A Race for the Ages

🏃‍♂️ Race Overview

On the Thursday before Labor Day Weekend of 2025, 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 come from August 27 - September 2025.

📅 Age Categories

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. All the kids, 40 years, and below, will compete over the final 40 hours of the race. The winner will be the runner with the most miles accumulated by the finish. In contrast to most ultras, where the old guys must settle for a place at the rear, if they can make the time limit at all, the ARFTA is dominated by the super veterans of the sport.

• 2019 Achievements: 34 participants 70 years old and over completed over 100 miles.
• Record Holder: 1 participant, 74 years old completed 230 miles!
• Competitive Spirit: Older runners remain competitive right till the end.
• Fires of Competition: Despite diminished footspeed, the spirit of competition still burns bright.

📖 Legends 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.

• Friendship: The old guys and gals have the opportunity to rekindle friendships (and rivalries).
• Unique Tales: Stories exist only in the memories of those who were there.
• Celebration: The event is a celebration of life atmosphere.
• Generational Moments: Families share miles: these moments are too special to miss.

🍽️ Race Amenities

We rent most of the park for the duration of the event, and among the features of the race are:

• Ice Availability: Ice is provided for purchase at the ICE HOUSE for $3.00 per bag.
• Meal Service: Hot meals served every 6 hours, catered by the local Cracker Barrel.
• Catering Details: Meals come prepackaged for each individual.
• Dietary Limitations: We do not have the facility to set up multiple options or dietary needs.

🚻 Facilities

There are real indoor bathrooms located on the course (the value of which cannot be overstated in a multiday run!) There will also be portapotties next to the building after you pass the start/finish line.

🏨 Accommodations

Accommodations are available at a full range of motels within 1 mile of the park, for crews, or runners wishing to sleep in a “real bed.” Ample camping is available on site, with prime camping spots situated around the Deadman Mile.

🚗 Parking and Camping

This is a small park with limited parking.

• Course Layout: The course is in the parking lot as well as through the park.
• Camping Rules: A camper is allowed in the back parking area near the back ball field.
• Size Requirements: IF YOUR CAMPER FITS IN ONE PARKING SPOT THEN IT IS ALLOWED.
• Parking Space: The standard parking space is 8.5 feet wide by 18 feet long.

👥 Community Engagement

There is a facebook group for the ARFTA: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1443235495936999/

💬 Contact and Support

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!