Harriman, Tennessee · Saturday, January 9, 2027
The Fever Dream Ultra is a relay and ultra event held on Saturday, January 9, 2027. It is located at 276 Patton LN in Harriman, Tennessee.
August 16-17, 2025 | Somewhere Real Hot, Real Hilly | Rural Tennessee- The Barkley's LONG LONG Distant Cousin
Welcome to the heat. Welcome to the hills. Welcome to The Dog Days of Summer, where the trails are brutal, the vibes are feral, and every sweaty, soul-grinding step helps save the lives of animals in rural Tennessee—places where shelters don’t exist and animal control is just a rumor.
This is trail running in its purest, rawest form. No frills. No inflated egos. Just dirt, heatwaves, and a whole lot of heart.
RACE OPTIONS:
Choose your pain:
1-mile loop or 3-mile loop (we THINK that's how far they are...)
1 hour, 3 hour, 6 hour, 12 hour, or the ultimate 24 HOUR GAUNTLET
Each loop starts and ends at a single aid station party zone. You’ll climb gnarly hills (seriously, we’re an hour from the Barkley Marathons—so yeah, it’s gross out here), melt into the Tennessee humidity, and then do it all over again… and again… and again. There's no elevation chart—just pain, persistence, and the occasional goat or pig.
WHY YOU DO THIS:
Because you're a lunatic.
Because you want the hardest, sweatiest, most mentally delicious training day of your year.
Because it’s the same day as the Leadville 100, and you get to honor the soul of trail running in your own backyard.
But mostly? Because you're saving real lives—dogs, cats, pigs, and animals that no one else is looking out for. All race proceeds go directly to helping animals in rural Tennessee where support is non-existent but the need is massive.
WHO SHOULD RUN:
Trail runners who don’t care about shiny medals and care deeply about making a difference.
People who can laugh while hallucinating in 90+ degree heat.
Runners who would rather high-five a dog than post a PR.
You. You badass.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Loops with heartbreak hills and shady bits you’ll cry into
Water. Electrolytes. Probably watermelon. Maybe someone grilling something weird.
A community of dirtbag runners who know how to suffer well and love even harder
Barkley-style trail names given after certain milestones (or meltdowns)
Dogs. Possibly goats. Maybe Coco the emotional support bunny. We’re not saying no.
So grab your trail shoes, your sense of humor, and your biggest heart. Let’s run for those who can’t. Let’s suffer for the strays. Let’s prove that the trail community shows up, even when the thermometer says we shouldn’t.
The Dog Days are here. Let’s run wild.
Tent Camping is Free and encouraged, if it is rainy we will be busing people in so don't count on car camping. Another great option....
Imagine spending the Dog Days Trail Race weekend in total comfort and charm at one of the Lemon Lane Farm glamping sites! Nestled just minutes from the race course, these beautifully styled glamping sites offer the perfect balance of rustic retreat and cozy luxury. Whether you’re running, cheering, or just soaking in the good vibes, you’ll love unwinding under the stars with a real bed, private space, and peaceful views of the farm. It’s the ultimate way to elevate your race weekend experience—no tent setup, no hot car sleeping, just pure glamping bliss.
The best part? Each glamping site is available through a silent auction, and 100% of the proceeds go directly to Flying Pigs Sanctuary to help save and care for more animals in need. Your stay doesn’t just support your own comfort—it gives pigs, pups, and more a second chance at life. To learn more about the individual glamping setups, visit Lemon Lane Farm . And if you have questions, Amy is happy to help at 615-496-8031. Bid on sites at this link. Glamping Sits Silent Auction
NO FRILLS, NO EXCUSES. JUST QUALIFY!
Get ready to bust open some BQ's with the Bootleg Marathon & Half Marathon!
This race is certified for any last chance qualifiers to qualify for the 2027 Boston Marathon.
This race will cap at 50 total participants, first entered first allowed.
This late season race is prime for those who are seeking a last chance Boston Marathon Qualifying time or Peak Half Marathon performance on a course where qualifications are consistently achieved. This race boasts of having 90% of runners meet their age group Boston Qualifications, Or, hitting a PR half marathon.
**NOTE: Race start time is set for 5:30am, this is due to help beat the higher temperatures that occur later during the race.
*We ask you consider a different race if you have not run a marathon before, This is not a recommended first marathon event, or a "Fun" event for those who thrive off the energy of crowds. No Frills means no Frills, this race is for those seeking an opportunity to Qualify... you run your time- or you don't. Simple!
Please see link below to note your specific time goals are: https://www.baa.org/races/boston-marathon/qualify.
Cut-off times for events will be <2:00 Half Marathon and <4:00 for Full Marathon (exceptions can be made according to AG Qualifications.
This race will be low key and no frills- No Shirts, No Awards, No Amenities. Runners will be expected to compete among light traffic as the turnpike outside lane will not be closed off, be prepared to share the road with other forms of traffic (no headphones allowed). The first light will occur around 6:15am followed by street lighting, plan on running in dark conditions for a portion of the event. We HIGHLY recommend runners wear bright & Reflective clothing & flashing light for safety until the sun rises later during the race.
Check in will be race day only at the listed address starting at 4:45am and ending at 5:15am.
Water/ Aid stops on the course can be found at outbound Miles 3, 7 & 11, and Marathon return Miles of 15, 19 & 23. Participants should expect to bring any form of support (food, assistance, etc) they may need during competition. Runners may have bike support or vehicles staged for course support along the route. So long as no athlete progression is provided.
Pacers for the Marathon are required to register for the half marathon (out bound) only. Pacer(s) from half to finish may assume pace duties without having to register. Both courses are CERTIFIED for Age group, National, Regional or Qualifying standards. The Marathon is a USATF Certified course:
Certifying code TN21010MS.
Marathon
Course is an Out-and-Back on the Oak Ridge Turnpike with Bike Lane/ Shoulder with less than 600ft total Elevation gain. A half-way split time will be provided.
Half Marathon
Course is a Point-to-Point on the Oak Ridge Turnpike with Bike Lane/ Shoulder with less than 400ft total Elevation gain. Please plan on having a shuttle ride after race, this is not provided.
Half Course can be found here, Marathon repeats same route back to start:
https://www.strava.com/segments/27536769
*Some exceptions are possible for Cut off times and for those who want to enter after the cap has been met, please email race directors to see if exceptions are available.
Secret City Half Marathon and 5K Date: November 14, 2026
The half marathon route starts at the scenic Melton Lake Park peninsula. Considered a great PR course! Course runs along the beautiful Melton Lake then down by an operational quarry for a change of scenery. Continue along a serene tree-lined private road then wind through Oak Ridge. Finish your race along the water's edge right back to the peninsula. Course is USATF certified with certification # TN15066MS.
The 5K race route starts and finishes at the Melton Lake Park peninsula. The course follows the water's edge along Melton Lake to Elza Gate Park then double back down the walking trail to the peninsula. A very scenic, easy, and enjoyable 5K run. Cert #: TN15077MS
Ready for an extraordinary challenge? 🌟 The legendary Barkley Marathons awaits you in Wartburg, in the heart of Tennessee. With its 161 km of wilderness, this race is known to be the toughest in the world! If you're looking to push your limits, it's the perfect opportunity to test yourself 💪.