What's a trash panda? It's a fun term for a raccoon...because they sort of look like giant pandas (in their coloring) and they sort of look like red pandas (which sort of look like raccoons) and also, they like to dig through the trash. It's also the slightly-bratty-but-still-kinda-cute little sister race to our perennial powerhouse, the spring Raccoon Mountain races.
START/FINISH: Laurel Point on Raccoon Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee
STUFF:
There will be swag. We have TECHNICALLY surpassed the amount of swag we ordered for this year, but in order to open up more spots to participate in the race, we have some alternative options for swag. If the swag item is something you're just going to toss in the trash, we’d rather you take the alternative swag. Tossing swag in the trash is raccoon behavior, not human behavior! We want to make sure you get something that will make your precious little heart happy.
Laser burned wooden finisher medal. Produced by a real, live, actual Tennessean. Maybe that Tennessean will dress up like a raccoon to burn them. Maybe that Tennessean will eat out of the trash can, in the name of authenticity. You never know!
Because we discontinued our Spring Raccoon Mountain race, and our favorite part of that race was the medals with your name on them, we're bringing that to this race. That's right, however you want your medal personalized, it'll be that way on race day! Burned right into the wood. Literally NOBODY ELSE will have a medal exactly like yours. (You MUST be registered by August 31st to guarantee your personalized medal. We’ll personalize what we can get to after that.)
The most stocked up aid stations you've ever encountered. We won't even make you root around in a trash can for any of it. We won't even pull any of it OUT of a trash can. It's fresh!
We have restocked our Into The Forest I Go mugs, as well as our "Stay Trashy Chattanooga" and "I Run So I Can Eat Garbage" shirts, we've got all new shirts (long sleeve and short sleeve), tank tops, and hoodies and other apparel too! (We don't give these away as swag because everyone has a preference, and we also don't get the cheapest shirt known to man, nor do we cover the back with logos.) We will also have the bargain items out!
You can also register for future races here, with a little discount for registering in cash. Later this year, we have Spookasaurus and the winter Grab Bag, and Freeze Your Half Off in January is also open for registration. We prefer cash but can also take credit cards, Venmo, and CashApp.
COURSE:
We will be using only the trails that connect to Laurel Point. The loop is a little bit more than 3.1-ish miles long. We'll have an out-and-back section marked for each distance to get you to the appropriate mileage. The 5K is a little longer than 3.1 miles, which is why it is a 5-ish K, and if you're not cool with -ish measurements, you probably won't enjoy running/walking/hiking/dorking around with us.
The trail is technical in that there are roots and rocks, but it's not particularly difficult. There are no water crossings. Trail shoes are useful, but not necessary. Hundreds of people have done this race without trail shoes. Beginners, hikers, children of all ages are welcome, and we are supportive to EVERYONE. There is an eight hour time limit for all distances. Yes, ALL distances. You must be out on your last lap by 3:45pm. (That's because the mountain closes, not because we're meanie pantsers.) We don't DNF; we'll give you a finish time for the distance you did complete.
AID STATION:
AKA, what we're known for. There will be one aid station mid-course, and another one at the start/finish/end of the 5-ishK lap. So you're never more than 2 miles from food/drinks/frivolity. that you'll pass on each lap. At the aid station will be Gatorade, water, Coke, Mountain Dew, energy gels, a variety of chips, candy, and cookies, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, pickles and pickle juice shots, and a full array of non-food supplies like Vaseline, salt pills, etc.
Please bring your own painkillers if you think you will need them (our insurance prohibits us giving any painkillers to you) and use them responsibly!
You are welcome to leave a drop bag at the designated area near the aid station. Feel free to bring a chair to put your drop bag on, a full change of clothes, your teddy bear, whatever you think you'll need to make it through your chosen race distance. Pop up tents with your crew are fine too. We have plenty of space.
Our crew is also known for their unparalleled support. We'll get you to the finish line if you let us help you! We drain and bandage blisters (we will even prep your feet BEFORE the race in an attempt to prevent those blisters from ever happening!), we keep you cooled down with ice, we work on cramps, we give great pep talks and we'll talk you out of quitting with some tough love if that's what it takes. We're here to help you, just like we've helped thousands of people before you. We consider you family, not just another runner with a number like many races.
