3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
The route ran past the major highlights of downtown Nashville.
The organizers were very responsive with questions.
The event itself carried on without a hitch despite the rain and cold.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
It was a very cold and wet race. It could be held a bit earlier in the year to avoid the cold.
The finish includes the sharpest incline of the race.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
The bridge over the Cumberland river wasn’t equally up and down on each side, but was significantly lower on the stadium side, making the finishing mile to include a substantial incline.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I made sure to stick to the pace I felt comfortable with, despite the occasional passer. I really enjoyed the sights and atmosphere of downtown Nashville, and being around so many people just like me who were trying something challenging.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Get the VIP pass! It allows you to park right next to the start line, and in the weather conditions, this proved hugely vital for me to stay warm until I absolutely had to get warmed up to run.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
I slowed considerably the last two miles of the race. This was exacerbated by the uphill sections towards the end, so factoring that in next time will help.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The bridge over the Cumberland river wasn’t equally up and down on each side, but was significantly lower on the stadium side, making the finishing mile to include a substantial incline.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Very pretty, and full of interesting sights.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Total elevation gained and lost was about 1000 feet, so I’d consider it a moderately tough course.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Very well run race, with very responsive organizers. I especially liked the access to Nissan Stadium during check-in. Made it feel like it was an exceptional event.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Moderately strong. From elite to beginner.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Registration was a breeze, but check-in included searching for one of the dozen or so emails they sent us for a special QR code. That could be simplified more. I booked everything two months in advance with no issues.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Every two miles there were aid stations, and from what I noticed there was only water. This was strangely only true for the first 9 miles. The last four were devoid of aid stations.
Weather and typical race conditions
Weather was drastically different race day morning than the previous week. A strong cold front with rain moved in the night before, making it 35 degrees and drizzling at race start. Typically it should be better than that, and more ideal for running.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
I needed lots of extra warm gear, to include hat and gloves, thermal tights, and rain jacket. Some chose to forego one or more of these items.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
This is a super friendly course for spectators, and the roads were blocked off sufficiently for people to access at any point they chose.
How’s the Swag?
Decent swag, just a T-shirt and a solid finisher’s medal.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
4 stars. This was my first half marathon, however.
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Chance to run in a place with a long history in ultrarunning.
The unknown. With not knowing the course until the day before there is an added element of adventure to this race.
Beautiful flowy single track running through the woods.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
There is always a chance of poison ivy with the off trail navigation portions of this course. Post race it is important to go through a couple rounds of Zanfel to help prevent that from being an issue.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
You do not know the course until you get the map the day before. Once you know the course route on Friday it will give you the insight into how you should approach pacing this event. The exact distance is not 50km and it varies year to year but it is often longer than advertised.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
Taking an hour off my previous time and finishing in the top 10 and walking away from the race feeling good.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
A relaxed slow and steady effort on the difficult climbs with names will set you up to run the park trails and anything in between at a much better effort.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
I had arm protection for the long section of briars but I think it would be worth carry leg sleeves or a very light pant layer and taking the few minutes it would take to change in and out of those. Race the course and the clock not the other competitors. The difficult parts of this course stop the strongest runners in their tracks so it is extra important to focus on your own effort as the race progresses.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Know the park trail map ahead of seeing the race course. I did not take my map out at any point as I had reviewed the map of the park dozens of times. Knowing the color of the blazes for these trails will pay dividends as you navigate the race as there is minimal signage.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
While there are not really big sweeping views the single track trails of the park are fun and fast. They typically either go up or down through series of switchbacks so be prepared for little to no flat running.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
400 starters, 108 finishers for the 50K this year. That being said if you separate the difficult off trail climbs from the rest of the course runners with 50km-50 mile experience have a good shot at being able to finish.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Very well organized. The race captures “fatass” style racing from early trail running and combines it with a large local community involvement. Aid stations are run by members of the high school and middle school football teams.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
There is typically at least 20 very capable/experienced trail ultra runners. That being said it is a big field so no matter where you are performance wise you will always feel like you have competition. More importantly the course is hard and really offers you a chance to compete against yourself and the desire to quit or take the shorter marathon finish versus continuing on for the full 50k course.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Signup early this race always sells out. If you are truly passionate about doing it get on the waitlist and train like you are in as that list moves fast. I met a runner who tagged along with a friend was was racing and was on the waitlist and got in the morning of due to no shows.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Aid stations carry water and Sword drink. There is typical trail race snacks but no gels. Gels are not permitted. If you rely heavily on your own nutrition practice carrying it in a way where you could be self-sufficient for the day if you needed to be.
