Natchez Trace Trail Run
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Natchez Trace Trail Run
The Natchez Trace Trail Run is held on the Highland Rim section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail near Franklin, Tennessee, on the first Saturday of November. The event is limited to 180 entrants and typically fills each year. The course follows roughly 25 miles of ridge singletrack above the old road bed, with several creek crossings, a handful of road crossings, and long stretches of remote trail.
The race is cupless; runners must carry their own hydration. Five aid stations are provided, spaced about 4 to 7 miles apart, with the longest gap 7.2 miles. The 50 mile is an out and back from the Garrison Creek trailhead with about 6,300 feet of climbing. Marathon, half marathon, and ruck entrants are transported to farther trailheads and run back toward the finish at Garrison Creek.
Distances
- 50 Mile Out-and-back from Garrison Creek, about 6,300 feet of gain.
- Marathon One way point-to-point; bus transport to far trailhead; run back.
- Half Marathon One way, about 14.1 miles, point-to-point with bus.
- 13 Mile Ruck Loaded pack division with 10 or 20 pound requirements by weight.
Rules and logistics emphasize self-sufficiency and resource protection: no pacers, no outside aid between stations, crew support only at aid stations, and no roadside parking on the Parkway. The event notes typical early November conditions with possible frost in the morning and daytime temperatures in the 60s, and often peak fall color. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
