The River Gorge Trail Race returns to Chattanooga, Tennessee on November 21st, offering runners a challenging yet scenic experience through the Bad Beard River Gorge trails in Prentice-Cooper Wildlife Management Area. This event is one of the Southeastern classics for trail runners and features three distinct race distances: a 6.5 mile route, a 10.2 mile course, and a full marathon distance at 20 miles. The races are known for their technical single-track trails that wind through the picturesque landscape of Mullens Cove and Pot Point loops. Race day in Chattanooga typically offers firm trail conditions with slightly soft terrain underfoot. Early morning temperatures hover around 5°C to 10°C, making it cooler but not too cold for outdoor activities. The UV index is low at just 2.0, providing a comfortable environment without excessive sun exposure. Humidity levels are moderate, and there's little risk of precipitation during the event hours. The River Gorge Trail Race offers three distinct distances: a challenging 6.5 mile route, a moderately difficult 10.2 mile course, and an ambitious full marathon distance at 20 miles.
20 Miler 32.2K • Start: 07:30:00 • Fee: $80.00
10.2 Miler 16.4K • Start: 08:00:00 • Fee: $60.00
6.5 Miler 10.5K • Start: 08:30:00 • Fee: $45.00
Registration for the River Gorge Trail Race must be completed online via https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=134137 before race day to secure your spot. The registration fees are $80.00 for the 20 mile distance, $60.00 for the 10.2 mile course, and $45.00 for the 6.5 mile route. Early packet pickup is available on Friday at Hello Monty on Main from 4:30PM to 6:00PM. On race day, bibs will also be distributed starting at 6:45AM in Mullens Cove parking lot where the event begins and ends. Participants must arrive early enough to pick up their packets before the scheduled start times; no walk-up registration is available on site. The drive from downtown Chattanooga takes approximately half an hour via Hwy 27 North, followed by a left turn onto Suck Creek Road. The River Gorge Trail Race in Chattanooga offers runners a unique and challenging trail experience within Prentice-Cooper Wildlife Management Area just outside of the city limits. This race is worth attending for its technical terrain and stunning natural views along Mullens Cove and Pot Point loops, making it a bucket list event for both leisure and competitive trail enthusiasts. The River Gorge Trail Race takes place in Chattanooga on November 21st, offering runners three challenging courses through scenic trails outside the city. This race is significant not only for its technical nature but also because of its beauty and historical significance to local running communities.
Races Offered
20 Miler
Nov 21, 2026
straighten
Distance —
32.2K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:30
sell
$80.00
10.2 Miler
Nov 21, 2026
straighten
Distance —
16.4K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:00
sell
$60.00
6.5 Miler
Nov 21, 2026
straighten
Distance —
10.5K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:30
sell
$45.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for November in Chattanooga.
thermostatTemperature
7.4° / 17.4°
wb_sunnyFeels like
5.0° / 15.1°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
7h 42m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
2.6 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
8.5 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Low (2.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
71.8%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
08:16
nightlight
Sunset
18:35
About Chattanooga
Learn more about the host city, Chattanooga.
Chattanooga is the 4th largest city in Tennessee. It is the seat of Hamilton County. It is in Southeast Tennessee on the Tennessee River and near the border of Georgia. It was immortalized in the popular 1941 song "Chattanooga Choo Choo", made famous by Glenn Miller.
