Steele Creek Struggle Half Marathon Trail Race
About this race
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.)
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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!
Pick your distance
Trail running
Steele Creek Struggle Half Marathon
Race-day daylight
We have no recorded weather for Bristol yet, but sunrise and sunset follow from the venue and the date.
The sun rises at 7:25 AM and sets at 7:09 PM local time (EDT) in Bristol on October 3, 2026 — 11h 43m 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.
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Other races near Bristol
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Ywca Women's Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk
Speedway in Lights 5K
Brighter Paths Trail 5K
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, 9 Bristol events
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