting durbinracemanagement.com click on course maps and Strolling Jim.
Water/aid stations. Drop bags
We have a Post Race Party BBQ chicken dinner with sides at the finish, and something for vegetarians.
Aid stations since we have lots of food for you at the finish, we don't have the stations set up as buffets. They have plenty of items containing enough calories to get you to the finish. Stations containing water, SWORD hydration drink, some lite snacks, trail mix bars, oranges, chips, Slim Jims, will be located at mile markers 7.5, 13.1, 21.5, 29, 35, and 39 (not all stations will have exactly the same thing
Water jugs will ALSO be along the road at the drops between aid stations at 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 17, 23.5, 31, 33, and 37.
Help yourself, but don't drink directly out of the jugs please.
Drop bags/boxes: If you need something special you are welcome to have it in a drop bag (or container), which will be taken to the dual purpose station at mm 13.1/35. Clearly mark your name and bib# on the container and limit the size to no larger than you need. (larger containers may not be taken to the drop area, but left at the finish). Leave your drop bags/box at the designated spot near the big tent and we will take it out for you. We strongly suggest that you DO NOT leave your car keys in your drop bag.
NOTE: when you are FINISHED with your bag/box and are ready for us to bring it to the finish line, please place it in the area designated as RETURN BAGS TO FINISH. Failure to do this will delay your bag coming back to the finish.
You are also welcome to go retrieve your bag whenever you wish.
Crewing info
Please see the crew information in the runners booklet.
You are welcome to have a crew keeping an eye on you. Please inform them they are not allowed to drive their car or truck alongside you. They must find a spot to pull completely off the road. There you can get assistance. Obviously, they can't transport you anywhere while you are in the race.
No pacers
Donate to Cascade HS athletics
Laz has been a coach in the school systems for over 30 years. Here's an opportunity to donate a little to help the school he loves. Tighter budgets make it tougher all the time. A significant portion of your Strolling Jim entry fee goes towards helping these worthy programs. If you can afford to give a little more, it will be put to good use. You can do so during the registration process. Thanks so much.
Event's current local time: 3:55 AM CT
