Ruffner Mountain Fall Classic
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About the race
Ruffner Fall Classic is a trail race held on Ruffner Mountain using marked singletrack with steep climbs, rocky sections, and runnable stretches. The course is looped so runners repeat the same trail for longer distances. A GPX file is provided for navigation.
Distances and basic formats:
- 6 Mile - 1 loop, about 6.4 miles, ~1,200 ft elevation gain
- Half Marathon - 2 loops, 13.1 miles total, ~2,400 ft elevation gain
- Marathon - 4 loops, 26.2 miles total, ~4,800 ft elevation gain
Two aid stations support runners on course: one at the Ruffner Mountain Nature Center (directly behind the large concrete pavilion, with bathroom access) and the start/finish aid station near the ballpark. Aid offerings typically include water, Tailwind, soda, fruit, salty and sweet snacks, and basic grab-and-go fuel. Events are cupless; runners must bring their own bottle or cup.
Navigation and safety follow Southeastern Trail Runs standards: blue flags with reflective tape, directional signs, wrong-way indicators, and flag grouping at confusing sections. Flags are spaced to be visible; runners are advised to use the GPX file as a backup. Required gear includes a visible race bib, a hydration vessel, and at least 16 oz of water or similar at the start for all runners. Field capacity is limited to 200 participants. Packet pickup occurs the day before and race morning at the start/finish area. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
