Bell Ringer Trail Run

Bell Ringer

The Bell Ringer Trail Run takes place on Saturday, December 12th at Montgomery Bell State Park in Burns, TN. This race features running on one of the best trail networks in the Nashville area. This 31+ mile race gives area ultrarunners a close-to-home venue for a trail ultra and will showcase the tremendous natural resources of the Tennessee State Park system for visitors. Since the start of this race in 2014, it has continued to grow each year and draw runners from all over the country.

Friends of Montgomery Bell State Park

All of the proceeds will benefit the Friends of Montgomery Bell State Park. The mission of this group is to support the park, provide a quality place for families to recreate, and educate visitors on the importance of protection and preservation of the park. Upon checkout, please consider making an additional donation to Friends of Montgomery Bell State Park. To learn more, click here.

Course Description

The course contains multiple uphill and downhill sections. The terrain is of moderate difficulty, providing a challenge to runners, but not too hard for first-timers. 50k Route Map 50k Elevation map 25k Route Map 25k Elevation map Bell Ringer Trail Run Routes Please note: 1. Mountain bike trail can only be run day of event, only mountain bike use on those trails on all other days. 2. Map is approximation of race course, course subject to change.

Accommodations

Make race weekend easy on yourself and stay right where the action happens. When you book your stay at the Lodge at Montgomery Bell State Park, you're steps away from the start line, the trails, and all the race day energy. You'll also get a discount on your room, a late checkout of 6 PM, and a continental breakfast! No early morning commute, no rushing - just wake up, fuel up, and head straight to the start. After you ring that bell, you can celebrate, shower, and relax without ever leaving the park. Turn Bell Ringer into a full weekend experience and stay where the adventure begins. Make your reservations here.

Packet Pickup

Friday, December 11th: 4:00PM-8:00PM Saturday, December 12th: 5:30AM-8:00AM Location: Montgomery Bell State Park Conference Center Address: 1000 Hotel Avenue, Burns, TN 37029

50K Cutoff Times

There will be a 2 hour cutoff time (9:00 AM) at the Church Birth Place Shrine at mile 7. and a 6 hour cutoff time ( 1:00 PM) at the Church Birth Place Shrine at mile 21. Finally there will be an 8 hr cutoff time (3pm) at mile 27.25, (Golf Course Maintenance road). These are hard cut off times and all runners arriving after these times will be asked to drop. Please be respectful of race officials if you are asked to drop - no discussion. You will be provided with transportation back to the Inn. There will be a 9 1/2 hour cutoff time (4:30pm) at finish. This averages out to over 17 minutes per mile pace. This is not a hike so please be respectful and do not sign up for this event if you plan to walk most of the course.

Aid Stations

For the 50k, 25k, and 15k there will be aid stations approximately every 5-6 miles. Aid stations will provide water and an assortment of snacks such as whole fruits, pretzels, candies, and fig bars among other things. Every aid station will be slightly different. The Bell Ringer Trail Run is a cupless race, please be sure to bring your own water bottle or hydration pack to the race.

Awards

Awards are given to the top 3 male and female finishers in each race - 50k, 25k, 15k. The awards are made by the Dickson County Woodturners. They are made from wood from the Montgomery Bell State Park and then engraved with the event logo and award information at a local small business. All finishers will receive finisher medals.

Drop Bags

Drop bags are allowed. We will have bins set up in the conference center prior to the start to send drop bags out to Aid Station 3, which is at mile 8.8, 15.1, and 29.8. Each time you pass this aid station you can choose to keep your items at the aid station or send them back to the conference center.

50K

Runners who participate in the 50K distance will have the opportunity to see 30 miles of Montgomery Bell State Park's awesome trail system. Runners will receive a race shirt, swag bag, and an extra gift for completing the longest distance!

25K

25K runner will explore 15 miles of Montgomery Bell State Park's trail system. Runners will receive a race shirt and swag bag.

15K

The 15K route will give you the option to run 9 beautiful miles in the woods and skip the bike trail. Runners will receive a race shirt and swag bag.

Refund Policy

Refunds of 50% will be given within 60 days of your registration date until October 1st. After October 1st no refunds will be given. Registration rollover or deferment will not be permitted. Bib transfer will be allowed until December 10th, 2026.

Timeline

Saturday, December 12, 2026 • 5:30 AM: Registration opens in the Conference Room • 7:00 AM: 50K starts at the Hotel Upper Parking Lot • 7:30 AM: 25K starts at the Hotel Upper Parking Lot • 8:00 AM: 15K starts at the Hotel Upper Parking Lot •9:30 AM: Lunch starts in the Conference Room (Purchase your lunch ticket while registering) • 10:30 AM: 15K & 25K awards in the Conference Room • 1:30 PM: 50K Male/Female awards in the Conference Room • 4:30 PM: Final finishers cut-off