Fall Creek Falls 50K & Half Marathon Trail Runs
Pikeville, TN
- 50K, Half Marathon
- Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
Come enjoy the beauty of Tennessee’s most popular state park. Cooler temps, shaded run course, and the highest free-falling waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains are just a few of the attractions of the Fall Creek Falls 50K & Half Marathon Trail Runs. Post-race meal and music for all participants. … MORE
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Great race, beautiful course
Not to be confused with the road race series of the same name but which is held in August, this April trail race is great. The course isn't quite 13.1 … MORE
Not to be confused with the road race series of the same name but which is held in August, this April trail race is great. The course isn’t quite 13.1 miles, or wasn’t by my Garmin measurement, but it was a pretty course and I enjoyed the park. Such a pretty place. The course itself, although pretty, doesn’t afford any stunning waterfall or cliffside views. These exist in the park, although perhaps not in a manageable trail route. The course is mostly tree-covered.
They were grilling burgers and there was plenty of post-race food. Plus you get a great long-sleeve tee-shirt hoody. Parking was good and was right next to the start line. Bathrooms were not portapoddies, they had real bathrooms, which was a nice change from most races. And since it was a small race you really don’t have to wait in line for anything.
I would recommend this race for those who are looking for a decent trail run, but not if you are looking for an exact 13.1 run.
First Trail Race - Tough!
After 5 road halves, I decided to give the trails a shot. The race starts out on a paved road (uphill), then switches to dirt/gravel and you enter the trail … MORE
After 5 road halves, I decided to give the trails a shot. The race starts out on a paved road (uphill), then switches to dirt/gravel and you enter the trail after a mile and a half or so. The trail felt good- nice and soft, but not muddy. It had rained a couple of days prior. the trail was single file for the bulk of the race. I managed to keep up with the middle of the pack until around mile 4, at which point I stepped off the trail and let several pass. There were only around 130 runners for the half and I ended up finishing 80th at 2:51. My PR on the road is 2:22, so I was happy with my time. There were a couple of places that were confusing and easy to get off the trail. I’ll have to do a better job of looking at maps if trails remain in my future. I fell several times. Watch for stumps and rocks under leaves! lots and lots of small up and down hills – not super steep, but definitely a workout. Several small stream crossings that could be jumped and one that was low enough that could be crossed on the rocks. Then one around mile 10 that was ankle deep and there was no way to avoid getting wet.
There was an open field to run across that would be a good place for passing had anyone been behind me at that point(maybe around mile 9ish). The best part was that the last .75 mile was pretty much all downhill on the same paved road as the beginning.