Embark on an unforgettable challenge at the Savage Gulf Marathon, renowned as one of the toughest trail marathons in the Southeast. Scheduled for March 28, 2026, in Beersheba Springs, TN, this 26.2-mile epic plunges runners into the rugged heart of the Savage Gulf State Natural Area. The course features an approximate 4,000 feet of elevation gain, with two brutal descents and climbs into and out of the 1,000-foot-deep gorge. Prepare for relentlessly technical terrain, including rocky sections, stream crossings, and narrow paths along bluff edges, ensuring every step demands focus.

Despite its formidable reputation, the Savage Gulf Marathon offers breathtaking scenery as a constant companion. Runners will navigate past spectacular natural rock formations like the iconic Stone Door, ancient old-growth forests, vibrant wildflowers, and stunning waterfalls. Typical race day conditions in late March bring pleasant highs around 62°F and lows near 38°F, with a modest 22% chance of precipitation, creating a cool and invigorating atmosphere for your journey. Aid stations are strategically placed, with three full stations and an additional water stop, but a strict 5-hour cutoff at mile 18 underscores the race's demanding nature.

This isn't a race for the uninitiated; marathon entrants are required to have previously completed a marathon or longer event, with finish times typically ranging from 4.5 to 8 hours. Coordinated by HardWin Adventures and the Tennessee Park Rangers Association, the event's proceeds support scholarships for State Park Rangers, adding a meaningful cause to your endeavor. The participant limit, capped at 100-200 runners, ensures a uniquely intimate experience on the trails of the Cumberland Plateau. Conquering the Savage Gulf Marathon is a badge of honor, so much so that spectators often greet finishers with the chant, "You Survived the Savage Gulf Marathon!"