Weather and typical race conditions
Typically it is hot (65-70 at the start to as high 85-90 as the day goes on). Chance of rain seems slim this weekend but has happened so bring that gear so you are safe.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
I would recommend the following as it worked well for me:
1L kathdyn soft flask with filter (if streams are running race day you now have extra water sources if you have a filter)
Gloves for the climb through briars. Could go a step further and have carry arm and leg sleeves. The woman who won took the time to change in and out of these through the section where these are needed and gave her an advantage.
Gels in soft flask for the day, powder nutrition in another soft flask for the day. I had enough on me to run without aid if need be.
Sunglasses to avoid briars to the eyes.
A cheap simple watch to keep track of the time on course as no GPS watches are allowed.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
I would recommend you get dropped off at the finish and then potentially your family or friends could see you go through the prison area. There is no crew aid for this race but seeing my wife in the middle of the race was a bonus even though it was just a wave. If family and friends are waiting at the finish make sure they don’t lay around in the grassy field there are chiggers and they will have their own bites to bring back from Barkley.
How’s the Swag?
You get a compass and whistle as well as a course map printed on fabric. The finishing medal is different than most and they recognize if you have multiple finishes at this race. I would recommend picking up a cheap whistle/compass combo that is lighter and smaller and takes up less room race day. They are both required.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
10/10. Now if I could only get a shot at the Big one.
Photo: Glenn Tachiyama
Brendan Gilpatrick is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with him, check out his coach profile.
In this race report, runner Bucky Love shares what you should know about the mysterious Barkley Fall Classic before running this 50k event. (Sorry, no hints on elevation or course map!)
3 Bests – What aspects of the Barkley Fall Classic 50k did you like the most?
1. I love the lore and general mystery surrounding the race.
2. Race route changes every year and you get the map the evening before the start. You never know how you will do because of this.
3. No GPS tracking is permitted. Distance and Elevation gain is mostly unknown.
4. Love the general community feel and the comradery amongst runners and the support given even to those who are clearly destined to fail.
Not so much – What aspects of the Barkley Fall Classic didn’t do it for you?
1. Covid protocols seemed to be close to non existent. Mask at the start and that is about it. Nothing at aid stations and nothing at pre-race pick up.
2. Getting questions answered if you have them can be very intimidating, as there are a lot of none answers, sarcasm and general harshness given. Don’t ask a basic question that could be answered with a little research.
3. They changed the map at the last minute and did not make a general announcement about it. You had to hear it through the grapevine or find out during the race when you get to the turn. To the RD’s credit they did place people at the turn to direct traffic, which they never do.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about the Barkley Fall Classic?
That the race course changes every year and that the failure rate is typically over 60% of the starters. You run through an old prison yard and up a ladder over the prison wall and in a tunnel under the prison. The race bib punches spell out something different each year. This year it was either “I nailed the BFC” if you made it to the decision point before cut off or “I failed the BFC” if you had to take the marathon finish route because you missed the final cut off.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I nailed the ups on this race and felt strong throughout, particularly compared to two years ago. I loved the challenge of literally fighting, clawing, and crawling up mud slides due to the rain on the bush whacking power line cuts (testicle, meth, rat). It used some much more than running muscles and really felt like an adventure race at times.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the Barkley Fall Classic to help the next runner
Best lesson is to power hike the ups and run the downs and flats. There aren’t a lot of flats. Use the park map that has the blaze colors and write on your course map the color of the blazes you should be on. They don’t place confidence markers but most of the trails are blazed in the park.
I also like to know if I am supposed to be going up or down on the trail sections so that if I accidentally take a wrong turn and I am going down when I should be going up, I will know it easily. Train for a 50 mile race with at least 14K in elevation gain and you will be fit to finish.
Finally, if you are going up Bird Mountain switch back trail at the start, then run fast that mile down the road before you start up, because it WILL BE a VERY SLOW and long conga line to work around otherwise. Get ahead of that the best you can.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
My take aways from this time is get better shoes with a rock plate in them or A LOT more cushioning and to work on my running/power hiking transitions. There are a lot of down grade gravel type road running and it is murder on my feet. By 5 hours in my feet were toasted and it made the last 10 miles (8 down hill and 2 up) absolutely brutal. I also need to work on my running, power hiking, and running again transitions. I have some kind of mental block with this and just stop caring to go fast when I can and feel like I still have the power/energy in me but lack the motivation to tap into it.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the Barkley Fall Classic?
