The Barkley Fall Classic

Wartburg, United States • 20 Sep 2025

The Barkley Fall Classic is a challenging 50-kilometer trail race held in Frozen Head State Park, Tennessee, designed to emulate the legendary Barkley Marathons. The course features rugged terrain through the Brushy Mountains, with significant climbs and descents, scenic vistas, and limited course markings to test runners' navigation skills. GPS devices and pacers are prohibited, emphasizing self-reliance and mental toughness. A unique feature is the "Decision Point," where runners can choose to finish a marathon distance or continue the grueling 50K, with no option to revert. The race fosters a tough, personal challenge and offers guaranteed entry to the Big Barkley for male and female winners. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

50 km
50k
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

The Haw Ridge Trail Race, held in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, features an 8-mile trail run and a Kids Trail Mile. The course begins and ends at the Haw Ridge Life Development Center, offering early climbs followed by flowing trails through Haw Ridge Park, including scenic stretches along the lake. The Kid..

The Big South Fork Trail Race, held in Oneida, Tennessee, takes place at the Bandy Creek Campground within the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. The event features two distances: a challenging 17.5-mile out-and-back loop starting at the John Litton General Slavens Trailhead, and a 1..

The No Business 100 is a challenging 102-mile trail ultramarathon held annually in October, starting and finishing at Pickett CCC Memorial State Park in Jamestown, Tennessee. The single-loop course traverses the scenic and remote Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, crossing between Tenn..

The Norris Ultra Dam Hard Trail Race, held at Norris Dam State Park in Norris, Tennessee, offers challenging trail running events of 25k and 50k distances. Scheduled for November 1, 2025, the race courses feature single-track trails and jeep roads across Norris Dam State Park and the Norris Municipa..

The Barn Creek Backyard Ultra is a challenging ultramarathon held in Jamestown, Tennessee, featuring a 4.167-mile out-and-back loop through private wooded property near Colditz Cove State Natural Area. The course combines gravel, road, and trail surfaces with under 300 feet of elevation gain, crossi..