A Race for the Ages

Event Overview

On the Thursday before Labor Day Weekend of 2026, ultramarathoners will once again descend on Fred Deadman Park in Manchester, Tennessee. Led by a contingent of wheezing geezers, over a hundred of America’s finest foot warriors will circle the famed Deadman Mile for days on end in September of 2026.

Race Format

• Age-specific Hours: All runners 41 and over will be allotted a number of hours equal to those hard-earned years of age in which to accumulate as many miles as possible.
• Competition for Younger Runners: All the kids, 40 years and below, will compete over the final 40 hours of the race.
• Success Stories: In 2025, 1 participant 90+, 12 participants 80+, and 35 participants 70 years old and over competed in this event.
• Remarkable Achievements: Randy Ellis 73, and Steve Troxel 66, completed more than 200 miles!

Community and Stories

Of course it is not the competition which has made this event an instant classic. It is the stories. In the perfect setting of a one mile loop through the park, today’s ultrarunners have the opportunity to spend time with the legends and heroes of the long ago past of the sport.

• Celebration of Life: It's a celebration of life atmosphere that has made the ARFTA a must-do event.
• Shared Experiences: Fathers and mothers sharing miles with daughters and sons, as well as grandparents sharing miles with grandsons and granddaughters: these are moments too special to miss.
• Legacy: The stories they have to tell are not tales immortalized on the internet, instead they exist only in the memories of those who were there.
• Community Bonds: The event fosters rekindled friendships and rivalries from the past.

Race Features

• Ice Availability: Ice is provided for purchase at the ICE HOUSE on the premises for $3.00 per bag.
• Food Options: Hot meals served every 6 hours (fine southern cuisine catered by the local Cracker Barrel).
• Meal Plans: Additional meal plans may be purchased for crew members, with meals prepackaged for convenience.
• Volunteers: A friendly reminder to allow the aid station volunteers time to set it up before you stop by to grab and go.

Facilities and Accommodations

• Restrooms: There are real indoor bathrooms located on the course, along with portapotties near the building.
• Camping Options: Ample TENT camping available on site, with prime spots situated around the Deadman Mile.
• Nearby Motels: Accommodations are available at a full range of motels within 1 mile of the park.
• Parking Limitations: This is a small park with limited parking, but RVs are permitted in designated areas.

Community Engagement

There is a facebook group for the ARFTA: ARFTA Facebook Group

Inclusivity and Participation

Any runners over 70 years of age with financial limitations precluding their entry should e-mail me, so that we can work something out. This is your day(s) in the sun, and we want to see you here!

Lifetime Miles Leaders

• Maurice Robinson: 1473
• Barney Riesback: 1439
• Doyle Carpenter: 1407
• Ed Masuaka: 1255
• Harry Strohm: 1196
• Rosemary Evans: 1231

Event Information

For more details, visit the race page: A Race for the Ages