King University Triathlon Official

Welcome to the Johnny Fresh Legs Steele Creek Struggle, an epic backwoods adventure in the heart of Steele Creek Park, one of Tennessee’s most scenic and untamed trail systems. This is not your typical half marathon—it’s a gritty, wild, and rewarding test of endurance for trail runners who thrive on technical terrain and real mountain grit. Also sponsored by Mountain Sports Limited, Bristol, VA , Petro Chili & Chips, Beat Street Bites (beatstreetbites.com) & Dr. Michael Smith Chiropractic, Bristol, TN.

Course Overview

Distance: 13.1 miles

Elevation Gain: Over 2,000 feet

Terrain: Technical single track with roots, rocks, steep climbs, creek crossings, and fast descents

Location: Steele Creek Park – Bristol, TN

This course is designed for trail runners who live for the challenge. Expect to tackle steep ridge lines, narrow switchbacks, creek crossings, and rocky forest paths that wind through thick Appalachian woodlands. Every mile delivers a new test—and a new reason to love trail running.

Wild & Untamed

Keep your eyes open—you might catch a glimpse of white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and other wildlife along the course. Maybe even a bear. (Don’t worry—they’re not racing.)

⚠️

Race Warning

This is not a beginner-friendly race. It’s raw. It’s technical. It’s unpredictable. And it’s unforgettable. Perfect for runners looking to push their limits and earn serious trail cred.

🏁 Ready to Run Wild?

If you’re up for the challenge, sign up and get ready to experience trail racing the way it was meant to be—muddy, steep, and gloriously tough.

All race proceeds donated to Steele Creek Park for trail improvements.

Awards will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers.

The Struggle is Real, Rough, Rocky & Rooty!

The Speedway in Lights 5K returns for its 16th year on Sunday, Nov. 15, when more than 1,000 festive participants will be the first to tour the region's largest and most dazzling holiday lights display when the endurance race begins at 6 p.m.

The run/walk event will wind through the new Speedway In Lights course that has been updated for 2026 with 40 new displays. The 5K will begin near the track’s Entrance No. 2 beside the BMS South Building and make a loop running up and back down the historic quarter-mile Bristol Dragway before returning to the legendary high-banked oval where they will enter the stadium at the track’s pit gate and make a left hand turn down the track’s backstretch in a counterclockwise direction before finally crossing the finish line which will be positioned just before Turn 2.

Registration Pricing:

Online registration opens February 25 and will remain open through November 8. After online registration closes, participants may register on-site the day of the event. Children 3 and under are free (T-shirt and ornament not included).

February 25 – March 31

Adults: $25

Kids (Ages 12 and under): $15

April 1 – July 31

Adults: $35

Kids (Ages 12 and under): $20

August 1 – October 28

Adults: $45

Kids (Ages 12 and under): $25

October 29 – November 8

Adults: $35

Kids (Ages 12 and under): $25

T-Shirt and Ornament not guaranteed

Day-of, On-Site Registration

Adults: $35

Kids (Ages 12 and under): $25

T-shirt and ornament not guaranteed

Packet Pickup Friday is from 7 to 9 PM at Appalachian Sun Brewery, 221 South Sycamore Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Packets can also be picked up Saturday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 AM at the Road Race.

The Omnium and Time Trial are pre-registration only!! Late registration for the Road Race is available on Friday evening and Saturday morning during Packet Pickup (see above) for an Insanely High Late Fee of $35. There is NO late registration for the Time Trial or the Omnium. Late registration for the Criterium is Friday during Packet Pickup or on-site on Sunday, with no late fee. Race a second Criterium for only $30, online or day of. Please help us out and pre-register for everything online!!

2025 Carter County Omnium winners, National Champions, and World Champions are eligible for free entry, but must e-mail [email protected] with your name, license #, the specific Omnium above that should be free, a quote about the Omnium, and your race resume by 8/5/26 to receive free entry. No free entry after 8/5/26. Upon compliance and verification, we will e-mail you a coupon code to use at checkout.