World's Fair Ultras

DIRTY SOUTH TRAIL HALF MARATHON, TRAIL 10K, and KIDS TRAIL MILE

TIME & PLACE: Half Marathon and 10K start at 9:00 am. Kids Trail Mile race starts 8:30 am. Note, this kids mile is separate from the seven race series. Starts/finishes at Mead's Quarry, just south of Ijams Nature Center on Island Home Avenue, Knoxville TN 37920.

Sustainability: Help us make less of an impact on the environment! There are a couple ways you can help us make this a more environmentally sustainable event… Option 1? Carpool! Link up with your friends and carpool if possible (our participant lists are public, take a look and see who you know that’s coming!). Option 2? Meads Quarry has a stop on the Knoxville Area Transit Line 40! Check out their site, download their app, or utilize their bike and ride option!

COURSE DESCRIPTION: 13.1 mile course traverses the Forks of the River Wildlife Area, William Hastie Park, Marie Myers Park, Ross Marble Quarry, Ijams Nature Center, and other haunts of the beautiful Urban Wilderness of South Knoxville. A mix of rocky, technical single track and buffed out, flowing mountain bike trail. Course has a 4 hour time limit. 10k course will utilize some of the main nature center trails as well as those in Meads Quarry. Kids will run their own trail mile in the woods and are guaranteed to have a splendid time.

LOCATION: Mead's Quarry near Ijams Nature Center.

REGISTRATION FEES (NO REFUNDS AND NO BIB TRANSFERS): Registration fees above. KTC member discount accepted. Not a KTC member? Sign up here.

T-SHIRTS: This year we'll print a special tech shirt (different from the series shirts) -- you're guaranteed to love it!

SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT SHIRTS: Anyone registering after November 12 will receive a shirt only while supplies last. The shirt order will be placed on November 12, and when the inventory runs out in the Runsignup system, no more shirts will be available; there will be no re-orders. Shirts not picked up will be donated. Shirts will not be held or mailed to participants.

TTT SERIES AWARDS: At the end of the 2025 trail race season, we will be awarding the top 3 in each division free race entries. We will announce the winners at the KTC Holiday Party in December. To qualify for series awards, you'll need to be a member of KTC and you will need to have volunteered two times during the course of the trail race season.

RESULTS: Results will be available on the Knoxville Track Club website: www.ktc.org, and on Runsignup.com.

COURSE ETIQUETTE: We reserve the right to disqualify anyone who exhibits unsportsmanlike conduct or is abusive to volunteers. Due to insurance regulations, no headsets, earphones, bicycles, baby strollers, roller blades or pets on the course.

SAFETY: Aid and water stations will be provided, but in an effort to be greener, we urge all runners to carry their own water. There will be only very small cups at aid stations. If you don't own a handheld, buy one. We also strongly recommend that anyone sensitive to insect stings or bites carry their own medication. Finally, we urge that everyone do some pre-race training offroad, as there is no substitute for experience. We want you to have a good time.

SAFETY POLICY CLARIFICATION: Our primary goal is to keep everybody safe out there in the woods. We've had some interest by younger folks in running the longer races, and we're all over that idea, but we are also concerned about their safety. For the remainder of the season (and moving forward), if a runner is under 12 years old, he or she will need to be accompanied by an adult in order to run the adult race (i.e. not the kids mile).Also, and this is less of a safety concern and more of a concern for the welfare of our volunteers: We'll need to start enforcing the 18:00/mile minimum pace. This has been our policy all along but we've gotten a little lax and this keeps our volunteers in the woods far longer than they should have to be. Moving forward, each race will have a sweeper, and runners will need to be moving at greater than an 18:00/mile pace to stay in the race. Don't get caught by the sweep!

DON'T TAKE A BIB IF YOU'RE NOT RUNNING. This is safety-related - we want to make sure that everybody who starts the race stays safe. If you take a bib, we think you're running the race. Then when you don't show up at the finish, we have to try and track you down and make sure you're not lost in the woods or hurt. So please -- if you're not running the race, don't take a bib. Also, if you have to drop out of the race, please let one of the race officials know so you are accounted for. Also, don't crunch or fold the bib, or tear off the bottom. We need an unspoiled bib to record your time and finish place.

INFO FOR RUNNING OR VOLUNTEERING: Contact race director Tim Hill at [email protected] or call 865.548.4718 for more information. Volunteer info also available on Runsignup.com. We value volunteerism highly. Runners can take their participation in the KTC TTT series to the next level by volunteering! Not only does the success of each trail race depend on our great community of volunteers, but volunteerism is required for placement in the esteemed Grand Prix Rankings. In order to qualify for a Grand Prix award, runners must also volunteer for a minimum of 3 events. Each trail race has opportunities for both folks running in the event and those preferring to provide support during the race. Volunteer positions can be found and selected on the respective race page on Runsignup.com. No experience is necessary and one might argue that volunteering is more fun than running. Come out, support the community and secure your place in the Grand Prix hierarchy!

