Great Springs Trail Race - Natural Bridge Caverns
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Great Springs Trail Race - Natural Bridge Caverns
Great Springs Trail Race at Natural Bridge Caverns uses both underground and surface trails. Regular-distance runners and ruckers begin with a short cave section before emerging to trails that traverse rolling hills and wooded areas. The event includes multiple distance options and a Last Person Standing format with separate run and ruck divisions.
Distances:
- 4 miles run
- 8 miles run and ruck
- 16 miles run
- Last Person Standing run and ruck
- Youth 1 mile
Last Person Standing format details: runners loop a 4.1667-mile course and ruckers loop a 2.47-mile section. Participants must complete each loop within one hour to continue; missing the cutoff eliminates a competitor. Last Person Standing competitors receive a Discovery Tour pass for the caverns, and finishing the 24th lap upgrades that pass to a Hidden Wonders Tour.
Course management includes extensive markings: caution tape, directional arrows, and confidence markers, plus reflectors for low light. The event is cupless; participants should bring their own cup or bottle. Aid support includes one on-course aid station for the 16 mile race and a fully stocked aid station at the finish/next-lap arch offering cold drinks, snacks, and evening hot food options.
Ruck division rules require a pack worn on the back, mandatory pre-race weigh in, and weight minimums based on body weight. Drop bag space is available at the race hub; no bags should be left on the course. The event follows Leave No Trace principles and enforces litter rules. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
