A Race for the Ages

A Race for the Ages

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 Groups: 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.
• Final Competition: All the kids, 40 years and below, will compete over the final 40 hours of the race.
• Winners: The winner will be the runner with the most miles accumulated by the finish.
• Veteran Participation: The ARFTA is dominated by the super veterans of the sport.

Stories and Atmosphere

• Legendary Interactions: Today’s ultrarunners have the opportunity to spend time with the legends and heroes of the long ago past of the sport.
• Relationship Building: This event allows old participants to rekindle old friendships (and rivalries).
• Celebration: It is the celebration of life atmosphere that has made the ARFTA a must-do event.
• Family Moments: Fathers and mothers sharing miles with daughters and sons as well as grandparents sharing miles with grandsons and granddaughters.

Race Amenities

• Ice Availability: Ice is provided for purchase at the ICE HOUSE on the premises for $3.00 per bag.
• Meal Service: Hot meals served every 6 hours (fine southern cuisine catered by the local Cracker Barrel).
• Aid Station: Please allow the aid station volunteers time to set it up before you stop by to grab and go.
• Bathroom Facilities: Real indoor bathrooms are located on the course as well as portapotties.

Accommodations

• Nearby Motels: Accommodations are available at a full range of motels within 1 mile of the park.
• Tent Camping: Ample tent camping is available on site, with prime camping spots situated around the Deadman Mile.
• Parking Considerations: The course is in the parking lot as well as through the park, with limited parking.
• RV Restrictions: A camper is allowed in the back parking area near the back ball field, provided it fits in one parking spot.

Additional Information

• Facebook Group: There is a facebook group for the ARFTA: Join here.
• Financial Assistance: Any runners over 70 years of age with financial limitations precluding their entry should e-mail me.
• Historic Participation: Last year we had 38 starters aged 70 and older, with 53 runners logging over 100 miles.
• Lifetime Miles Leaders: Top participants have achieved remarkable total miles including Maurice Robinson 1473, Barney Riesback 1439, and Doyle Carpenter 1407.

Event Details

The URL for the race is A Race for the Ages.