Lookout 50 Mile - 2021

Race - Dec 18, 2021

Dogs Unknown

The Lookout Mountain trail races begin high atop the mountain at the spectacular Covenant College campus. The course offers a variety of challenging climbs, highly runnable sections and moderate descents on predominantly singletrack trails. The 50 and 18 mile races travel together until the end of the 18 and other than a mile or so at the beginning to thin the field out, there are no roads.

Runners traverse beautifully diverse ecosystems in the scenic and historic Chattanooga National Military Park, the first national military park in the country and passes directly above Craven's House and the Battle Above the Clouds, one of the most decisive battle sites in the Civil War. The course continues on spectacular trails along Lookout Creek to the bottom of the only significant climb of the day. Ending the race for the 18 milers back at Covenant College.

The 50 mile runners continue to navigate two exposed bluff lines with fantastic views. On one section of trail, it is possible to see 5 states on a clear day. Runners will follow or cross no less than 5 different creeks leading the runners to Lula Lake Land Trust that winds through rhododendron, mixed hardwood, and Hemlock forests and the towering 120′ Lula Falls. Great aid stations with hot soup, a dose of Southern hospitality and camp fires at night.

The 10K has become one of the most challenging 10K courses in the region and for good reason. The first couple miles are flat and fast on the college cross country trails and then the speed slows down and the course turns to narrow and beautiful trails along two separate creeks with a couple steep climbs. There are no cutoff times on the 10K course, so if you are new to trails this is a good one to hike and regardless what pace, this one will challenge you.