Set against the picturesque backdrop of Panther Creek State Park in Morristown, Tennessee, The Dirt Circuit beckons runners to its scenic trails on September 19, 2026. This unique ultra-marathon is a timed-loop event, where participants truly "pick their finish line" across a range of challenging distances. Nestled around a finger of Cherokee Lake, the event fosters a vibrant, spectator-friendly atmosphere at Base Camp, making it an ideal weekend for athletes, family, and friends to gather and enjoy the exhilarating spirit of trail running.

The course itself is a 2.9 to 3-mile loop, predominantly resembling a cross-country track, winding through fields and woods on a combination of wide and single-track trails. Runners will encounter two charming wooden bridge crossings and be treated to many scenic views of Panther Creek throughout their journey. While generally described as flat or nearly flat, previous runners have noted a moderate difficulty with some elevation gain and occasional rocks and roots, adding a subtle challenge to the continuous laps. Typical race day conditions in mid-September feature comfortable highs around 80F and lows near 61F, with a low 13% chance of precipitation, providing generally favorable running weather.

The Dirt Circuit is renowned for its excellent production and supportive atmosphere. The central Base Camp, located at the soccer fields where the race starts and finishes, hosts a well-stocked aid station. Here, runners can refuel with water, electrolyte drinks, gels, fruit, snacks, and even hot food like pizza, burgers, and hash browns cooked throughout the event. It's a cup-free race, so runners should bring their own hydration systems. Offering 3-hour, 6-hour (including a Ruck division), 12-hour, and 24-hour solo and relay options, The Dirt Circuit also serves as a qualifier for the Cherokee Ultra, making it an excellent opportunity to test endurance and achieve significant milestones.