Why Run The Pistol Ultra Run?

Start your spring strong at one of the most fun, inclusive, and welcoming ultra events in the country! Held just outside Knoxville, TN, The Pistol Ultra Run has been a favorite for both first-time ultrarunners and seasoned veterans since 2013.

With distances ranging from 10 miles to 100 miles, there's something for everyone—whether you're chasing a new PR, testing your limits with a longer distance, or just soaking up the positive vibes of a truly supportive running community.

Come for the challenge. Stay for the camaraderie. The Pistol Ultra is where spring racing season begins with a bang!

The 50K and 100K races share the same USATF-certified loop course, with each lap measuring 10.35 miles. Runners in the 50K will complete three loops, while 100K participants will run six. The 50 Mile and 100 Mile races use a slightly shorter USATF-certified 10-mile loop—five laps for the 50 milers and ten for the 100 milers.

The event features generous time limits:

• 32 hours for the 50K, 100K, and 100 Mile races

• 20 hours for the nighttime 50 Mile race, which starts at 8 PM on Saturday

• 8 hours for the 10 Mile and 20 Mile races, both starting at 8 AM on Sunday

All races must be completed by 4 PM on Sunday.

Start Times

7:45 AM EDT — Pre-race welcome, recognitions, announcements, the national anthem, and the official race start ceremony
7:55 AM EDT — 50K races begin (equal starting positions for all genders)
8:00 AM EDT — 100K and 100-mile races begin (equal starting positions for all genders)

Evening 50-Mile Race

7:00–7:45 PM EDT — 50-mile packet pickup and same-day registration
8:00 PM EDT — 50-mile race begins

The Pistol 50K Named 2026 RRCA Tennessee Ultra Championship

We are proud to announce that the 2026 Pistol 50K has been officially designated as the 2026 RRCA Tennessee Ultra Championship by the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA).

This designation reflects the quality of our event, the strength of our competitive field, and the incredible trail and ultra running community that supports it.

We are grateful to the RRCA for this honor and for their continued support of race directors, clubs, volunteers, and runners nationwide.

A sincere thank you to our volunteers, partners, sponsors, and runners who make this event possible year after year. We look forward to welcoming a deep, competitive field and celebrating an outstanding day of racing at the 2026 RRCA Tennessee Ultra Championship at The Pistol Ultra.

Certifications