KTC SAFETY POLICY: KTC’s mission is to encourage lifelong physical well-being through running and walking. That is accomplished through a variety of events and programming.

The Knoxville Track Club puts the safety of its participants, spectators, staff and volunteers first. Dangerous weather conditions pose a unique challenge to an event of any size, distance or location.

Therefore, KTC has adopted the following Inclement Weather Policy:

Weather forecasts will be monitored prior to the event, with special attention placed on the possibility of heavy rain, thunder and lightning, high winds, extreme temperatures and humidity. If necessary, athletes will be made aware of these conditions on Knoxville Track Club’s website (www.ktc.org), as well as through other available means of communication such as e-mail, Twitter, Facebook and public address announcements.

The Executive Director and Race Director in consultation, when available, with law enforcement, fire/EMS, other medical officers and other officials, will monitor the weather and make a decision if any action will be taken to modify the race. Possible changes include: Altering the start time, altering the course, or in extreme situations cancellation of the event. Visible lightning occurring within 30 minutes of the scheduled start will cause the race to be postponed for a minimum of 30 minutes. Additional sightings will continue to delay the race in 30-minute increments up to a maximum of 3 delays.

Race personnel reserve the right to delay, cancel, or suspend the race or modify the course due to inclement weather. As stated on registration and race pages, there are no refunds or transfers. Participants must abandon the race if ordered to do so by the race personnel, medical staff, fire/paramedics or police personnel.

The Course

Open the gpx file in a gpx compatible viewer: strava, garmin, or coros. Don't have an account? Download a free gpx viewing app online. Downloadable .gpx file hereTurn by turn directions:The Long Run (2452 Sutherland Ave) to Taco Bell #1 (7414 Kingston Pike): 5.26 milesWest on Sutherland AveTurn left on Sutherland Connector to Third Creek GreenwayTurn right onto Third Creek GreenwayTurn left onto Forest Park BlvdTurn right onto Kingston PikeTaco Bell #1 (7414 Kingston Pike) to Taco Bell #2 (8615 Walbrook Dr): 3.19 milesWest on Kingston PikeTurn right on Buckingham DrTurn right on Vanosdale RdTurn left on Jean Teague GreenwayContinue onto Walker Springs LnTurn right onto Cavet Station GreenwayTurn left onto Walker Springs RdTurn right onto Walbrook DrTaco Bell #2 (8615 Walbrook Dr) to Taco Bell #3 (4413 Western Ave): 7.03 milesNorth on Walker Springs RdTurn left onto Cavet Station GreenwayTurn right onto Middlebrook PikeAt Francis Rd cross Middlebrook Pike and continue east on sidewalkTurn left onto Ed Shouse DrTurn left onto Western AveCross Western Ave at Randy Tyree StTaco Bell #3 (4413 Western Ave) to Taco Bell #4 (411 Merchant Dr): 4.29 milesWest on Western AveTurn right onto Ball Camp PikeTurn left onto NW Connector GreenwayTurn left onto Victor Ashe GreenwayContinue straight off greenway onto Merchant DrTaco Bell #4 (411 Merchant Dr) to Taco Bell #5 (4854 N Broadway): 3.75 milesNorth on Merchant DrCross Merchant Dr at Central Ave and turn left onto Cedar Ln sidewalkTurn right onto Rowan RdTurn left onto Henrietta DrAt Inskip Dr turn right and then left onto Charles DrTurn left onto Montrose RdTurn right onto Fair DrTurn right onto Knox RdTurn right onto N BroadwayTaco Bell #5 (4854 N Broadway) to Taco Bell #6 (2085 N Broadway): 2.67 milesSouth on N BroadwayTurn right onto Old BroadwayStay right on Old Broadway/Tazewell PikeTurn right onto Shipman DrTurn right onto N BroadwayTaco Bell #6 (2085 N Broadway) to Taco Bell #7 (1900 Cumberland Ave): 3.54 milesSouth on N BroadwayLeft onto N Central StRight onto W Jackson AveLeft onto S Gay StRight onto Clinch AveLeft onto 11 th StRight onto Cumberland AveTaco Bell #7 (1900 Cumberland Ave) to The Long Run (2452 Sutherland Ave): 1.34 milesWest on Cumberland AveCross Cumberland Ave at Volunteer Ave and continue west on Cumberland AveTurn right onto Tyson McGee Park St into Tyson ParkStay left and turn right onto Third Creek GreenwayStay straight onto Concord StTurn left onto Sutherland Ave

