Steele Creek Struggle Half Marathon Trail Race
Steele Creek Struggle Half Marathon Trail Race is a trail running and running race on October 3, 2026 in Bristol, TN, with an entry fee of $50.
- Date
- October 3, 2026 (72 days to go)
- Location
- 4 Little Lane, Bristol, TN
- Price
- $50
- Sports
- Trail RunningRunning
From the Organizer
Welcome to the Johnny Fresh Legs Steele Creek Struggle, an epic backwoods adventure in the heart of Steele Creek Park, one of Tennessee’s most scenic and untamed trail systems. This is not your typical half marathon—it’s a gritty, wild, and rewarding test of endurance for trail runners who thrive on technical terrain and real mountain grit. Also sponsored by Mountain Sports Limited, Bristol, VA , Petro Chili & Chips, Beat Street Bites (beatstreetbites.com) & Dr. Michael Smith Chiropractic, Bristol, TN.
Course Overview
Distance: 13.1 miles
Elevation Gain: Over 2,000 feet
Terrain: Technical single track with roots, rocks, steep climbs, creek crossings, and fast descents
Location: Steele Creek Park – Bristol, TN
This course is designed for trail runners who live for the challenge. Expect to tackle steep ridge lines, narrow switchbacks, creek crossings, and rocky forest paths that wind through thick Appalachian woodlands. Every mile delivers a new test—and a new reason to love trail running.
Wild & Untamed
Keep your eyes open—you might catch a glimpse of white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and other wildlife along the course. Maybe even a bear. (Don’t worry—they’re not racing.)
⚠️
Race Warning
This is not a beginner-friendly race. It’s raw. It’s technical. It’s unpredictable. And it’s unforgettable. Perfect for runners looking to push their limits and earn serious trail cred.
🏁 Ready to Run Wild?
If you’re up for the challenge, sign up and get ready to experience trail racing the way it was meant to be—muddy, steep, and gloriously tough.
All race proceeds donated to Steele Creek Park for trail improvements.
Awards will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers.
The Struggle is Real, Rough, Rocky & Rooty!
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
75°
Typical Low
50°
Chance of Rain
27%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Bristol Tri City Ap, 11 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Bristol, TN
Population
27,490
as of 2023
City Elevation
1,620 ft
Nearest Airport
TRI
Tri-Cities Regional TN/VA Airport · 12 mi
Major Hub
TYS
McGhee Tyson Airport · 112 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Steele Creek Struggle Half Marathon Trail Race, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
72
Days to train
- Race
- Steele Creek Struggle Half Marathon Trail Race
- Date
- October 3, 2026
- Location
- 4 Little Lane, Bristol, TN
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From Endurance Grid
About These Sports
This race spans more than one sport — here’s a guide to each, so you can understand what’s involved and decide if it’s the right fit. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
Trail Running
Running off-road — dirt, singletrack, and mountain paths — from 5Ks to ultras. The terrain makes for an exciting twist and adventure in your running journey.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
More Trail Running races near Bristol, TN
Hungry Mother Trail Run & Hike
8 Mile · From $40 · Hungry Mother State Park
43 miles away
Dark Horse Trail Series (26.2 - 13.1 - 10k)
10K · Half Marathon · Marathon · From $45 · 25 International Blvd
89 miles away
Panther Creek Challenge
1 Mile · 8K / 5 Mile · 10 Mile · From $9 · 2010 Panther Creek Park Rd
70 miles away
Arrowwood Adventure 5K
5K · From $20 · 100 One Fine Place
88 miles away
Plan your trip
Make it a Racecation
Coming from out of town? There's more to Bristol than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to BristolFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Steele Creek Struggle Half Marathon Trail Race?+
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Steele Creek Struggle Half Marathon Trail Race
Oct 3, 2026