Mulberry Mile: Trail Endurance Race

The Legend of the Mulberry Mile

Long before runners traced their footsteps along the banks of the Black Warrior River, the Cherokee and Creek nations traversed these Appalachian ridgelines, calling the river the restless one for the way it carved its will through stone. They believed the Mulberry Fork carried the memory of every traveler who braved its white‑water rapids—stories churned into its currents, grit woven into its roar. Warriors hunted along its banks, believing the river rewarded only those who respected its power and matched its determination.

Today, Whitewater Ranch stands on ground shaped by all those who came before. When runners gather for the Mulberry Mile Ultra‑Marathon, they join a lineage older than any race bib or finish‑line banner. For twelve hours, they follow a trail carved by water, wind, and human will. They climb where hunters once climbed. They descend where warriors once sprinted. They push through fatigue the way its earliest settlers pushed through storms and scarcity. Every footfall echoes the resilience of the people who refused to yield.

And as the sun arcs across the sky and the river’s voice grows louder in the quiet moments between breaths, runners feel what the elders once taught: the Mulberry Mile does not test you to break you. It tests you to reveal you. Those who brave the challenge do not simply compete in a race. They step into a story that began long before them—one written in white water, red clay, and the unshakable spirit on the banks of the Mulberry Fork of the Black Warrior River.

Race Format

Whether you are a seasoned ultra-runner or new to long distance endurance races, the Mulberry Mile will challenge you with a 12-Hour Open Course format along a scenic 1-Mile loop that runs through Whitewater Ranch and the banks of the Mulberry Fork of the Black Warrior River.

Accept the test alone or join a tribe of likeminded athletes from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM on March 27, 2027. The clock runs for 12-Hours -- how fast you pace, how far you go, and how often you rest is up to you. An exhilarating test of endurance, strategy, and teamwork like no other! This isn't just a race; it's an adventure where grit meets glory, set against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes and roaring rapids.

Solo, 2-Member Team, and 4-Member Team Options Available! Get ready to push the limits in this thrilling 12-hour trail endurance race. Whether you are a seasoned ultra-runner or new to long-distance racing, this event promises an unforgettable experience.

How It Works

Clock: 12-Hour non-stop running clock – 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You can start any time after the 6:00 AM horn sounds and run until the 6:00 PM cut-off, but only whole loops count

Course: Private 1-Mile closed loop on Whitewater Ranch.

https://youtu.be/-7vNDiKFNNQ?si=aysVxlWNaDzfhpBJ

*GPX File available on Garmin Connect

Solo: Complete as many loops on the course as you can/want over the 12-hour time limit. Challenge yourself to your furthest distance, multiple blocks of fixed distances, or a fastest Personal Best time over a set distance

Teams: 2 and 4 person Team options. No set pacing/rotation/team composition rules - create your dream team and strategize your own relay sequence.  Only one team member allowed on the course at a time. Each team member can run as many loops as they like before resting or tagging the next runner. All exchanges must take place at the START/FINISH line. If an injury prevents a team member from completing a whole loop, another team member can START a lap, but the uncomplete loop does NOT count towards the team’s total distance.

Support Crew: All participants (solo-runner OR team) receive a 10’x10’ site and can bring a support crew to assist with hydration, nutrition, recovery, and morale-boosting throughout the race. *A limited number of power drops will be available for rent

Contact Race Ready Events and ask about our special Military, Veteran, Police, Fire, First Responder, and Run Club discounts!

Amenities, Features, and Highlights

SWAG: All participants custom finisher medal with FREE stamping, 10’x10’ crew spot, and a post-race meal

Lodging: Tent and car camping sites are available the night before and/or after the race for $10. Additional lodging available in Hanceville (8 miles) and Cullman (15 miles)

Food: A fully stocked aid station will be available on the course, but any specific on-course nutrition or additional meals will need to be provided by participants or purchased on-site from vendors. We will provide a post-race meal for all participants who stay for awards.

Medals and Prizes: Finisher medals for all participants with a FREE stamping option. Additional special awards for top individuals and top teams in various categories

Male/Female Individual: Fastest Lap; Furthest Distance Travelled (Most Completed Loops in 12-hrs)

Teams: 2-Person/4-Person Furthest Distance Travelled (Most Complete Loops in 12-hrs) *teams are only eligible for one Team award, but individual team members can win additional Individual Awards

Spirit of the Black Warrior: Individual OR Team who exhibits the true spirit of the Mulberry Mile and the Black Warrior River.

Aid Station and Medical: One aid station will be available at the START/FINISH line area. The aid station will have a variety of hydration and snack options, and first aid. This area will also be located near the designated support crew and team tents so that you have access to your personal gear and supplies for each loop. On-site medical services available *specific details to follow

Additional Information

Packet Pick-up

Saturday, March 27th starting at 5:00 AM at RACE HQ Area at Whitewater Ranch

Race Schedule

Course Open: 6:00 AM

Bell Lap: 5:50 PM

Course Closed: 6:00 PM

Dinner Served: 6:00 PM

Awards Ceremony: 6:30 PM 

FAQ

What is the course like? We'd love to show you! Check out our course preview video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-7vNDiKFNNQ?si=aysVxlWNaDzfhpBJ

Is there a race handbook where I can get all the information for this year's event? Absolutely, here you go: 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SE4_XrplL4bZ1rCPvaECnF6L-dIa6gnS/view?usp=drivesdk

What is the Altitude and Elevation change of the Mulberry Mile course? Min altitude of 399' ASL and Max of 463' ASL. There is ~90' of vertical elevation change across the course with two main uphills at the 0.5 and 0.85 mile marks

Do I have to be an experienced runner? No. The Mulberry Mile is a Trail Endurance Race where all ages and paces are welcome; you can join a team or elect to complete as many loops on the course as you would like within the 12-hour time limit. This is a race for YOU, designed to welcome anyone who has ever considered trail or ultra distance running.

What time should I arrive? If you plan to start at 6:00 AM when the course opens, please arrive between 5:00–5:30 AM to allow time for packet pickup, crew area setup, and any warm-up. However, one of the best parts about this race concept is… you can start whenever you want after 6:00 AM, just make sure to leave enough time to conquer your personal goals on the course

Can I register on race day? Yes — but due to the complexities of the 12-hour, multi-lap format we request early registration and will honor pickup for pre-registered runners the morning of the event ahead of any day-of registrations. Shirt sizes are only guaranteed through February 28th. After the deadline, all remaining shirts will be provided in preferred sizing in the order registrations are completed.

Can I ruck? Absolutely! Race Ready Events welcomes everyone to the Mulberry Mile to complete their race in their way - walk, hike, ruck, jog, or even join a team relay.

Are strollers, bikes, scooters, etc. allowed? No, due to the off-road technical trail route of our course, there will be no allowance for any wheeled devices.

Are pets allowed on the course? No, due to the extended endurance of our event and to protect the safety of all runners on the closed loop course, pets are not allowed on the course at this event. However, you are welcome to bring your well-trained dog to the crew and camping area to help cheer you along.

Is the race timed? Yes, this event is professionally RFID chip timed by Race Ready Events.

Is the racecourse certified? No, due to the technical trail nature of the course, it will not be certified but has been measured to 1-Mile and will has a published GPX file on Garming Connect.

Where do I park? Free Participant and Crew parking is available on-site at Whitewater Ranch. Spectator parking is $5 per vehicle