The Dirt Circuit

About the Event

Nestled around the picturesque finger of Cherokee Lake, Panther Creek State Park offers an idyllic backdrop for endurance runners seeking to challenge themselves on scenic trails during fall. The Dirt Circuit Ultra Marathon series presents four distinct race options—3 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, and a grueling 24-hour event—all set against the serene beauty of Tennessee's natural landscapes.
The loop course spans an invigorating 2.9 miles through varied terrain that includes wide trails winding through fields and dense woods with two wooden bridge crossings over Panther Creek. The route offers runners numerous opportunities to soak in breathtaking views while navigating a mix of single-track paths and wider, more forgiving stretches ideal for pushing your limits.
Base Camp is situated at the park’s soccer fields where participants can enjoy amenities like food vendors offering pizza, burgers, hash browns, and other solid foods throughout both days. Friends and family are invited to join in the festivities from Friday evening through Saturday night as runners tackle their chosen distance under a canopy of autumn foliage.
For those aiming for The Cherokee Ultra qualification in 2027, completing any race beyond 50 kilometers here will earn you entry into that prestigious event. With an emphasis on self-sufficiency—no cups are provided at aid stations—the Dirt Circuit encourages racers to carry their own hydration and nutrition systems throughout the course.
The park’s rustic charm extends well past the finish line with primitive camping included in registration fees for both Friday and Saturday nights, allowing participants a chance to unwind amidst nature after their efforts. Additional accommodations like RV sites and cabins are available nearby through Panther Creek State Park's campground facilities.
As you lace up your shoes for The Dirt Circuit Ultra Marathon series, prepare not just physically but mentally as well—this event promises an unforgettable experience in one of Tennessee’s most scenic state parks, where every lap brings new challenges and rewards.

Races Offered

12HR

Sep 19, 2026

straighten

Distance — 12 Hours

terrain

Type — Running

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08:00

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$150.00

12HR 6 Person

Sep 19, 2026

straighten

Distance — 12 Hours

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:00

sell

$400.00

24HR

Sep 19, 2026

straighten

Distance — 24 Hours

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:00

sell

$200.00

24HR 6 Person

Sep 19, 2026

straighten

Distance — 24 Hours

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:00

sell

$500.00

3HR

Sep 19, 2026

straighten

Distance — 3 Hours

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:00

sell

$100.00

6HR

Sep 19, 2026

straighten

Distance — 6 Hours

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:00

sell

$125.00

6hr Ruck

Sep 19, 2026

straighten

Distance — 6 Hours

terrain

Type — Running

timer

08:00

sell

$125.00

Weather History

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for September in Morristown.

thermostat Temperature

16.6° / 26.8°

wb_sunny Feels like

16.8° / 27.2°

light_mode Avg sunshine hours

10h 18m

water_drop Avg rainfall

3.5 mm

ac_unit Avg snowfall

—

air Avg wind speed

7.1 km/h (Light breeze)

opacity Sweat loss rate

High

terrain Course conditions

Hard and dry surface

sunny Max UV Index

Moderate (5.0)

humidity_mid Humidity

75.6%

wb_twilight Sunrise

07:16

nightlight Sunset

19:39

About Morristown

Learn more about the host city, Morristown.

Morristown is in Eastern Tennessee. Settled in the years just after the Revolutionary War, around 1787, Davy Crockett once lived here. Prior to the Civil Rights era, Morristown had one of the only two colleges in eastern Tennessee established for African Americans, called Morristown College. One newer development is the unique urban renewal design that was implemented for the town in the 1960s, with elevated sidewalks connecting city blocks downtown. The idea didn't really take off in terms of ushering in commerce, but it does have a peculiar look nonetheless.

Hotels & Places to Stay

Race Results

All-time top performances and historical records for The Dirt Circuit.

Place	Name	Gender	Age	Year	City	Time
🥇	Josh Laker	M	40	'23	—	121.8
🥈	Mateo Vega	M	23	'25	—	107.3
🥉	Ron Wireman	M	34	'15	—	103.25
4	Emmanuel Estrada	M	36	'24	—	101.5
5	Casey George	M	36	'23	—	101.5
6	Josh Cutshaw	M	43	'25	—	101.5
7	Brandon Alverson	M	23	'17	—	100.3
8	Steve Barber	M	36	'13	—	100.3
9	Bryce Chambers	M	26	'25	—	98.6
10	Josh Cutshaw	M	42	'24	—	95.7

Place	Name	Gender	Age	Year	City	Time
🥇	Marcella Luna	F	42	'19	—	78
🥈	Sarah Parker	F	28	'19	—	81
🥉	Mary Roberson	F	37	'24	—	107.3
4	Sarah Snyder	F	24	'14	—	100.3
5	Misty Wong	F	35	'13	—	100.3
6	Jessica Rogers	F	43	'25	—	92.8
7	Brooklyn Zablocki	F	26	'25	—	81.2
8	Karen Heath	F	55	'14	—	76.7
9	Tasha Grant	F	43	'24	—	75.4
10	Amanda Steffes	F	36	'25	—	72.501