That it changes every year but that most of race will be on Frozen Head State park trails and that they try to hit the big named things from The Barkley Marathon (testicle spectacle, meth lab and Rat Jaw).
If you do this race, know that testicle hangs to the left into the woods and down to a road. You could easily miss this turn like the lead runners did this year. There isn’t a sign for it. Also, on Meth Lab when you hit the stream you want to look for a small opening in the embankment and not follow the stream all the way down. Finally, also on Meth lab after the left out of the stream you will be on an old road. You will make a right (usually signed), then another right (again a sign), you will see a shed, cross a small bridge and make a sharp left (usually not a sign) and take the road toward the prison.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
There aren’t any amazing spanning views, but the woods are pretty, but nothing special. If you are looking for a pretty course this isn’t the race for you.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Yes, very tough, but most of it is runnable. Come prepared and accept that you are power hiking and/or bear crawling at points and you will finish.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
I would say a well-oiled machine. Lines moved quickly at pre-race check-in, aid stations were supplied, they didn’t seem to run out of anything, had plenty of volunteers, and in general it all went smoothly.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
There tends to be a couple of big contenders, not necessarily world class known names, but very fast people looking to score a golden ticket into the Big Barkley. The male and female winners get that as an award.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of getting into the Barkley Fall Classic.
Yes, yes, yes, and more yes. Register the day it opens and get in the lottery. It will tell you that you are on a waitlist but that is because everyone is then they draw the names usually around October 1st. Never withdraw even if you don’t get initially picked there is always a lot of movement throughout the year.
If you don’t get picked the first year then your name is marked and if you register that 2nd year then the first 100 people into the race are pulled from the list that didn’t get in the year before and so on and so forth. If you don’t get pick in that first 100 you name is still in the general lottery that year too.
It took me three years to get in the first time, but I got in back to back years thereafter. You will definitely want to book your lodgings well in advance, some people even book their camping spot or Airbnb before they even get into the race over a year in advance.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Very standard fare with pre-package food selections. Their drink of choice is Sword, which is very high in sodium. I suggest getting some and trying it out before the race to make sure it doesn’t cause you any distress race day as it is it not a well know electrolyte drink from what I can tell.
Weather and typical race conditions
It can very from hot and humid to a monsoon. Usually it is warm either way and I wouldn’t bother with rain or wind gear, if would just get shredded in the briars.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
I wore arm sleeve and calf sleeves to protect my skin from the power line sections which can have poison ivy, poison XYZ plant, and very thorny briars. While I wore the calf sleeves all day, I only put on the arm sleeves during the bushy whacking times. My first time running this race, I had a poison ivy outbreak, and this time I came out fine.
Spectators – Is the Barkley Fall Classic an easy course for your friends to watch?
It depends on the course route. They discourage people from standing around on the park trails but usually they run the course around the prison which would be the best spot for spectators to get to.
How’s the Swag?
Not that great. The first year I did it they gave out a fun book that talked about the race, and Frozen Head State park. Kind of a do and do not guide to finishing, but not this year. This year it was just a few pantalets and a t-shirt. The finishers medal is pretty cool. It is a French style military cross (croix)
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give the Barkley Fall Classic and do you recommend that others run it?
Overall I would give it a 10. There is nothing they could really do that would make me like it more (perhaps, I should ding them for the lack of covid protocols in my rating). This race is a good mix between running and a little taste of adventuring racing. If you are looking for a 50K PR this isn’t the race for you. Also, if you are looking for an all out adventure race this isn’t the race for you. If you are looking for a challenging race with a varying course and distance between 30-45 miles and 10-15K elevation and you like the challenge of bush whacking through some briars and challenging yourself in a race that most people fail to finish, then this is the race for you and you will have a lot of fun along the way.
Trying to decide on your next race? Check out our coaches’ advice for choosing the best race for you.
Summary: An urban ultra on the paved greenway trail in Alcoa, TN, runners will complete 10 laps of 10.35 miles, with about 200 feet of gain per lap. The path is lighted, paved, and passes through 2 main aid stations twice on each lap, with the ability to see crew every 10 miles, and the ability to have pacers right from the start. Other distance options include a 1 mile family friendly fun run/walk, a 10 miler, or the 50K, 50 miler, 100K, and/or 100 miler ultra distances. There is also a 2 or 3 person relay option for the 50K distance.
Lessons Learned from Race Reports
Many different races going on at once, with different courses. Don’t just follow who is in front of you – pay attention to course markings
Cupless event
With the two aid stations so close to each other at each end of the course, it’s easy to lose a lot of time if you stop at all 4 of them (2 each), so consider stopping at one per lap if that’s all you need.