We're not saying our family isn't a little bit dysfunctional from time to time, but it keeps things interesting, doesn't it? Seriously though, all we want is to get you to the finish line and we'll do what it takes to help you get there, and we'll be waiting there to celebrate with you!
Packet Pickup:
Saturday, September 13, 2025, 7:30am - 8:25am at Laurel Point on Raccoon Mountain.
We might do a "quick and dirty" packet pickup on Friday night. We might not. Depends on how big the race gets. We'll email you if we decide to do it.
This race will be timed and results will be posted. You will be emailed a link.
IMPORTANT!!!! IMPORTANT!!!! IMPORTANT!!!! IMPORTANT!!! IMPORTANT!!! IMPORTANT!!!
This is NOT a slick, corporate, super-professionally produced race. We're still the same grassrootsy, laid-back people we've always been. We cater to the non-competitive, fun-loving runners of the world. We are a bunch of dorks that can measure a course and decorate it with silly raccoon signs and we do our best to make it fun. If you are expecting Ironman-levels of infrastructure and an army of volunteers, you aren't going to get it from us. You have been warned and we won't take you seriously if you complain that we're not like a typical race, because, well, that's never been a secret. If you want to have a good time in an atmosphere that is more 'giant group run' and less 'super professional NYC marathon' or 'snooty judgmental if-you-are-not-fast-we-won't-be-nice-to-you'-type thing, we'd love to invite you to join us! If you're only worried about running super fast and not about enjoying your experience and being around good humans, this is NOT the race for you. We welcome the fast AND
the slow, we just don't want anyone to be disappointed in what they get when they register, so we don't keep it a secret that we value camaraderie over competition! And we make ZERO apologies for that.
Overview
The Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race consists of three exciting days of trail running in the beautiful mountains surrounding Chattanooga. This challenging -- yet attainable -- series includes 22 miles on beautiful Lula Lake on Lookout Mountain for Day 1, 18 miles on point to point Cumberland Trail along North Chattanooga Creek for Day 2 and a 20-mile grand finale on the challenging but magnificantly beautiful loop on Signal Mountain to finish.CLICK HERE FOR RACE DETAILSRace Fees - Membership to Wild Trails at any level will gain you a 10% discount to any race and at the Trail Steward level will gain you free entry into any 3 races (except Upchuck 50K). Click below for details.Wild Trails Membership
Race Proceeds
Race proceeds benefit Wild Trails, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the use, protection and expansion of nature trails in the greater Chattanooga area.
Time Cut-Offs
This is not for beginners. If you cannot comfortably hold a 15 min per mile pace for 20 miles on moderately difficult trails, please do not sign up for this event. We will hold strict cut-off times as follows: Day 1 (Signal Mountain) 20 miles - 5.5 hours. Day 2 (Cumberland Trail) 18 miles - 5 hours. Day 3 (Lookout Mtn) 22 miles - 6 hours.
Evening Celebrations
Perhaps the best part of these three days is the camaraderie and the chance to get to know like minded nut cases. The festivities each night will be at the Crash Pad and beer provided by Oddstory Brewing Company, so you may want to grab a hotel near.
Event's current local time: 4:48 AM ET
Map
Description
The Bad Beard Events Oli Kai 3, 6, and 9 hours is a favorite in the Bad Beard collection. This event utilizes the beautiful trail system within the 317-acre property of Chattanooga's own Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center. This is a race for EVERYONE. The course for all distances is a 2.1-mile loop with around 190 feet of elevation gain. You decide what happens in all your hours of running. We'll have an aid station set up for you, AND you can set up your own in the S/F area. You can run or walk the entire time or skip a loop. It's simply what you want to run/walk in 3, 6, or 9 hours. You can come in and camp on Friday and/or Saturday night, run our race, and run Wild Trails Oli Via on Sunday morning. We are so excited to have Chattanooga Track Club timing it for us this year. About Oli Kai:https://reflectionriding.org/nature-center-news-updates/oli-kais-flight.
