Three Sisters Ultra Festival

The Three Sisters Ultra Festival returns for its twelfth edition as an unforgettable endurance challenge, inviting runners to explore the scenic trails of Maryville College Woods. This year's festival offers three compelling options: a 24-hour race, a 12-hour event, and a more manageable yet equally thrilling 6-hour option. The course is a meticulously crafted 2.2-mile loop that winds through lush forests and rolling hills, featuring an elevation gain of approximately 120 feet per lap.
The centerpiece of the festival remains the iconic McArthur Pavilion at the edge of the woods, where runners can access aid stations every loop to refuel with food and beverages. The pavilion also serves as a cozy respite area for setting up personal aid stations or enjoying downtime by the warm fireplace. This year, the organizers have introduced stricter rules around aid station access: only runners and pacers will be allowed entry to ensure that essential supplies are available exclusively for those on the move.
One of the standout features is the return of night options for both 6-hour and 12-hour races, allowing participants to experience the serene beauty of the woods under a starlit sky. Runners should select their preferred time slot during registration as it impacts aid station availability and other race logistics.
For those looking to test their limits even further, Tennessee’s Double Ultra Festival offers an ambitious challenge: completing both the Three Sisters 24-hour event and Fort Frenzy's 24-hour Ultra Festival within a short timeframe. Participants who complete this double feat will receive custom-designed medals that fit into a unique frame.
The course is designed to be accessible for first-time ultrarunners, with clear milestones marking significant achievements such as marathon distance at 12 loops and the challenging 50K milestone at 15 loops. The full race chart provides detailed information on distances achieved throughout various loop counts, including a prestigious buckle awarded after reaching 100 miles.
In addition to the running itself, the festival offers live music, disc golf challenges, and other activities for runners seeking brief respites from their efforts. Packet pickup is available both Friday evening at Maryville College’s McArthur Pavilion (5:00-7:00 PM) and Saturday morning starting after 6:00 AM.
Participants are encouraged to register early as late registrants may miss out on custom race swag, including hoodie sweatshirts that have become a hallmark of the event. The organizers recommend picking up packets Friday evening to avoid congestion during the busy pre-race day.
Chip timing will ensure accurate results for all participants, with clear instructions provided to maximize the chances of your laps being counted correctly. With its combination of scenic trails, supportive atmosphere, and unique challenges, the Three Sisters Ultra Festival promises an unforgettable experience for runners at every level.
For those aiming high, be prepared to tackle 56 loops to break the course record set in 2021 by Luke Bollschweiler with a staggering distance of 121.875 miles. The festival invites all participants to embrace the spirit of endurance and camaraderie as they navigate this extraordinary journey through Maryville College Woods.
Join us on June 5, 2027, for an event that combines breathtaking scenery, challenging terrain, and a vibrant community of runners eager to push their limits in one of Tennessee's most anticipated ultramarathon events.