The Pistol

An urban ultra to start the new year off with a bang. This event near Knoxville, Tennessee, has quickly become very popular, always filling before the registration closes. With distances from about 10 to 100 miles, there’s something for everyone.

Runners score some great swag and enjoy an optional tasty pre-race pasta dinner, and are pampered by some really nice volunteers, lots of heated aid station support, camaraderie with plenty of other crazy ultra runners, and some really cool finishers awards. This is a great race for first time and seasoned ultra runners alike. Walkers are welcome too. We’re here to have a good time!

This event helps to raise funds for two very worthy and needy local charities: The Alcoa Educational Foundation, and the Blount County Parks and Rec Scholarship Fund for youth enrichment. By registering, you are helping to make a positive difference for these worthy children and young adults.

The course is a fairly flat, paved, generally eight foot wide greenway that is lit at night time. For those who prefer a softer surface, there is grass along side some of the trail. It meanders along the Pistol Creek (hence the name for the event), through Alcoa, by several small bodies of water, and over to Maryville’s Bicentennial Greenbelt Park. It is a linear route with a lollipop at both ends and is a bit over 5 miles long.