The Pistol

WELCOME TO YEAR 13 OF THE PISTOL PARTY!

March 14–16, 2026 | Alcoa, TN

An unforgettable ultra in the heart of East Tennessee.

WHY RUN THE PISTOL?

• Spring Kickoff: Kick off your spring with a blast at one of the most fun, welcoming, and exciting ultra events around!
• Perfect Location: Nestled just outside Knoxville, The Pistol Ultra Run has earned its reputation as a must-do for both seasoned ultrarunners and curious first-timers.
• Variety of Distances: With distances ranging from 10 miles to 100 miles, there’s a challenge for every type of runner.
• Community Celebration: Push your limits, celebrate your milestones, and party with hundreds of other runners who understand that normal is overrated.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Epic Awards: Epic Finisher Awards & Swag – Because you earned it.
• Top-Notch Aid Stations: Heated, Fully-Stocked Aid Stations – Warm, welcoming, and legendary.
• Caring Volunteers: Pampering Volunteers – Some of the best you’ll ever meet.
• Fast Course: Flat, Fast, Certified USATF Course – A greenway dream in East TN.
• Safety Measures: Lit at Night – Literally. The course is lit for your safety & vibes.
• Inclusive Environment: Push Rims & Walkers Welcome – Inclusivity is part of our DNA.
• Free Meals: Food Truck Meal Ticket – Free for the Ultra Runners (100M, 100K, 50M, & 50K).

COURSE OVERVIEW

The races start and finish at the Springbrook Pool Center in Alcoa. The paved greenway trail follows scenic Pistol Creek, with gentle terrain and night lighting for around-the-clock support. The loop layout keeps the energy high and the vibes strong with friends never far away.

Distances include:

10 Mile, 20 Mile, Half, Full, 50K, 50M, 100K, 100M

Try the Double Barrel Challenge – 50K and 50M!

Generous cutoffs mean you have plenty of time to achieve your goal (up to 32 hours for the big ones!).

DOUBLE BARREL CHALLENGE

Take on both the 50K and 50M for the exclusive Double Barrel Award. Medals, bragging rights, and a custom award await the bold. (Must start and finish both to qualify. Select during registration.)

PLAN YOUR WEEKEND

Arrive Friday At the Hilton Knoxville Airport:

• Packet Pickup: Join us for easy access to your race materials.
• The Pistol Store: Visit the store for exclusive merchandise.
• Course Preview: Preview the Course to familiarize yourself with the layout.
• Community Meet-Up: Meet your tribe and soak up the hype.
• Guest Speaker: Guest Speaker (TBA Later).

Set up your own support crew area along the course. Enjoy access to indoor heated restrooms, and expect a community atmosphere like no other.

BE PART OF THE MAGIC

Not racing? You can still be part of the party. We need passionate volunteers to help keep this show rolling. Runners can even volunteer AND race. It takes a village—and we want YOU in it.

FOLLOW THE ACTION

Stay in the loop by liking our Facebook Page or Instagram Page. Tell your crew, rally your friends, and come ready to run, cheer, and celebrate. The Pistol isn’t just a race—it’s a weekend-long experience.

Pet Policy

As much as we love animals, our insurance policy does not allow dogs or pets on the premises. We kindly ask that you leave your pets at home. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

For more information, please visit the race page: The Pistol Creek Run.