The Big South Fork Trail Race is a small but well-regarded regional event In the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Both a 17.5-mile and 10K race are offered. The race is organized by the Knoxville Track Club and was first run in 1994. The course is comprised of three trails, in a rough figure eight pattern. The trails are the John Litton Farm Loop, the Fall Branch and Grand Gap Loop.
The late September Tennessee weather was perfect. Cool and sunny. So, I crossed weather off of my mental excuse list.
The first mile and half of the course is paved and gravel road. While my feet did not appreciate the gravel, this section allows runners to spread out before hitting the trails.
The race director, Bobby Glenn, waved the runners onto the single track. It is my understanding that Bobby has been the director of the race since its inception. Thanks Bobby, for a well-organized and challenging race. Great job!!!
The course does not have any relentless grinds higher. Instead, it is mostly rolling hills. From three devices, I got three different answers to what the elevation gain of the course is. But averaging them out it’s probably around 1,800’. The trail is mostly non-technical. Of course, as with any trail, there are always some small roots and/or rock nubs to trip on. Which I always seem to find. Fortunately, when I found one this time I managed to stay on my feet, barely. We’ll just leave it as…it would not have been a good spot to go down.
Along the John Litton Farm Loop and Fall Branch the trail runs along some rock walls and overhangs. There is also a waterfall. Which I only caught from the trail. However, I think its possible to maneuver down for a better view.
The crux of the course is the Grand Gap Loop Trail. On this 6.8-mile loop is the Angel Falls Overlook, with expansive views of the Big South Fork River.
There are also some caves. I took a short detour to check one out. It was possible to fully stand up once inside. Towards the back there was an opening at the top. I could totally imagine building a fire and living there a couple thousand years ago. But I don’t think it came with Wi-Fi.
Once around the Grand Gap Loop there are about 5 miles back to the finish. Which was motivating to get back moving at a steady pace. The rhythm was broken though by a loud warning, “Copperhead on the Trail”. Up ahead were two hikers with a dog who were stopped in their tracks. Apparently, they had almost stepped on the snake. Copperhead’s, are generally not deadly, except for the elderly and/or immunocompromised. But their poisonous venom can result in a very painful bite. Which is not how I wanted to finish this race.
Surveying the situation, it seemed there were four choices. Wait for it to move, make a dash for it, go down left past a Yellow Jacket nest or up a hill to the right and through some thorn bushes. After hemming and hawing the choice was made to take the thorny route. Several scratches later it was back on the trail heading home.
With a little over a mile to the finish, the course has a unique feature. There’s a 10-foot and a 5-foot ladder. This was the first time I had to climb a ladder as part of a race.
I ended up crossing the finish line with about seven minutes left on the clock. I did beat three runners who did not finish under the five-hour time limit and I placed in my three-person age group bracket – Ha-Ha. So, we’ll just ignore the 68th out of 68, overall finish. The most important thing is that it was a real trail adventure. Mud, blood, scenery and a wildlife encounter. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Finally, I would like to thank a Tennessee ultra runner. She had completed the course several previous times and was motivated more by the trail experience then achieving a fast time. A couple miles into the race she morphed into my quasi pacer. Her knowledge of the course and conversation really completed this special run.
