Kettlefoot

The Kettlefoot trail races take place on Saturday, 30 May 2026 at 1203 Harbin Hill Road, Mountain City, Tennessee, within the beautiful Doe Mountain Recreation Area. This USATF sanctioned event offers three distances: 50K, 25K, and 13K, plus a free kids mile (Kiddlefoot) for ages 5-12. All participants have the chance to climb the 60-foot Kettlefoot Fire Tower and enjoy 360° panoramic views spanning Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina. Registration closes on Wednesday, 27 May 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.

Friday, 29 May 2026 early packet pickup takes place from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM on the DMRA front porch. Saturday, 30 May 2026 runner check-in and packet pickup runs from 5:30 AM to 7:00 AM. Note that 13K runners may also check in after the 50K and 25K start. The 50K and 25K start at 7:30 AM, followed by the 13K at 9:00 AM and the Kiddlefoot Mile at 9:05 AM.

The 50K consists of two loops of the 25K course, totaling approximately 31 miles with 5,700 feet of elevation gain and a 10.5 hour cutoff. The 25K covers approximately 15.5 miles with 2,850 feet of gain and a 7.5 hour cutoff. The 13K offers approximately 8.5 miles with 2,000 feet of gain and a 4 hour cutoff. All finishers receive a finisher award, and post-race food is provided.

Registration is exclusively on UltraSignup. There is no paper registration. T-shirts are an add-on option to keep entry fees as low as possible. Volunteers receive a t-shirt and post-race food plus unending gratitude.

Refund policy: 50% refund until 30 March 2026 with no exceptions after this date. Transfer policy: You may transfer your registration to another runner (same year use only) until 30 April 2026 with no exceptions after this date. Deferral policy: Pregnancy and postpartum deferrals are allowed for a maximum of 2 years. No other deferrals are permitted.

The Kiddlefoot Mile (ages 5-12) is a free event with signup on race day. The course is a relatively flat one-mile route. A responsible adult may accompany the child if preferred. No placement awards or swag are provided—just the joy of trail running.

Lodging options include numerous short-term rentals in Johnson County via VRBO and AirBNB. Doe Mountain Recreation Area is approximately 20 minutes from Damascus, Virginia, 30 minutes from Boone, North Carolina, and 60 minutes from Johnson City and Bristol, Tennessee. Contact the race director if interested in camping on DMRA property. Commercial campgrounds include Doe Valley Campground and R&D Campground.

The Kettlefoot offers a variety of terrains and stunning views with the unique opportunity to climb the 60-foot fire tower. Whether you are an experienced trail runner or a beginner, this event in the beautiful Doe Mountain Recreation Area promises an unforgettable challenge. Register before 27 May 2026 to secure your place.