Volunteer for the Mammoth Cave 50K & 25K

Race date: October 23, 2021

Mammoth Cave National Park

UPDATE: the RACE is FULLLLL!!! Yay! And now volunteer opportunities for the race are available at:

https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/KY/MammothCave/MammothCave50K25K

We’re leaving the 2021 race info below to help you get an idea of what you might encounter for the race in 2022.  Check back in a few months for updates.

Be sure to take part in the inaugural  Mammoth Cave 50K/25K Trail Races to be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at Mammoth Cave National Park.

Named after the historic railroad that carried passengers visiting Mammoth Cave in the late 1880’s, the Bike & Hike Trail provides a scenic, wooded experience through the National Park on a crushed gravel surface. The trail offers some challenging ascents/descents along its 9-mile crushed stone route, and is perfect for first-time trail runners or racers looking to set a fast PR!

The 50K race will start at 7:00 AM with the 25K race at 8:00 AM.

REGISTRATION

Registration is open and can be found on RunSignUp.

Due to Park Service requirements, the race will be capped at 75 runners. Registration is currently open to 50 runners for the 50K and 25 runners for the 25K, however, we reserve the right to adjust remaining space based on distance popularity.

 RACE LOCATION/INFO

The race takes place on the Railroad Bike & Hike Trail. The start/finish is located next to the Engine No. 4 display near the Visitor Center.

COURSE MAP

PACKET PICKUP

Race day packet pickup will commence at 6:00 AM at the race start/finish.

Friday night pre-race packet pickup is TBD.

PARKING

There is ample parking near the start/finish. Runners may park in Mammoth Cave Hotel Parking lot adjacent to the start/finish, or in the Visitor Center lot a short walk away.

DIRECTIONS

The Visitor Center is located at 1 Mammoth Cave Parkway. The Park is accessible off Interstate 65 at Exits 53 and 48. Follow the Park signs to the Visitor Center.

LODGING

Mammoth Cave offers several outstanding lodging options for those wishing to stay in the Park. 

The Lodge at Mammoth Cave is located directly next to the Visitor Center, and features a mix of modern hotel rooms as well as historic cottages nestled in a woodland setting, all within walking distance to the start/finish line. Call (844) 760-CAVE or visit www.mammothcavelodge.com for reservations.

The Mammoth Cave Campground is ideal for visitors seeking an authentic national park experience while still having easy access to amenities, cave tours, and the start/finish line. This developed campground is located within ¼ mile from the visitor center and contains 111 campsites with a mixture of tent-only, group, or RV sites. Reservations are made at www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232467

Other lodging options can be found in the many communities surrounding Mammoth Cave National Park, offering a wide variety of accommodations including, hotels, cabins, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds. More information is available at www.nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit/nearbyattractions.htm

AWARDS

All finishers will receive a hand-crafted and unique finishers award. There are no age group or first finisher awards. 

PROCEEDS

Donations will be appreciated to support the Friends of Mammoth Cave, whose work help funds projects and programs that protect, preserve, and enhance the natural & cultural resources and visitor experience to Mammoth Cave National Park.

Donations can be made through the race registration website.

WEATHER

Historical average high and low temperatures in Mammoth Cave NP in October range from 70 degrees to 45 degrees . . . PERFECT trail racing weather among the fall colors!

AID STATIONS

Aid stations for both distances are located at Sloan Pond (3.25 miles), Locust Grove Cemetery (5.2 miles) and the turn-around at the Park City entrance (8 miles).

The customary trail race food will be provided at the aid stations (i.e., cookies, chips, PB&J sandwiches, etc.). Hydration will consist of water and Tailwind. This will be a cupless race – runners must provide their own bottles/hydration bladders.

CUTOFFS

Runners have a generous 10 hours to complete the 50K and 8 hours to finish the 25K. This is a perfect race for someone new to trail racing!

REFUNDS/TRANSFERS/MISCELLANEOUS

As is the case with most races, there will be no refund of entry fees. Transfers of race bibs from one runner to another is not allowed. This event is limited to 75 entrants.

Pets are not allowed on the race course.

QUESTIONS

Please direct any questions to Kevin at kmays816@gmail.com