Run the River Ultra Challenge

Run the River Ultra Challenge and Relay

Run the River Ultra Challenge and Relay is a timed 6 hour event held at Petal River Park in Petal, MS along the Leaf River. The course is a roughly 2.8-mile loop that moves from wide meadow lanes into single-track under a hardwood canopy. Features along the route include riverfront views, lagoons, wetlands, palmetto fields, and historic train trestles.

Event formats include a 6 hour solo ultra, a 6 hour relay for teams of two to four members, and a shorter community walk course. Individual ultra runners complete as many loops as possible within six hours. Relay teams have one runner on course at a time and exchange a baton in the designated exchange zone; only laps finished before the cut-off count. Divisions are offered for Male and Female individuals and Male, Female, and Co-ed teams.

The event uses a tailgate style for support. There is no on-course aid station because of the short loop; cold refreshments are available at the finish and loop start. Teams are encouraged to keep fuel and gear at their personal tailgate site. Parking and camping are allowed on site, with tailgate spots assigned on a first-come basis and overnight camping permitted without security.

All participants registered before the cut-off receive race swag. Timing is handled by Endurance Timing with bibs for individuals and a baton system for teams. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.