Trash Panda, An Awesomesauce Event presented by Run Chattanooga

Event Overview

The Trash Panda, An Awesomesauce Event presented by Run Chattanooga will take place on September 12, 2026, at Raccoon Mountain Pumped Station Reservoir - Laurel Point, Chattanooga, TN.

More information and registration here.

What's a Trash Panda?

• Term: A fun term for a raccoon that resembles giant pandas in coloring.
• Bratty Little Sister: It’s the slightly bratty but still kind of cute little sister race to the Raccoon Mountain races.
• Background: Raccoons like to dig through the trash, hence the name.
• Spirit of Fun: Aimed at a fun, non-competitive atmosphere.

Start/Finish Location

Laurel Point on Raccoon Mountain in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Swag and Merchandise

• Swag Options: We have surpassed our swag order and offer alternative options for those who don’t want to toss items in the trash.
• Finisher Medal: Laser burned wooden finisher medal, personalized upon registration.
• Apparel: New "Stay Trashy Chattanooga" shirts and other apparel available for purchase.
• Future Races: Registration is open for upcoming events with cash discounts.

Course Information

• Trail Details: The 5-ish K loop is a little more than 3.1 miles long, mostly on trails connecting to Laurel Point.
• Technical Trail: The trail has roots and rocks, but is suitable for beginners, hikers, and children.
• Time Limit: Eight hours for all distances - participants must be out by 3:45 PM.
• No DNF: Every participant receives a finish time for the distance they complete.

Aid Station

• Locations: One mid-course aid station and another at the start/finish area.
• Available Supplies: Gatorade, water, energy gels, chips, candy, cookies, and more.
• Support Team: Crew provides medical assistance, ice, and motivation to participants.
• Drop Bags: Participants may leave drop bags, chairs, and personal items near the aid station.

Packet Pickup

Packet pickup will occur on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 7:30 AM to 8:25 AM at Laurel Point, with potential for a Friday night pickup.

Important Notes

• Race Nature: This is a grassroots, laid-back event aimed at fun-loving participants.
• Expectations: Participants should not expect corporate-level infrastructure or competition-focused environments.
• Environment: We welcome both fast and slow runners and value camaraderie over competition.
• No Apologies: We make no apologies for prioritizing a fun experience for all participants.