Mulberry Mile: Trail Endurance Race

The Legend of the Mulberry Mile

Long before runners traced their footsteps along the banks of the Black Warrior River, the Cherokee and Creek nations traversed these Appalachian ridgelines, calling the river the restless one for the way it carved its will through stone. They believed the Mulberry Fork carried the memory of every traveler who braved its white‑water rapids—stories churned into its currents, grit woven into its roar. Warriors hunted along its banks, believing the river rewarded only those who respected its power and matched its determination.

Today, Whitewater Ranch stands on ground shaped by all those who came before. When runners gather for the Mulberry Mile Ultra‑Marathon, they join a lineage older than any race bib or finish‑line banner. For twelve hours, they follow a trail carved by water, wind, and human will. They climb where hunters once climbed. They descend where warriors once sprinted. They push through fatigue the way its earliest settlers pushed through storms and scarcity. Every footfall echoes the resilience of the people who refused to yield.

And as the sun arcs across the sky and the river’s voice grows louder in the quiet moments between breaths, runners feel what the elders once taught: the Mulberry Mile does not test you to break you. It tests you to reveal you. Those who brave the challenge do not simply compete in a race. They step into a story that began long before them—one written in white water, red clay, and the unshakable spirit on the banks of the Mulberry Fork of the Black Warrior River.

Race Format

Whether you are a seasoned ultra-runner or new to long distance endurance races, the Mulberry Mile will challenge you with a 12-Hour Open Course format along a scenic 1-Mile loop that runs through Whitewater Ranch and the banks of the Mulberry Fork of the Black Warrior River. Accept the test alone or join a tribe of likeminded athletes from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on March 28, 2026. The clock runs for 12-Hours -- how fast you pace, how far you go, and how often you rest is up to you. An exhilarating test of endurance, strategy, and teamwork like no other! This isn't just a race; it's an adventure where grit meets glory, set against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes and roaring rapids.

Solo, 2-Member Team, and 4-Member Team Options Available! Get ready to push the limits in this thrilling 12-hour trail endurance race. Whether you are a seasoned ultra-runner or new to long-distance racing, this event promises an unforgettable experience.

How It Works

Clock: 12-Hour non-stop running clock – 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You can start any time after the 6:00 AM horn sounds and run until the 6:00 PM cut-off horn, but only whole loops count

Course: Private 1-Mile closed loop on Whitewater Ranch. 100 person on-course limit. *GPX File to be released shortly

Solo: Complete as many loops on the course as you can/want over the 12-hour time limit. Challenge yourself to your furthest distance, multiple blocks of fixed distances, or a fastest Personal Best time over a set distance

Teams: 2 and 4 person Team options. No set pacing/rotation/team composition rules - create your dream team and strategize your own relay sequence. Only one team member allowed on the course at a time. Each team member can run as many loops as they like before resting or tagging the next runner. All exchanges must take place at the START/FINISH line. If an injury prevents a team member from completing a whole loop, another team member can START a lap, but the uncomplete loop does NOT count towards the team’s total distance.

Support Crew: All participants (solo-runner OR team) receive a 10’x10’ site and can bring a support crew to assist with hydration, nutrition, recovery, and morale-boosting throughout the race. *A limited number of power drops will be available for rent

Amenities, Features, and Highlights

SWAG: All participants custom finisher medal with FREE stamping, SILO Shoe Lite bag10’x10’ crew OR camping spot and 1 FREE Meal Ticket per person

The first 45 runners registered receive a short-sleeve race shirt.

Lodging: Tent Camping campsites are available the night before the race for $10. Additional lodging available in Hanceville (8 miles) and Cullman (15 miles)

Food: We will have food truck(s) on-site and all participants will receive 1 FREE Meal ticket to be used throughout the day OR up to 1 hour after the course closes. A fully stocked aid station will be available on the course, but any specific on-course nutrition or additional meals will need to be provided by participants or purchased on-site from vendors.

