Ruffner Mountain Fall Classic
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
About the race
Ruffner Fall Classic is a looped trail race at Ruffner Mountain held as Race #6 of the Southeastern Trail Series. The event offers three distances that repeat a marked loop:
- 6 Mile: 1 loop, about 1,200 ft elevation gain.
- Half Marathon: 2 loops, about 2,400 ft elevation gain.
- Marathon: 4 loops, about 4,800 ft elevation gain.
The course uses nearly all marked trails on Ruffner Mountain and includes singletrack, rocky terrain, and multiple steep climbs with runnable sections between. Two on-course aid stations support runners: one at the Ruffner Mountain Nature Center (roughly 3.2 miles into the loop) and one at the start/finish area to serve runners beginning additional laps. Aid stations offer water, Tailwind, soda, fruit, snacks, and basic fuel; stations are typically staffed by experienced volunteers and runners.
Race operations note a strict cupless policy and a required water minimum at the start of at least 16 oz. Handheld bottles or hydration packs are required for distances greater than six miles. The event is limited to 200 runners. Online registration and shirt guarantee deadlines are published by the organizer. GPX files and detailed course marking guidance are provided; course markings use blue flags, reflective tape, and directional signs with flags placed line-of-sight up to about 150 yards apart. The marathon includes a lap cutoff to allow continuation to later laps; the 6 Mile and Half Marathon do not have a cutoff. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
