Crooked Creek Ultra Trail Race
About this race
Welcome to the Crooked Creek Ultra, an exhilarating trail race set in the heart of Bourbon Country at the picturesque Camp Crooked Creek inside the Harry S. Frazier Scout Reservation. This challenging 12.7-mile loop, boasting over 2,300 feet of elevation gain per lap, promises runners an unforgettable experience through 1,000 acres of rolling hills adorned with a hardwood forest of oak, hickory, and beech trees. As you traverse the course, take in the breathtaking natural views and keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife that calls this scenic landscape home.
The 2026 Crooked Creek Trail Weekend will be on Saturday, December 5th, and Sunday, December 6th.
The race kicks off and concludes at the start-finish line, nestled near the 70-acre John Barr Lake. The lake provides a serene backdrop to the runner's village, creating a perfect setting for both the starting adrenaline rush and the triumphant finish line celebrations. This legendary trail, typically off-limits to the public, becomes accessible exclusively during the Crooked Creek event.
Choose your challenge from options including the daunting 100 miles (now with a 36-hour cutoff), the demanding 50 miles (with a 16-hour cutoff), or opt for the marathon and half marathon distances. For those seeking a taste of the Crooked Creek experience, we also present a special 5K Trail Challenge—a fun and challenging run that offers a sneak peek into the larger race.
The Start/Finish line provides a spacious area for runners to set up their support tents, and participants in the 100-mile and 50-mile challenges can look forward to a unique "Pit Road" experience. This exclusive access point allows your support team to connect with you at the start-finish line and again at the three-mile mark of each loop. To add to the runner's comfort, heated shower houses will be available, ensuring a refreshing post-race experience after conquering the demanding "Crooked Creek Crusher" course.
Conveniently located just 15 minutes from the Louisville International Airport and off Interstate 65 in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, the Crooked Creek Ultra offers an excellent option for runners looking to check a Kentucky event off their list. With multiple lodging options within a 10-minute radius and the availability of (unheated) cabins at Camp Crooked Creek, participants can plan a comfortable stay. For those seeking a more rustic experience, primitive camping options are also available, complete with access to heated bathrooms and the shower house.
As a token of our appreciation for their service, Active Duty Military personnel are eligible for a 15% discount on registration. Simply reach out to us at info@ckracemanagement.com for the exclusive code.
Join us for an unforgettable race experience, where challenging trails, scenic views, and the sweet aroma of Bourbon Country converge at the Crooked Creek Ultra. Get ready to embrace the challenge, and become part of this legendary event!
Pick your distance
Trail running
100 Mile
Start and finish a 12.7-mile trail loop..... 8 Loops is your goal within the new THIRTY SIX-HOUR TIME LIMIT. NOTE: You must be 18 years old or older to participate. A special age exemption can be requested but must be approved by the race directors.
50 Mile
Start and finish a 12.7-mile trail loop..... 4 Loops is your goal! NOTE: You must be 18 years old or older to participate. A special age exemption can be requested but must be approved by the race directors.
Marathon- (Saturday MORNING)
Start and finish a special revised 13.1-mile trail loop..... Complete two loops for your marathon. NOTE: You must be 18 years old or older to participate. A special age exemption can be requested but must be approved by the race directors.
Marathon - (Saturday NIGHT)
Start and finish a special revised 13.1-mile trail loop..... Complete two loops for your marathon. This event is scheduled for our special Saturday night start time under the stars. NOTE: You must be 18 years old or older to participate. A special age exemption can be requested but must be approved by the race directors.
Half Marathon- (Saturday MORNING)
Start and finish a special revised 13.1-mile trail loop..... NOTE: You must be 18 years old or older to participate. A special age exemption can be requested but must be approved by the race directors.
Half Marathon - (Saturday NIGHT)
Start and finish a special revised 13.1-mile trail loop..... This event is scheduled for our special Saturday night under the stars start time. NOTE: You must be 18 years old or older to participate. A special age exemption can be requested but must be approved by the race directors.
Marathon TRIPLE PLAY
One marathon is fun, running two marathons is tough, and completing three marathons is CRAZY. Show us your crazy by completing all three marathon events during Crooked Creek Weekend. (78.6 miles for the weekend)
Half Marathon TRIPLE PLAY
One half marathon is fun, running two half marathons is tough, and completing three half marathons is CRAZY. Show us your crazy by completing all three marathon events during Crooked Creek Weekend. (39.3 miles for the weekend)
Marathon - (Sunday MORNING)
Start and finish a special revised 13.1-mile trail loop..... Complete two loops for your marathon. This event is scheduled for our special Sunday morning start time. NOTE: You must be 18 years old or older to participate. A special age exemption can be requested but must be approved by the race directors.
Half Marathon - (Sunday MORNING)
Start and finish a special revised 13.1-mile trail loop..... This event is scheduled for our special Sunday morning start time. NOTE: You must be 18 years old or older to participate. A special age exemption can be requested but must be approved by the race directors.
Running
PACER - 100 Mile and 50 Mile
Used for a pacer for a participant that is registered for the 50 miles event.
5K Challenge- Saturday
5K Challenge- Sunday
Typical race-day weather
Based on 5 years of Open-Meteo archive data for this event's race dates in Shepherdsville, plus the 3 days either side.
The sun rises at 7:43 AM and sets at 5:23 PM local time (EST) in Shepherdsville on December 5, 2026 — 9h 39m of daylight.
Course
No course map published yet.
The organizer hasn't released a route for this event, and we don't publish guesses. If you're the organizer, send us a GPX file and we'll draw the profile.
Reviews
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Results — Crooked Creek Ultra Trail Race
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Where this page comes from. Race details were last updated on . We re-check listings regularly and again in the week before race day.
- Entries, prices, waves and inclusions — the event's official registration page
- Temperature and humidity — Copernicus ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0)
- Elevation and terrain relief — Copernicus DEM GLO-90, ESA (CC BY 4.0)
- Comparisons and counts — Race Discovery calendar, 2 Shepherdsville events
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