Savage Gulf Marathon
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Savage Gulf Marathon
The Savage Gulf Marathon is scheduled for March 27, 2027, at Savage Gulf State Park in the South Cumberland area near Beersheba Springs and Coalmont, Tennessee. The event is organized by HardWin Adventures with the Tennessee Park Rangers Association, and proceeds fund training scholarships for State Park Rangers.
Distances offered
- Marathon
- 25K loop with a short out and back
- Ruck 25K same 25K course carried with weight
The marathon course descends into and climbs out of the gulf twice and runs through sandstone bluffs, rock gardens, waterfalls, stream crossings, and old growth forest. Organizers warn the course is extremely hard and report that some participants are removed from the course each year. Marathon finish times commonly range from about 4.5 to 8 hours. Entry to the marathon requires prior completion of a marathon or longer race.
The 25K follows a loop with an out and back segment and includes a route feature that can catch daydreamers. The Ruck 25K covers the same route while carrying required weight. Ruck weight rules are 20 lb dry for participants over 150 lb and 10 lb dry for those under 150 lb. Weigh ins occur before the race start; weight must be clearly stamped and may be checked on course. Participants must carry a hydration container. Two hard cutoffs exist on the marathon course at Collins Gulf West (mile 11) and Saw Mill (mile 18.1); runners who miss cutoffs will be located and escorted to the finish by volunteers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
