The Barkley Fall Classic
Wartburg, United States • 19 Sep 2026
The Barkley Fall Classic : Sep 19, 2026
The Barkley Fall Classic is a trail ultramarathon held at Frozen Head State Park, Tennessee. The event is staged as a 50 kilometer race with substantial climb and descent across trails in the Brushy Mountains. The course map is not revealed until the night before the race. Race organizers operate a cutoff at the split between the marathon and 50 km routes; runners who continue past that decision point cannot record a marathon finish and must complete the 50 km or be recorded as a DNF.
Course features and field
The route includes long runnable sections, steep climbs and descents, and limited course markings provided only at major turns. The organizers describe the course as testing both physical and mental endurance and note that more than half of starters may not finish the 50 km. Male and female winners are offered guaranteed entries in the spring Big Barkley event.
Rules, registration and logistics
Key rules include a prohibition on GPS devices, pacers, trekking poles, GU-style packets in original packaging, drop bags and caching. Runners must report any decision to drop to race staff or park rangers and must follow course markings and leave no litter. An additional bib is issued at packet pickup and must be worn on the back. Registration closes on Sep 18; an 80% refund policy applies for withdrawals before June 1. Camping and nearby lodging options are listed by the organizers, and event proceeds support local Morgan County programs. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.