The Pistol

WELCOME TO THE 12th YEAR FOR THE PISTOL PARTY!

Event Description
This is a great urban ultra and half/full marathon to start spring off with a bang! This event near Knoxville, TN (USA), has quickly become very popular, always filling before registration closes. With distances from 13.1 to 150 miles, there's something for everyone!

Runners get some great swag at check-in and are pampered by some really nice volunteers, spoiled with amazing support at heated aid stations, enjoy camaraderie with plenty of other crazy ultra runners, and can score some really cool finisher's awards. This is a great race for first time and seasoned ultra runners alike. Walkers and push rims are welcome too. We’re here to have a good time!

All of the races start at the Alcoa Springbrook Pool Center (636 Vose Rd, Alcoa, TN). The certified courses are mostly flat (for East Tennessee!), paved, generally eight foot wide greenway that is lit at night time. For those who prefer a softer surface, there is grass alongside 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 just over 5 miles long with a lollipop at the southern end of the out-and-back and a short side spur on the return trip back to the Start/Finish.

The 50K/100K loops will be the same distance (10.35 miles). The 50kers will do this loop three times; the 100kers, six times. The 50/100 mile loops will be slightly shorter (10 miles exactly), with the 10 milers doing it once, the 50 milers five times, and the hundo runners ten times. The event features a very generous 32 hour cut-off for the 50K, 100K, and hundo. The nighttime 50 mile race starts at 8 PM Saturday, with a 20 hour cut-off. The half and full marathon start at 8 AM Sunday. All races end at 4 PM Sunday. For a complete schedule, click here.

The 50K/50M Double Barrel Award!

The Double Barrel Award is for those who complete both the 50K and 50-mile races. Select the 50K/50M Double option when registering. Finishers receive medals and a special award, but must start both races to qualify.

 

Important!
PLEASE NOTE: Both the Half and Full Marathon are on SUNDAY, March 23.

Refund Policy
If you want to potentially be reimbursed if you are not able to participate, we recommend you consider purchasing event registration insurance to cover yourself. This option is offered during registration checkout. We do not provide refunds, deferments, rollover credits, transfer of entry fees, etc, regardless of the circumstances. Selling/giving your bib to someone else is not permitted.

If your circumstances change and you are unable to join the Pistol party, please cancel your registration as soon as you know. Simply follow the directions here. You’ll score good karma, possibly allow a waitlister to snag a spot, and definitely help us with the onerous task of registration management. If you are unable to run, but are still available, please consider volunteering. The runners would really appreciate your help and support as they get their run on! It takes a whole village to produce an event this size. Plus you’ll snag some credits towards a future event. Simply sign up here.

Please read the event website Registration details and policies here carefully before registering. They include legally binding terms and are incorporated herein by reference. Don't register unless you understand and accept them.

More Information
The Long Run Store team will be hosting the Main Aid Station/warming area at the start/finish. We will have Two Aid Stations on the route that you will pass 4 Times on each loop.

Plan to arrive Friday afternoon for check-in, packet/swag pick-up, score some official Pistol gear at the Pistol Corral Store, meet other runners in the tribe, and enjoy other pre-race activities. It will be held inside the large tent next to the Start/Finish area. There is space close by along the course where you can set up your own personal support area. See the parking map here for the location. There are REAL indoor heated restrooms at a couple of locations along the course. In addition to awesome aid stations and amazing runner support, all participants receive a FREE finisher's food truck meal ticket. Yes, you will definitely be spoiled! Can't get any better for a spring race!

In Closing...
Tell your friends and get everyone registered. Hop over and like our event Facebook page here to keep up with all the latest happenings. We can’t wait to have you join us for an amazing experience at the Pistol party!