Race Day

Summary: Day of Race packet pick up will start at 6:30am at Pace House by The Long Run (race start) located at 2452 Sutherland Ave. The race will start at 8:30am. Runners will have 11 hours to visit 7 Taco Bells along the 50K loop around Knoxville. The Details: Below is some extremely important information you must read.1. Safety is our number one priority. This will be a fun and memorable event but we need everyone to arrive back at the finish safely. The course is open to traffic with multiple road crossings and some sections on the road with little to no shoulder. When you registered you signed a waiver stating these facts and that you would wear appropriate safety gear, which is a minimum of a 360 degree safety vest or other reflective item. This is a requirement. Also, no over-the-ear headphones or in-ear earbuds. You can use conduction headphones such as Aftershox but your ears must be free. The turn-by-turn directions include where we expect you to be crossing the roads. Make sure you are using crosswalks and not running out in front of cars. The city is aware of this event and we do not want to be contacted regarding runners making poor choices. There are a couple of sections (especially Middlebrook Pike near Weisgarber and near Ed Shouse) where there is no sidewalk and little shoulder. Run against traffic and use the grass shoulder when necessary.2. The course will not be marked. We recommend downloading the .gpx file to your watch or your phone and using it for navigation. Or you can use the turn-by-turn directions. The route is designed to be as safe as possible so please do your best to stay on the designated route.3. The rules state that you must order your own items and eat them on location at Taco Bell (no walking and eating). Use the rules to your advantage. You can order ahead using the Taco Bell app, and you can order multiple items and bring uneaten items to the next stop. The first two stops will be very busy so try to plan ahead. Also Taco Bell is not affiliated with this event, please be patient with the staff. Remember to keep all your receipts and wrappers for verification of completion! Make sure you know which items are disallowed and where the required large items must be consumed. There is a breakfast crunchwrap supreme and breakfast burrito supreme which count as the larger items. Substitutions for dietary restrictions are allowed, just try to meet the spirit of the challenge.4. The cutoff is 11 hours. This is just because we want you finishing before dark and we have to pick up the timing equipment. If it takes you more than 11 hours, that is okay. We will not be sweeping the course or pulling people from the run.

Changes for 2027

1. Packet Pick up all day (11am-6pm) Feb. 26, 2027 (day before the race) at Pace House by The Long Run at 2452 Sutherland Ave. Knoxville, TN. 2. 8:30am start time. The speedsters arrived at the 2nd Taco Bell before it opened. A slightly later start should help prevent delays.3. Small entry fee: Commitment; once you sign up you're in! Everyone gets a medal4. Post race party will be better supplied for thirsty finishers. 5. In person only. No virtual option in 2027.

The Rules

1. Travel on foot to all 7 Taco Bell stops in order along the course. Zero tolerance for course cutting.2. Eat a menu item from all Taco Bell stops.3. Items must be eaten at the Taco Bell. A participant cannot run with their food.4. By the 3rd stop, all participants must have consumed at least one (1) Chalupa Supreme or one (1) Crunchwrap Supreme or (1) Cheesy Gordita Crunch (dietary restrictions will be allowed within reason).5. By the 6th stop, all participants must have consumed at least one (1) Burrito Supreme or one (1) Nachos Bell Grande (dietary restrictions will be allowed within reason).6. Disallowed Food items:Cinnamon TwistsCinnabon DelightsCheesy Roll Up7. Finish under 11 hours.8. Drinks and sauces do not count as food.9. Participants must keep all receipts and wrappers for confirmation of stupidity at the end of the run.10. No on-course Pepto, Alka Seltzer, Pepcid A/C, Mylanta will be allowed!11. Participants must wear a 360 degree reflective vest at all times while on the course.12. No in-ear or over-the-ear headphones allowed.13. Participants must stay on sidewalks and greenways where available and only cross roads at pedestrian crosswalks. Travel against traffic when on the road and stay as far to the left as possible.14. Additional "rules" may be added, amended, or changed to promote the intent of this run, which is to do something completely stupid and have fun safely.

Timing

Timing services will be provide by East Coast Adventures.

Safety

This is an open to traffic course. 360 degree reflective vests are required. Over-the-ear or in-ear headphones are prohibited. Use sidewalks and greenways when available and watch for automobiles. Follow all pedestrian traffic rules and use crosswalks.

Event's current local time: 5:22 AM ET

About

The Urban Wilderness 50k is the only trail 50k in Knox County. It uses Knoxville's new Urban Wilderness Gateway Park as a home base, and follows along the city trail system for a 31 mile loop. It passes through 4 city parks, 1 WMA, and 3 sections of privately owned land such as Ijams, the Drop Inn, and the Helix trails. This race has around 4,000 ft of elevation gain across 50k, making it a great race for first time ultrarunners, and experienced runners alike. With aid stations scattered throughout, and well maintained, runnable trails, this is sure to be a great time for everyone. Course and other details to be released in mid summer prior to the event. We look forward to seeing everyone out on the trails!

Event's current local time: 4:46 AM ET