Bring layers – lots of temperature swings in the past with morning, daytime, and nighttime, and the setup of the race allows for passing by your layer options often
While it’s minimal elevation gain, any little hills along the way will feel harder each lap, so be ready for more hills to appear on each ensuing lap
Music helps, especially at night, since you repeat the course so often. Also helpful to have a pacer at night, since it’s such a mental shift to run in the dark vs. daylight
Locations: Miles 4.19 and 5.05 (same aid station), then miles 9.28 and 10.0 (same aid station, the start/finish at Alcoa High School)
What’s available: The usual ultra fare: gels (mostly Honey Stinger and GU), oranges, bananas, hot broth, salty/sweet foods, PB&Js, etc. Starting at night there will be heated items such as soups, grilled cheese sandwiches, burritos, etc. Specialty items can often be short-order cooked to your specifications while you complete the loop past the aid station. Then you can pick it up as you pass back by. There are 24/7 stores nearby (including Kroger and WalMart), if you or your crew need to purchase any special food items.
Crew access
Access Locations: Alcoa High School, the start/finish, where you’ll see your runner 2x per lap, at miles 9.28 and miles 10 of each lap.
Crew instructions/directions: See Map of high school for where to park and setup to crew.
Pacers
Yes, one pacer at a time, starting at any point during the race, even at the start.
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Race Volunteers were all super rad and kind.
Trail/Course was marked extremely well.
Post race Trailhead Beer Market had free beers on tap for finishers.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
The red clay mud on trail that stuck to your shoes and felt like you were carrying 10 extra lbs. I run these trails fairly often and it’s normally really nice and super fun single track. It had practically rained a week straight leading up to race day, and even rained the night before so there’s not much anyone could have really done about the mud factor that’s just part of it. It made it really slow going just trying to stay upright much less running.
Everything else was honestly really nice. I really enjoyed this race.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
The weirdest thing about it to me was the registration process as well as locating post race results. The main web page reroutes you to another site that you have to register through. Also, if someone hadn’t posted a link on social media with the results I likely never would have been able to find them.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
Honestly having a plan and sticking to it was one of the biggest highlights of this race for me. My super rad coach gave me some solid reminders and things to think about pre race, and they were all spot on. In the past shorter distances like this I generally have a plan and then never stick to it, but this time around I stayed with it and was stoked with how it went. Crushing people on down hills was the real highlight though haha. Don’t get in the way of a big guy crushing some downhill!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
This race was pretty straight forward to be honest. If I had any advice that would just be to have a plan and stick to it. Also, this race has tons of “micro hills” so take advantage of the down hills sections. A lot of it is single track mountain bike trail so there are tons of rollers and what I would call micro hills.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Stick to the plan. The main thing I took away from this race for me was that I had more to give and could have finished a few minutes faster easily. I was hesitant and more reserved at the front end of the race which was good but I think I waited a little too long to crank it up.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
There are a handful of road crossings and even a short section of road running. There were volunteers at most all those intersections guiding you but if for some reason there aren’t, a big leaf is spray painted on the ground to signify the urban wilderness route.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
This race is in the heart of Knoxville, and is mostly all wooded single track. It is def. pretty, but no great big open views or anything super fancy, but for its location, to have that much trail and be in the woods without ample traffic sounds and noise is awesome.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
The strava link posted on the race website which is referenced above says around 1300′ of elevation but my watch came in around 1,800. It’s a fairly easy course but those micro hills and rollers make it hard to get in a groove and will wear you out.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Everything felt great on the organization front.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
There were a total of 89 runners for this year, and a new course record.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Honestly it was all straight forward and I registered like 4-5 days before the race. Super easy, plenty of hotel rooms in and around Knoxville unless there is another major event going on, and the bib pick up was the evening before and super easy to find. There is plenty of event parking, and directions are super easy to navigate.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
2 aid stations for the half.. One around 4.8 the other around 9ish. Standard fare otherwise.
Weather and typical race conditions
HOT and HUMID
This year it was suuuuuuuper muddy because of all the rain, but generally these trails stay fairly dry and are good to go.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Just bring a smile and whatever type of hydration storage you prefer. I wear a vest for ease, and with it as humid as it is I drink a lot of fluids.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Absolutely tons of opportunities for them to hike out on trail if they wanted or at aid stations. Otherwise the Start/Finish is a great place to post up.
How’s the Swag?
Tech Shirt, and finisher’s medal
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
5 star race. I really enjoyed it and had a good time. This would be a good race for someone looking to do their first trail half or for seasoned vets.
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