Medals and Prizes: Finisher medals for all participants with a FREE stamping option to record your total distance. Additional special awards for top individuals and top teams in various categories

Male/Female Individual: Fastest Loop; Most Completed Loops in 4-hr blocks (6AM-10AM/10AM-2PM/2PM-6PM); Fastest 50K (31 laps); Fastest 50 Miles (50 laps); Furthest Distance Travelled (Most Completed Loops in 12-hrs) *participants are only eligible for up to 2 Individual Awards

Teams: Most Completed Loops in 6-hr blocks (6AM-12PM/12PM-6PM); Fastest 50 Miles (50 laps); Fastest 100K (62 laps); Furthest Distance Travelled (Most Complete Loops in 12-hrs) *teams are only eligible for one Team award, but individual team members can win up to 2 additional Individual Awards

Spirit of the Black Warrior: Individual OR Team who exhibits the true spirit of the Mulberry Mile and the Black Warrior River.

Aid Station and Medical: One aid station will be available at the START/FINISH line area. The aid station will have a variety of hydration and snack options, and first aid. This area will also be located near the designated support crew and team tents so that you have access to your personal gear and supplies for each loop. On-site medical services available *specific details to follow

Additional Information

Packet Pick-up

Friday, March 27th at SPONSOR LOCATION in Cullman, AL

Saturday, March 28th 5:00 AM at CREW Area at Whitewater Ranch

Race Schedule

Course Open: 6:00 AM

Bell Lap: 5:50 PM

Course Closed: 6:00 PM

Dinner Served: 6:00 PM

Awards Ceremony: 6:30 PM

Individual Registration

Early: $50 – through January 31st (guaranteed Shirt in preferred size)

Regular: $60 – through February 28th (guaranteed Shirt)

Late: $70 – through March 27th (no-guaranteed Shirt prior to Race Day)

2-Person Team Registration

Early: $90 per Team – through January 31st (guaranteed Shirt in preferred size)

Regular: $100 per Team – through February 28th (guaranteed Shirt)

Late: $110 per Team– through March 27th (no-guaranteed Shirt prior to Race Day)

4-Person Team Registration

Early: $160 per Team – through January 31st (guaranteed Shirt in preferred size)

Regular: $180 per Team – through February 28th (guaranteed Shirt)

Late: $200 per Team – through March 27th (no-guaranteed Shirt prior to Race Day)

Contact Race Ready Events and ask about our special Military, Veteran, Police, Fire, First Responder, and Run Club discounts!

FAQ

What is the course like? We'd love to show you! Check out our course preview video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-7vNDiKFNNQ?si=aysVxlWNaDzfhpBJ

Is there a race handbook where I can get all the information for this year's event? Absolutely, here you go: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DmxIknizW0SifUTh-tGsbIf0U9FeoISE/view?usp=drive_link

What is the Altitude and Elevation change of the Mulberry Mile course? Min altitude of 399' ASL and Max of 463' ASL. There is ~90' of vertical elevation change across the course with two main uphills at the 0.5 and 0.85 mile marks

Do I have to be an experienced runner? No. The Mulberry Mile is a Trail Endurance Race where all ages and paces are welcome; you can join a team or elect to complete as many loops on the course as you would like within the 12-hour time limit. This is a race for YOU, designed to welcome anyone who has ever considered trail or ultra distance running.

What time should I arrive? If you plan to start at 6:00 AM when the course opens, please arrive between 5:00–5:30 AM to allow time for packet pickup and warm-up. However, one of the best parts about this race concept is… you can start whenever you want after 6:00 AM, just make sure to leave enough time to conquer your personal goals on the course

Can I register on race day? No — due to the complexities of the 12-hour, multi-lap format we are closing registration the day before on March 27th. Shirt sizes are only guaranteed through February 28th. All shirts will be provided in preferred sizing in the order registrations are completed.

Can I ruck? Absolutely! Race Ready Events welcomes everyone to the Mulberry Mile to complete their race in their way - walk, hike, ruck, jog, or even join a team relay.

Are strollers, bikes, scooters, etc. allowed? No, due to the off-road technical trail route of our course, there will be no allowance for any wheeled devices.

Are pets allowed on the course? No, due to the extended endurance of our event and to protect the safety of all runners on the closed loop course, pets are not allowed on the course at this event. However, you are welcome to bring your well-trained dog to the crew and camping area to help cheer you along.

Is the race timed? Yes, this event is professionally RFID chip timed by Race Ready Events.

Is the racecourse certified? No, due to the technical trail nature of the course, it will not be certified but will be measured out to ~1-Mile and will have available GPX files provided.

Where do I park? Free Participant and Crew parking is available on-site at Whitewater Ranch. Spectator parking is $5 per vehicle