Sponsors
SPONSORS: Tucker Build, Fast Break Athletics, Gearhead Outfitters, Evergreen Property Group, La Sportiva, Black Diamond, Rossignol, Dynamo Brewing, Turtlebox, Peak Fitness and Physical Therapy, and Horton Design
Packet Pickup
EARLY PACKET PICKUPWHEN: Friday, September 4thWHERE: Mean Jeens- 1800 East Main ST. They'll have food and drink specials for usTIME: 4:30PM - 6:00PMRacers will be able to pick-up their race packet beginning at 4:30PM. REGISTRATION CHANGES/TRANSFERSNo Refunds. Race numbers may not be transferred to another race or another person.
Race Day
RACE DAY PACKET PICKUPWHEN: Saturday, September 5thWHERE: Start/Finish line at Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature CenterTIME: 7:00AM - 7:45AMRACE DAY REGISTRATIONOnline registration only. There will be no walk-up registration on race day.START TIMEALL races will begin at 8am. DIRECTIONS TO THE START/FINISH LINE @ REFLECTION RIDINGhttp://reflectionriding.org/
Camping
Want to camp Friday and/or Saturday night? You have the option to add it on for $30 plus tax. All proceeds go to Reflection Riding.
Race Proceeds
A portion of race proceeds will go to Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center.
Event's current local time: 4:23 AM ET
This race is all on dirt and many of the sections are flat and fast, however the ½ Marathon 2,444 feet. This is NOT an easy race. The 5K could possibly be the fastest trail 5K in the region. Please study the maps to make sure you are ready for a challenge. Hikers are most welcome if they can maintain a 16 minute per mile pace for the ½ marathon. The cutoff time for the 5K mile race is 1 Hour and the ½ marathon is 3 hrs & 28 min. The race will be followed by post race snacks and beverages.CLICK HERE FOR RACE DETAILS Event's current local time: 4:24 AM ET
Lace up for family fun, fitness, music, food, vendors and prizes!
Ready to challenge your limits and experience an unforgettable adventure? 🏃♂️ Discover the Chattanooga Ironman, a legendary competition awaiting you in the heart of Tennessee. It's an opportunity to surpass yourself in an exceptional natural setting! 🌿
Join us for the annual Summer Sizzler 5k/10k/15k! A fun summer event that is perfect for the whole family.
The fun includes -
Great Swag - designer shirt & custom medal
Chip-timing with live results and awards
Free photos
Delicious Treats waiting at the finish line
FREE Kona Ice
Plenty of fun!
Grab your friends and family, you are not going to want to miss this one!
Can't make the race? No problem! We offer a virtual race option where you can run anywhere, at any time, and still earn the fun swag!
*Youth-based pricing for the 5k/10k, 12 & Under are only $17!
5k/10k/15K registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and a custom finisher medal!
1 Mile registration is untimed and includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and a custom finisher medal!
The kid's dash is a fun, untimed dash for our kiddos ages 10 and under. Registration includes a mini bib, youth-sized shirt, and a specifically crafted medal for our kids' dash event! (If your child wants to run the kid's dash, and doesn't want the SWAG, they are welcome to run with us on race day for free!)
*Register by midnight on Thursday, two Thursdays before race day, to guarantee your shirt!
🏁🏅Create a team, or join an existing team during registration. Once 4 people have registered on that team, all team members will be refunded $5, once ten people register another $5 will be refunded for a total of $10!
Twisted Ankle Trail Race
2026 is a special year for the Twisted Ankle Trail Races! The 20th running of Becky's Bluff and 20 years of donating all proceeds to the park has a bonus race to offer for this year only to celebrate! If you are new to trail running and would like to "get a taste of the trail" (which can be habit forming) try out the 5K -3.1mile (ish). For those who want to test their grit, run the 10 mile (ish) or half marathon to race up to Becky's Bluff. And for 2026 only, we will offer "double the fun" with a 20-mile distance option and TWO trips up Becky's Bluff! Whether you are a seasoned trail runner looking for an excellent ramp up to the fall race season or looking for a reason to try running in the woods, you will not be disappointed with the Twisted Ankle Race at Sloppy Floyd State Park. All runners will encounter wide trails, some single track and their way up to Marble Mine. 10 Mile, Half Marathon and 20-mile runners will hit the heart and soul of the Twisted Ankle Race as they top Becky's Bluff for a short trip on the Pinhoti Trail. Rocks and roots included.
Race Info
Please visit twistedanklerace.com for detailed instructions and course information.
