Tackle a thrilling, alternating-direction challenge at the Rabid Raccoon 25k, an epic middle-distance trail race on **Saturday, January 17, 2026**, starting atop Raccoon Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Hosted by Bad Beard Events, this unique course utilizes the mountain's iconic technical trails—like Megawatt, Grindstone Ridge, and Live Wire—and changes direction each year; the 2026 edition will be run **counter-clockwise**, offering a fresh perspective on its 2,200 feet of rugged climbing. With a strict 5-hour cutoff and a cupless mandate, this race demands self-sufficiency and respect for the challenging, beautiful terrain that defines Chattanooga's trail running scene.
Starting at 8:30 AM from the scenic Laurel Point, the event blends competitive spirit with a strong community focus, featuring two well-stocked aid stations, post-race food, and proceeds benefiting local trail advocacy through SORBA. It's the perfect January test for runners seeking a serious, well-organized adventure on classic Southern singletrack, where every twist and turn reveals another stunning view of the Tennessee River Gorge.
Races Offered
25K
Jan 17, 2026
straighten
Distance —
25K
terrain
Type —
Others,
Running
timer
08:30
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for January in Chattanooga.
thermostatTemperature
-0.2° / 9.0°
wb_sunnyFeels like
-4.0° / 5.7°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
6h 17m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
4.6 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
0.2 cm
air
Avg wind speed
9.4 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
75.1%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
08:46
nightlight
Sunset
18:53
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.
