Course Description Start and finish at the Park Lodge on Grassy Lake Rd at Meeman-Shelby Forest, Millington (Memphis). Starting south to a turnaround on the Poplar Tree Lake levee (mile 1). Going back past the starting line (mile 2) to left turn onto the bike trail. At 2.8 miles the course goes very steeply down 100 feet via switchbacks to the flood plain. After 0.5 mile it goes up to connect with Piersol Rd (mile 4) to a second turnaround at the first picnic shelter by Piersol Lake (mile 5). Same way back to the finish. Considered an interesting and relatively fast course in spite of its two, extremely steep spots. Course History One of the original 4 races of the Tour, starting in 1979. Course design by Pete Shearon. Before Chickasaw Chase it was the first and largest race of the spring season. It was canceled in 1999 because of an ice storm that felled numerous trees across the path. Approximately 20 runners showed up anyway and ran the course. Participation was in steady decline until 2005, when again, it was promoted by Memphis Runners Track Club and in particular by its race director, Rachel Ragan. Since 2012, the race has been directed by Andrew Forsdick. 2016 saw a record 400 finishers under perfect running conditions. Cool 40 degrees, no wind and sunshine.
Course Records
1982 Zaf Ahmed, Nashville 4002 CR
2004 Marty Clarke 48 55 Susie Motl 50 28 CR RESULTS
The 2017 shirt
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