The last annual Third Circle of Hell

Sneedville, Tennessee. Hancock County Courthouse. The last annual Third Circle of Hell — the third jewel in the triple crown of last annual Tennessee Journey Runs — starts on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at 7:30 AM. 420 miles. Back roads, numerous turns (route‑finding required), long remote stretches without services (pack your own supplies), and 24 major climbs. Prerequisite: must have completed both the Vol State and Heart of the South Journey Runs. This is an advanced event for experienced journey runners. Lodging at the historic Hale Springs Inn (oldest inn in Tennessee, over 200 years) — shared rooms for couples. Overflow at Comfort Inn.

Location — Sneedville, Tennessee (Hancock County):

• Sneedville is a small town in Hancock County, in the remote mountains of upper East Tennessee (near the Virginia border)
• The Hancock County Courthouse is a historic courthouse in the center of town
• The route traverses some of Tennessee's least known scenic areas — far from tourist trails

Course Features — The Third Circle of Hell:

• 420 miles — an ultra‑distance journey run (not a traditional ultra marathon; this is a multi‑day self‑supported adventure)
• Back roads — minimal traffic, but no closed roads; runners must obey traffic laws
• Numerous turns — requires adeptness at route finding (maps, GPS, or cue sheets provided — check event website)
• Long remote stretches without available services — you must pack adequate supplies (food, water, emergency gear)
• 24 major climbs — "requiring the durability of a mountain goat"
• Four major geographical mountain features:
  — The long Pressure Ridges of upper East Tennessee (thrust up by the Smoky Mountain Orogeny)
  — The Crab Orchard Mountains
  — The Cumberland Plateau / Sequatchie Valley combo
  — The southern extension of Lookout Mountain
• Reward: an unforgettable tour of some of Tennessee's least known scenic areas

Prerequisites — No Exceptions:

• Must have completed both the Vol State and Heart of the South Journey Runs
• This is an advanced event for experienced journey runners — not for beginners
• You must demonstrate that you have the skills, fitness, and mental toughness to complete a 420‑mile self‑supported journey

The Triple Crown of Last Annual Tennessee Journey Runs:

• Vol State (Volunteer State) — a 314‑mile crossing of Tennessee (runs from the Mississippi River to the mountains)
• Heart of the South — a 220‑mile journey run (specific route not detailed)
• Third Circle of Hell — 420 miles — the final and most difficult jewel
• "If you survive this trilogy, you will truly be ready for anything."

Lodging — Hale Springs Inn (Historic, Over 200 Years):

• Hale Springs Inn is the oldest inn in Tennessee, located in Rogersville (near Sneedville)
• The inn has mostly rooms with a single bed (king or queen)
• To maximize the number of runners that can stay there, couples or runners willing to share a bed will be prioritized
• On your application, indicate you are able to share a bed with another entrant (specify who)
• If you both indicate each other on your entry forms, you will be paired in a single bed room at the Hale Springs (if available)
• The Last Supper will be held at the Hale Springs Inn before the race
• Overflow lodging: Comfort Inn

What's Included:

• Route maps and cue sheets (provided)
• Pre‑race briefing and "Last Supper"
• Lodging at Hale Springs Inn or Comfort Inn (limited availability — shared rooms)
• Aid? Minimal — this is a self‑supported journey. Runners must carry their own supplies.
• No medals? The reward is survival and the experience — finisher recognition likely includes a buckle or patch (check event website)

Logistics — Self‑Supported Adventure:

• No aid stations — you are on your own. Pack food, water, and emergency supplies.
• No crew vehicles allowed? Not specified — but typical of journey runs, crew support is minimal or prohibited
• Runners may use drop bags or mail drops (check with race director)
• No refunds — this is a small, advanced event with a strict prerequisite
• No dogs allowed

What to Bring (Suggested):

• Navigation tools (GPS, maps, cue sheets)
• Food and water for 40‑50 miles between resupply points (some remote stretches without services)
• Emergency shelter (space blanket, bivy sack)
• Headlamp and spare batteries (you will be running through at least one night, likely more)
• Rain gear and warm layers (Tennessee mountains can be cool at night, even in August)
• First aid kit and blister care
• Cash/credit card for resupply at gas stations or small stores along the route
• Phone with charger/battery pack (limited service in remote areas)

Tennessee Geography — The Mountains You'll Climb:

• Pressure Ridges of upper East Tennessee — geological features formed by the same forces that created the Smoky Mountains
• Crab Orchard Mountains — part of the Cumberland Plateau, known for rugged terrain and rock formations
• Cumberland Plateau / Sequatchie Valley — a long, steep‑sided valley carved by the Sequatchie River
• Lookout Mountain — southern extension of this famous mountain (which also overlooks Chattanooga and offers stunning views)
• 24 major climbs — some short and steep, others long and grinding

History — The Last Annual:

• This is the "last annual" — meaning it may be the final running of this event?
• The Vol State and Heart of the South are also "last annual" series
• Registration is likely limited and selective — check with race director

Contact: Event organizer via UltraSignup.