1776 Merica
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Event overview
The 1776 Merica run takes place in Madisonville, TN on July 4, 2026. The event returns as an in-person live event with multiple race formats and a five hour course cut-off for all events. The event will be live streamed on the East Coast Adventures YouTube channel and photographers will be on site. Sponsors listed include Allegiance Flags, City of Madisonville, and Friction Prescription. Post-race offerings include a hot dog cookout; additional meal tickets are available for an extra $5. Shirts are an optional add-on. Custom Merica bibs and custom patriotic awards will be used, and patriotic attire is encouraged and rewarded.
Distances
- 17.76 Merica
- 7.4 Merica
- Virtual 17.76
- Virtual 7.4
Course, ruck, and virtual details
The in-person course starts at the Madisonville Kefauver Pavilion, follows an asphalt greenway around Kefauver Lake for the first mile, returns past the playground, then crosses the road onto the Madisonville Bike Trail. The bike trail is described as a roughly 1 mile-wide lollipop with minimal elevation; the overall route is a mix of greenway and trail.
A ruck division is offered for the 17.76 distance in person and virtually. Required weights are: men 30 lb dry, women 15 lb dry, boys under 15 - 20 lb, girls under 15 - 10 lb. Weight must be visibly stamped plates or equivalent; removal or reduction of weight during the event is not authorized and the honor system applies.
Virtual races may be completed between July 2 and July 8. Participants must record and submit the full distance and time, including standing and rest time; the participant is responsible for tracking and submitting results by the July 8 deadline. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
