Big South Fork Trail Race

Event overview

The Big South Fork Trail Race takes place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, in Oneida, TN. The event features the following distances:

• 17.5 Mile
• 10K

The race starts and finishes at the Bandy Creek Campground in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. The event location is listed as 4564 Leatherwood Rd (GPS 36.490481, -84.700717). Camping is available at Bandy Creek Campground and reservations can be made through the National Park Service reservation system.

Course, registration and race policies

The 17.5 Mile course is an out-and-back loop beginning and ending at the John Litton General Slavens Trailhead. The first 1.5 miles are paved and gravel; the remainder is single track trail. Aid stations are located at approximately 3.5, 5, 12, and 14 miles. The 10K is a loop course consisting primarily of single track trail.

All runners must pre-register; there is no late or race day registration. Registration fees accept a $5 Knoxville Track Club member discount. There are no refunds and no bib transfers. Each 17.5 Mile runner receives a long-sleeve sweatshirt; each 10K runner receives a long-sleeve cotton T-shirt. A no-shirt option reduces the fee by $5. Awards include top 3 overall, masters, grandmasters, veterans, Clydesdale (male, 200 lbs+) and Athena (female, 150 lbs+) categories, plus age divisions in 10-year increments. Aid and water stations are provided, but runners are urged to carry their own water. The race prohibits headsets, bicycles, strollers, roller blades, and pets on the course. Runners under 12 must be accompanied by an adult for longer races, and a minimum pace policy with a course sweeper will be enforced. A family picnic follows the race; additional meal tickets cost $10. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.