The Naturalist

Description

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐥 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐞 — 𝟐𝟓𝐊 & 𝟓𝟎𝐊 is part of Outdoor 76’s Fall Celebration. This exhilarating trail run promises unforgettable challenges and festival-style rewards.    The historic Bartram Trail traces the same footsteps that William Bartram explored in the late 1700s. Beginning in downtown Franklin, the course leads runners to Wallace Branch, launching them into a relentless ascent toward Wayah Bald. All participants for the 2026 Naturalist trail run will receive a free custom pint glass as a keepsake. 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 - 25K: roughly 5,500 feet of elevation gain — conquer the climb and finish atop Wayah Bald. - 50K: exceed 8,500 feet of gain — circle Wayah Bald, refill, and tackle the descent back along the trail. 𝐀𝐢𝐝 & 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐲 Hydration and nutrition are available at multiple stations stocked with water, electrolyte drinks, fruit, energy bars and other snacks. Runners tackling the Wayah Bald ascent are strongly advised to carry at least 1 liter of water. - Mile 3.5 (Wallace Branch) limited aid - Mile 9 (Harrison Gap) - Mile 14.5 (Wayah Bald summit) - Mile 19.5 (Harrison Gap return, 50k only) - Mile 25 (Wallace Branch return, 50k only) 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 & 𝐂𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐬 - Field Limit: capped at 150 entrants (both distances combined). - Parking: limited availability at Wayah Bald. - Shuttle: 25K runners can catch a free ride back to the start on race day. - Runners Manual - GPX File - Map overlay, viewGPX.com 𝐂𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐬: - Mile 9 (Harrison Gap) — 11:00 AM - Mile 14.5 (Wayah Bald summit) — 2:00 PM - Mile 19.5 (Harrison Gap return) — 3:00 PM — pushing these deadlines may jeopardize completing the course. 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤-𝐈𝐧: Friday, October 2 — 5:00–8:00 PM (at Outdoor 76) Saturday, October 3 — 6:30–7:30 AM (on-site) 𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 The event kicks off promptly at 8:00 AM in front of Outdoor 76 on Main Street. 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭-𝐑𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐅𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 Celebrate your hard-earned finish with live music, craft beer, food trucks, and awards. Schedule of Events: 8am - Start of The Naturalist 25/50k trail run 12 to 6pm - Food served 1 to 3pm - Live Music 4 to 6pm - Live Music 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬 No refunds or deferrals.

Waiver

WAIVER: ASSUMPTION OF RISK. I (on my own behalf and on behalf of my heirs, personal representatives, successors and assigns), for and in consideration of the opportunity to participate in The Naturalist–Epic 25/50k race event hereby release Outdoor 76, O76 LLC, the U.S. Forest Service, the NC Bartram Trail Society, PATTON, L M JR -TRUSTEE and the owners of all private property over which the race may cross, together with their officers, directors, event sponsors and volunteers, and other participants in this race, (the “Released Parties”) from any and all claims and demands, rights and causes of action of any kind whatsoever which I now have or later may have resulting in from, arising out of, or in connection with my participation in this event, including but not limited to damages for death, personal injury, pain and suffering, economic loss, loss of property or property damage. This Release extends to any and all claims I have or may have against the Released Parties whether such claims result from negligence on the part of any or all Released Parties with respect to the conditions, qualifications, instructions or procedures under which this event is conducted I fully understand and acknowledge that this event has inherent risks, dangers and hazards and my participation in such activities may result in injury or illness including, but not limited to, bodily injury, disease, strains, fractures, partial and/or total paralysis, death or other ailments that could cause serious disability. I understand that by signing this document, it means that I agree not to sue any or all of the Released Parties for any injuries resulting to my property or myself during or in connection with this event. I am experienced in and familiar with and fully understand the risks and dangers inherent in this activity and event. I am voluntarily participating in the event and I expressly agree to assume the entire risk of any accident or personal injury, including death, which I might suffer as a result of my participation in the event on the part of any or all of the Released Parties. I am in good health and am aware of no physical problem or condition, which will limit or interfere with my ability to participate in this event, under either predicted or emergency conditions. I also understand that medical attention may not be readily available in the areas where this event is taking place. Runners also understand that time cut-offs are in place for the protection of those participating. Anyone that continues to race after being told by officials or volunteers to stop understands they are relinquishing aid station services and all resources offered by race directors. This action could also disqualify you from participating in future races. For the purpose of implementing this Release, I expressly acknowledge that this Release is intended to include all claims which the parties do not know or suspect exist in their favor at the time of the execution hereof. I agree to follow all rules, regulations, or instructions with respect to this event and to use my best judgment and common sense while participating in the event. THIS IS A RELEASE – READ BEFORE SIGNING By signing this Release, I certify that I have read this Release and fully understand it and that I am not relying on any statements or representations of anyone released thereby.