Event's current local time: 4:27 AM ET
Chattajack is set apart from similar races by its length. Its distance calls for athletes who have committed to their training and to their pursuit of endurance. The course is one that requires preparation, but is sure to be a fun, rewarding experience. Chattajack is comprised of a community of people who come together to commemorate a true love for this sport. They inspire one another, cheer each other on, and at the end of the day, they revel in the beauty of a shared victory.
Please join our mailing list for updates about the event and registration reminders.
WE ARE CHATTANOOGA’S RACE
Enjoy Chattanooga’s oldest and most loved marathon held on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Live DJ, event shirts, medals, food, and so much more! Oh yes, 5 different races to choose from. See you there!
Annual 5K & Fun Run - The Great Pumpkin Run 5K benefiting the DeKalb Country Children's Advocacy Center. ALL proceeds from the 5K will go to the DeKalb Country Children's Advocacy Center to help abused children in DeKalb County.
Pre-Registration is $35.00. Race Day Registration is $40.00. Race Day Registration will close at 7:45am.
To be guaranteed a race day shirt you must be registered by October 6th.
OVERALL MALE and FEMALE WINNERS CASH PRIZES: $100
Fun Run for ages 9 and under will begin at 9:00 AM.
Swimmer Registration opens April 7, 2026 at Noon ET!
Swim the Suck (STS) is a 10-mile open-water race through the scenic Tennessee River Gorge in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Founded in 2010, the event attracts swimmers from across the U.S. and abroad for a unique adventure blending competition, community, and natural beauty.
STS 2026 will occur Saturday, October 3rd with a 9:30am start at the Suck Creek Boat Launch. It is hosted by the Chattanooga Open Water Swimmers (C.O.W.S.) and dual-sanctioned by US Masters Swimming and USA Swimming.
Participants can complete the 10 mile swim solo (limit of 125 USMS swimmers and 10 USA swimmers) or register as a relay team of 2 swimmers (new this year with a limit of 10 relays total). All swimmers over 18 must have a current USMS or USA membership or purchase a USMS single day event membership. Swimmers 14-17 must be current USA Swimming members.
All solo swimmers MUST be accompanied by a PILOT. Swimmers are STRONGLY encouraged to find their own pilot. Relay swimmers will switch between piloting and swimming. A small number of pilots and kayaks are available for a fee. All PILOTS must also register. There is no fee for pilots - swimmer's fee covers their pilot's costs.
A pre-swim briefing and pasta dinner will be held on Friday, October 2nd at 5:00pm at Waterhouse Pavilion, part of Miller Plaza in downtown Chattanooga. You will meet your pilot (if you requested one) and pick up your race packet during this event.
The following are included in every registration:
One race entry (for a solo swimmer OR a relay team of two swimmers)
Two Swim the Suck logo'd t-shirts (swimmer & pilot OR two relay swimmers)
Two dinners for the Friday dinner (swimmer & pilot OR two relay swimmers)
Two post-race meals on Saturday (swimmer & pilot OR two relay swimmers)
Finisher award for all participants (swimmers and pilots)
Race morning bus transportation from the finish line to the starting areas for swimmers and pilots
IMPORTANT Relay Instructions
For two-person relays, each participant provides their own USMS number as they register. The first person to register creates the relay team and enters their USMS number. The first person pays the full team fee. The second person then registers using the team their partner created and enters their USMS number. (Age group relay members do the same but do not have to enter the USMS number).
Highlighted Nonprofit for Donations
STS supports the Tennessee River Gorge Trust (TRGT). TRGT is a Chattanooga area land trust that serves as a leader in conservation, actively stewarding over 17,000 acres in the Tennessee River Gorge. Its mission for over 40 years has been "to conserve a healthy Tennessee River Gorge as a community treasure for generations." TRGT envisions a thriving future for the Tennessee River Gorge where the community has great access to outdoor recreation and wildlife flourishes. TRGT helps ensures STS and its participants experience a swim bounded by the beauty of the land and encompassed by the thriving waters. You can learn more about TRGT here.
If you would like to support TRGT, then indicate so upon completing your registration or click on the tab titled ""Give to TRGT" in the menu on the left.
Join us for the annual Spooky Sprint 5k/10k & Half Marathon! A fun, Halloween-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.
