Savage Gulf Marathon

WARNING - The Savage Gulf is extremely hard. Some say the hardest marathon in the U.S. Each year we have to pull several people from the course. Please be prepared and well trained before attempting this run/ruck.

We are glad to be back for the 2025 Savage Gulf Marathon! This event is coordinated by the HardWin Adventures, and Tennessee Park Rangers Association. Proceeds are used for training scholarships available to State Park Rangers for professional development.

Event Details

When: 3/29/25 Time: 8:00am CST (Marathon) - 9:00am (25k)

Where: Savage Gulf Park - Race start location is given a week before the event to all runners.

Cost: Marathon - $85, and 25k -$75. The course will be a little different from the years before. The starting area will be in a new section that will be given out to all runners a week before the race.

Race Layout

The Savage Gulf Marathon features two steep descents and climbs into and out of the Savage Gulf on Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau. Along the route, you will encounter challenging terrain with a variety of beautiful scenery including large stone formations, waterfalls, historic sites, wildflowers, and old growth forest.

To qualify to participate in this race, you must have completed a marathon or longer race. This isn’t your average trail run with finishing times ranging between 4.5 hours to 8 hours. You are guaranteed to challenge yourself with this very grueling and scenic marathon.

25k and RUCK Description

We are thrilled to once again host a ruck division for each race. Rucking is typically described as walking/hiking with a weighted pack. Please plan to weigh in 30 minutes prior to the event start.

Safety Notice

For the safety of all runners, there is a 5-hour cut-off at mile 18. All runners that have not reached the mile 18 aid station by 1:00pm will be located and escorted to the finish line by race volunteers.

About The Park

Savage Gulf is a 14,357-acre State Natural Area that contains some of the most spectacular natural rock formations in Tennessee. It is the western access for the Savage Gulf-Stone Door trails network.