Mammoth Cave 50K/25K 2026

Description

Join us for the 6th running of Mammoth Cave 50K/25K trail race on Saturday, October 24, 2026, in beautiful Mammoth Cave National Park!

Named after the historic railroad that once roared through Mammoth Cave National Park from 1886 through 1931, the Bike & Hike Trail provides a scenic, wooded experience within the Park on a crushed gravel surface. The out-and-back trail offers some challenging ascents/descents along its scenic route, and is perfect for the first-time trail runner or racers looking to set a lightening fast PR!

Mammoth cave is the world's largest known cave system with over 420 miles created 10 millon years ago. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site. While you are here for the run make sure to get tickets to visit the cave prior to your arrival. There are also many other caves around the area. This destinatioin is perfect for a family vacation.

This race was started by Kevin Mays, whom many of you know, and this year he has given me the pleasure of taking over as the race director. He has done a wonderful job of involving the community in the race and I hope to carry on all he has started. The logo has been a white squirrel which is rare in the wild but abuntant in Bowling Green, Kentucky. So maybe you will see one! Seeing one represents purity, transformation, and good fortune.

The race will start at 7:00 AM (Central), for both distances, from the Bell's Tavern Pavilion in Park City, KY, and will end by 3 pm . A hard cutoff of 8 hours will be imposed for both distances.

Post-Cutoff Finishers:

We understand that everyone brings their own pace to the race, and we deeply appreciate the effort and determination it takes to cross the finish line, no matter the time. However, please note that after the 3 pm cutoff, race-day activities will wind down, and many participants, volunteers, and spectators may have already departed.

If you find yourself finishing after the cutoff, we want to assure you that your achievement is no less valued. Your perseverance is something to be proud of, even if the crowds may not be there to cheer you in. We hope you'll take pride in your personal journey and accomplishment on race day, regardless of the time.

Due to National Park restrictions, registration will be capped. At present, we are opening registration to 150 runners, with the hopes of increasing pending permit approval. Based on demand, we may open additional spots in the 50K distance by eliminating open spots in the 25K, or vice versa and adjust as needed.

This event sells out quickly!

Understand this is a trail race. We are limited based on where the trail goes. So unlike a road race, the distance is never exact. This is common knowledge to most everyone who has run trail races in the past but it never fails and there is always one who is upset that their GPS watch showed 16.5 miles when the race said it was a 25K. Everyone is racing the same course, therefore it's an even playing field.

This will be a "cupless" race. Runners will need to provide their own collapsible cups, bottles or hydration packs for refill at the aid stations. The aid staions will have water, sports drink, and yummy snacks.

For lodging options within the Park, please visit https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/lodging.htm . Camping reservations are available at https://www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/camping.htm .

Course Map can be located at https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-august-22-2022-5a7b238?u=i&sh=d9ndg3

We look forward to a get year and I will keep you posted with details.