Natchez Trace Trail Run
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About the race
The Natchez Trace Trail Run is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, from the Garrison Creek trailhead near Franklin, Tennessee, on the Highland Rim section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail. The field is capped at 180 entrants across four distances, and the event uses a cupless format so runners must carry their own hydration. Aid is provided roughly every five miles.
The course follows roughly 25 miles of singletrack along ridges above the old road bed. Runners will encounter creek crossings, several road crossings, and long remote stretches where trail traffic is rare. The terrain alternates between leafy and rocky tread and includes sections that are wider than modern footpaths because they follow the historic corridor.
The event offers multiple formats and a ruck division:
- 50 Mile Out and back, up to 8,000 feet gain, turnaround at about 25 miles
- Marathon One way point to point with bus transport to far trailhead; optional 2.5 mile loop
- Half Marathon One way point to point; same trail with full aid and finish support
- 13 Mile Ruck Loaded pack division with weight rules and weigh in before start
Race rules include no pacers, no outside aid, crew access only at designated rest stops, and disqualification for litter or course cutting. The race emphasizes leave no trace principles within this national park corridor. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