The fun includes -
Great Swag - designer shirt & custom medal
Chip-timing with live results and awards
Free photos
Delicious Treats waiting at the finish line
Plenty of fun!
Grab your friends and family, you are not going to want to miss this one!
Can't make the race? No problem! We offer a virtual race option where you can run anywhere, at any time, and still earn the fun swag!
*Youth-based pricing for the 5k/10k, 12 & Under are only $17!
Half Marathon registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!
10k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!
5k registration includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!
1 Mile registration is untimed and includes a custom bib, designer shirt, and an awesome finisher medal!
The kid's dash is a fun, untimed dash for our kiddos ages 10 and under. Registration includes a mini bib, youth-sized shirt, and a specifically crafted medal for our kids' dash event! (If your child wants to run the kid's dash, and doesn't want the SWAG, they are welcome to run with us on race day for free!)
*Register by midnight on Thursday, two Thursdays before race day, to guarantee your shirt!
Run4Kids - 5K, 1 Mile Walk, & Family Fun Fest
Saturday, September 19
Tennessee Riverwalk – Hubert Fry Center
9:00 am Race Start
10:30 am- 2:00 pm Festival
Ronald McDonald House Charities invites you to our 6th annual run, where participants come together to raise funds and provide a brighter future for families with critically ill or injured children. Be a part of this inspiring event and help us continue to keep families close through RMHC!
Empower your athlete within alongside the best companions in the great outdoors by participating in the Furry Scurry Fun Run/Walk! All levels welcome and dogs are not required for participation. Fun is guaranteed!
Choose from two distances of fun:
-Husky Hustle 5K (3.1 miles)
9 am Start
-Dachshund Dash 1 Mile
9:05 am Start
Water stations for pups and humans will be available at the turn around and finish line. There will be prizes available for participants, including the pets!
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Warrior Freedom Service Dogs. This organization raises and trains service dogs for veterans. Check out more information about their organization and cause on their website. https://www.warriorfreedom.org/
Packet Pick-up:
Friday October 30th - 4-6pm at Chattanooga Sports Chiropractic Institute
Saturday October 31st: 7:00-8:30am at Chickamauga Dam Riverpark
2026
Want more details (like elevation profile, weekend schedule?) Checkout our website www.georgiajewel.com
PLEASE READ
Hey friends, here at Team Baker, we're like a lot of you and wear multiple hats. Race directing isn't our primary gig and we spend our days at work and adventuring with our kiddos. The administrative work that comes with directing a race for 450 is big...like ginormously big. This year we're doing something new and letting runners change distances until we fill-up. Once we hit our capacity we'll turn that feature off. We know things happen in life and want to be as supportive as possible while also balancing our life.
The Jewel is Georgia's longest-standing 100-mile trail race and runs on the beautiful Pinhoti. With 99% single-track and 1% a ridiculous climb up what we affectionately call "Mt. Baker," all our distances are super fun (at least the finish line is fun). The Pinhoti includes some steller ridgeline sections as well as a rock garden that'll make you hate rocks...well...forever. The 100 mile starts at the Dalton Convention Center, runs out to the Dry Creek Trail system, and comes back, making this a great 100 miler for runners AND crew. The Dry Creek system is maintained by SORBA and has a fast and runnable single-track through a gorgeous pine tree forest. A loop system allows you to see crew at the same spot for over 30 miles. They'll thank you in the end and beg you to run more 100's. We bus 18, 35, and 50-mile runners out to their starting lines and scream like crazy for them as they run back to the finish line and their cars. The bus ride to the start takes you back to your childhood and makes you thankful you're now an adult. And we have toilets at the starting line since pre-race pooping is pretty important. And the finish line...oh the finish line! We try to create an experience that allows you to pull up a chair, eat some food and feel like you're at our kitchen table with family. Everyone deserves to be celebrated for their effort on the trail no matter how the day turns out. The finish line is a place to share stories of failures and success and really good beer. We'd love to meet you and share some sweet trail miles with you! Jenny, Franklin, Luci (15) and Levi (13) BakerP.S. We know things happen in training and in life that might end in not being able to show up on race day...really, we do. And, because of our jobs and all that is involved in managing 450 runners and the logistics, we don't offer refunds, deferrals, or bib transfers.
Event's current local time: 4:29 AM ET