The Tennessee Mile takes place in Franklin, Tennessee on December 4th through the 6th of 2026, offering a variety of distances for runners to choose from across multiple days. The event is held at Big East Fork Road and features staggered start times based on the division participants sign up for. From an overnight training run starting Saturday night to daytime events beginning early in the morning, each runner can select their preferred duration ranging from 3 hours to a grueling 40-hour stretch. The race venue itself is set amidst firm yet slightly soft trail conditions, providing runners with varied terrain and surfaces throughout the course loops. With no time limit on individual laps, participants have flexibility in pacing themselves according to personal fitness levels and endurance goals. The setting at night under clear skies presents a unique challenge as temperatures can drop significantly after dark. The Tennessee Mile has been an annual tradition since its inception, focusing primarily on community engagement through running events that cater specifically to families with the Youth 5K for children up to sixteen years old starting at 8:30 AM. Over the years, it has become a significant part of the local calendar, attracting hundreds of runners each year who contribute their efforts towards supporting various charitable causes and scholarship programs within Franklin. The course itself is designed as a looped route that allows participants to log multiple loops according to their preferences and endurance levels. Runners are responsible for tracking their own laps without any time constraints imposed by the event organizers, allowing flexibility in pacing strategies based on individual stamina needs. Aid stations will be available along with water and electrolytes provided by the race team; however, all nutrition must come from participants or crew members who can set up tents within designated areas but are required to bring their own setup equipment. Weather conditions for December typically feature firm trail surfaces that may become slightly soft underfoot as well as low UV index levels. Temperatures during this period range between mild and chilly with the possibility of precipitation, especially in the evening hours when cooler temperatures prevail after sunset. These natural elements contribute to a challenging yet rewarding experience tailored specifically towards endurance athletes looking for unique testing grounds.
Registration for the Tennessee Mile can be completed online at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=133988 where runners will find detailed information about fees ranging from ten dollars for children participating in the Youth 5K to over one hundred dollars for those engaging in the multi-day marathon-like challenge of the 40 Hour division. The registration process concludes well before December with specific deadlines communicated clearly on their website and through social media channels. For bib pickup, participants should visit Big East Fork Road starting a few days prior to the event dates or on-site at designated times closer to race day. All runners must bring photo identification along with any required waivers completed ahead of time for quick entry into the lineup area come December 4th when gates open officially marking the start of festivities. The Tennessee Mile begins and ends right off Big East Fork Road, offering a convenient location within Franklin's borders just north of downtown where local landmarks like Franklin Middle School sit nearby. Age requirements vary by division but generally children aged sixteen or under can participate in the Youth 5K while adults compete across other divisions depending on endurance goals chosen at registration. The Tennessee Mile stands out as one of Franklin’s premier winter running events, blending community spirit with challenging terrain and varied distances that cater to all levels of runners. Whether it's the overnight adventure for seasoned ultrarunners or a morning jaunt around town for young athletes, this race embodies the essence of local endurance sports culture in Tennessee during December.
Races Offered
40 Hour
Dec 04, 2026
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Distance —
40 Hours
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
16:00
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$111.00
8 Hour Night
Dec 05, 2026
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Distance —
8 Hours
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
00:01
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$65.00
12hrs
Dec 05, 2026
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Distance —
12 Hours
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:00
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$85.00
24hrs
Dec 05, 2026
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Distance —
24 Hours
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:00
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$110.00
Youth 5K
Dec 05, 2026
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Distance —
5K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:30
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$10.00
3 hrs
Dec 05, 2026
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Distance —
3 Hours
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
10:00
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$50.00
6 Hour
Dec 05, 2026
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Distance —
6 Hours
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
12:00
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$75.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for December in Franklin.
thermostatTemperature
2.4° / 11.3°
wb_sunnyFeels like
-1.9° / 7.6°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
6h 24m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
2.9 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
13.3 km/h (Gentle breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Low (2.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
71.5%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
07:50
nightlight
Sunset
17:35
About Franklin
Learn more about the host city, Franklin.
Franklin is a city of 81,000 people (2018) in Tennessee, just a few miles south of Nashville.
