General Layout

Race Location and Time
Date: Saturday, November 2nd, 2024
Where: Garrison Creek Rest Stop, Natchez Trace, TN
Capacity: 120
Distances
50 miles – out and back (start 6:00 AM CST)
Marathon – one way (arrive to the bus at 7:00 AM CST)
Ruckers and 13 milers – one way (arrive to the bus at 9:00 AM CST)

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Course Description

The Natchez provides 25-ish miles of fast trails. The terrain is not too steep but can get rugged in sections, as it is not a well traveled trail. There is up to 8,000 feet of gain for the 50-miler. Most of the trail is on single track but has several road crossings. The Natchez is rich in beauty and history, so join us in pushing yourself and continuing a portion of the tradition of The Kaintucks.

Marathon runners will run the full trail one way. You will be bussed from Garrison Creek to the start line at the end of the trail. Cost of transport is included in registration. Bonus miles to complete the full mileage for both distances will be achieved by first running through the finish line, looping back around an additional 2.5 miles, and flying down once more to your own personal victory!

Ruckers- We will take a bus with the Marathoners. All the way to the end of the course. We will start them off then take the bus to the 13 mile start point.

50 mile runners will start and finish at Garrison Creek and run the trail there and back.Arrival at Portland Maine

HardRuck

We are thrilled to once again host a ruck division for each race. For the uninitiated, rucking is typically described as walking/hiking with a weighted pack. The activity gets its name from “rucksacks,” which is military-speak for “backpack.”

Per typical ruck standards, the weight requirement is determined by body weight:
Over 150lb – 20lb dry
Under 150lb – 10lb dry

We are excited to have a much-improved patch process this year! GORUCK HQ is now providing patches in advance of each event. You will receive your patch upon weigh-in. To make this administratively simple…no weigh-in = no patch.

Please plan to weigh in 30 minutes prior to the event start.

Weight must be in the form of a steel ruck plate, weight vest blocks, bumper plates or other items which have the weight clearly stamped. Removal of plates or reduction of weight during the event is not authorized. Honor system applies. Do the right thing.

Race-Specific Rules
* Stay on the trails not on the road. If you get lost, please stop and call the RD, or retrace your steps. If we catch you on
the road off-course, you will be disqualified.
*Pacers and outside aid are strictly prohibited. Please run fairly.
*Don’t mess with the flags.
* Littering and cutting the course will result in disqualification and removal from all HardWin races. Additionally, RDs will
be notified on a specific RD message board. Please pick up your trash and don’t cheat, no matter what.

* You must carry your own hydration device as we do not guarantee cups at the aid stations.
* Each year, we have several people drop out of this race. If you get to an AS and want to drop, you will have to wait until
the volunteers leave, or a transportation vehicle stops by.
* If you have friends and family at the event, that is totally cool! If they want to follow you in a car that is fine as well. *However, please tell them that it is against the law to stop on the side of the road on the Natchez. If folks park on the
shoulder, the rangers will come down hard on me and will potentially cancel the race. If supporters want to stop, they
can do so at any of the pull-off rest stops along the Natchez. You will pass by each of these rest stops during your run.

Custom Awards
Awards will be prepared for the top three overall male and female runners of each distance.
First place finishers in the following age categories will also receive awards: 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60+.

All finishers will receive a finisher award.

*Please note: Race t-shirts are NOT included in your entry fee. If you would like to purchase a shirt, you can add it to your order during registration.**

FAQs
* Aid stations? – Yes, of course! We have aid stations about every 5 miles. They will feature typical aid station fare, but hot
food is not guaranteed. This is also a cupless race so you must carry your own hydration vessel (bottle, pack, collapsible
cup).
* Where does the course start? I read about the drop off, which I am excited about, since that means we will see as much
of the trail as possible. We will all meet at Garrison Creek Park. All runners will finish here. 50 milers will also start here.
* Marathoners will be bussed down the Trace and run back.
* Will there be any food/snacks/beer at the finish line or should I bring my cooler? We will have snacks, water, etc at the
finish line for you to enjoy. The park does not allow alcohol, so please save your celebratory beer until you get home.
* Can we leave jackets at the start? 50 milers, yes. You will start/finish at the same location. Marathoners, you must drop
any gear prior to boarding the bus or carry it with you as we won’t be able to bring it back for you.