History of the Hill & Dale 8 Miler
The Hill & Dale 8 Miler is one of the original 4 races of the Tennessee Running Tour, starting in 1979. The original course design is by Pete Shearon. 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 was directed by Andrew Forsdick. From 2019, April and Charles Flanigan became the race directors. 2019 saw a record 565 finishers under perfect running conditions - cool 40 degrees and sunshine. However, the first out and back mile was blocked by a fallen tree and the same distance was added to the second turnaround, thus creating a new course. The revision became the new route from 2019 going forward.
