The Naturalist 25k Trail Race...

• 25K Run:- 25K Run

**The Naturalist 25 /50k is a part of an all day FALL CELEBRATION (click here for details)**

Come explore the same trails that William Bartram, "The Naturalist", ventured on in the late 1700's. This ultimate 25 / 50k will cover some of the most challenging ground in the Southeast. Runners will leave from downtown Franklin, NC at 8am and run to the Wallace Branch trailhead on the Bartram Trail. Here runners will start the brutal climb that ultimately leads to Wayah Bald. From the Wallace Branch trail head to the top of Wayah Bald is aproximately 11 miles where the 25k will end. The 25k willl have over 7000' of climbing during this grueling mountain race!

Outdoor 76 will host the post race meal, music all day, 18 draft craft beers....plus special beers from Oskar Blues Brewery North Carolina!  This years sponsors inlcude: Salomon Running, The North Face,  Ultimate Direction, Eagles Nest Outfitters, NC Bartram Trail Society, Oskar Blues Brewery and many more!

Event details and schedule

-Limited to 100 racers (25k & 50k combined)
-Limited parking available on Wayah Bald, carpooling is highly recommended.
-Racers are encouraged to carry at least 1 liter of water on the climb from Wallace Branch to Wayah Bald. Very limited access in the area.
-Race check-in will be Friday, October 7 from 5-8pm AND race day, Saturday morning from 6:30-8am at Outdoor 76.
Race will begin promptly at 8am in front of Outdoor 76 on Main Street.
-25k runners will be given 2 cache bags that will be dropped off by race staff at mile 3.7 and mile 9.2. Any items needed at those check points must fit in those bags. Cache bags must be turned in by 7:45am at registration area.
-50k runners will be given 4 cache bags that will be dropped off at mile 3.7, mile 9.2, mile 15 and mile 21.6. Any items needed at those check points must fit in those bags. Cache bags must be turned in by 7:45am at registration area.
-Aid Stations will be at mile markers: 3.7, 9.2, 14.8, 20.4, and 25.9.
-Aid Stations will include the following items: Water, Gatorade, Fruit and Powerbars.
-25k cut-off time will be 1pm at Harrison Gap (mile 9.2)
-50k cut-off time will be 2pm at Wayah Bald (mile 14.8)
-Shuttle service will be available for 25k runners. Race directors must know if a runner needs a shuttle no later than 5pm on October 6, 2016.
-The Bartram Trail is home to lots of different types of animals. Yellow jackets are occasionally encountered in early fall and poison ivy in some areas as well. Two poisonous snakes inhabit the area– the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead–but are rarely seen. Black bears are also present in the area but never seen. Please be aware of your surroundings while running.
-Participants will be provided a free meal, which will consist of: Lasagna (vegetarian or regular), bread and salad.
-Participants who are 21 or older will be given ONE (1) ticket to redeem for beer - post race. This ticket is non-transferable & Outdoor 76 / Rock House Lodge staff reserves the right to take refuse redemption of tickets.