Most Unique Ultra in America
2027 REGISTRATION OPENS ON 11/27/2026 AT 11AM CST!
RACE STARTS ON SEPTEMBER 25TH, 2027 AT 8AM! (Please note that the 12-hour night time event starts at 8PM on 9/25).
*Please check your email that you registered for the race with for more details on race, setup times & locations, aid station etc.*
For 24 unforgettable hours, runners from across the country come together inside a minor league baseball stadium to celebrate endurance, community, and a cause bigger than themselves.
The Weekend Starts Here
2027 REGISTRATION OPENS ON 11/27/2026 AT 11AM CST!
Friday Night Kickoff Celebration
The Hot Rod Ultra experience begins before the first lap is ever completed.
Join us Friday night at 5:00 PM CST for one of the most memorable pre-race events in ultrarunning. Hosted at the beautiful threeTHIRTYone Wedding & Event Venue in downtown Bowling Green, this evening is designed to bring runners, families, and supporters together before an unforgettable 24 hours.
This is more than packet pickup. It is a celebration of community, purpose, and the incredible journey ahead.
Enjoy a complimentary dinner for all registered runners, including fresh salad, pasta, and vegan-friendly options. Runners are welcome to bring family members, friends, and supporters to join in the evening by purchasing a ticket ffor them via the link below!
Not running this year? No problem. We would love for you to attend the kickoff event and experience what makes the Hot Rod Ultra so special.
Want to Join Us for the Kickoff Event?
If you are not registered for the race but would still like to attend Friday night's celebration, we would love to have you join us!
Register for the Kickoff Event HERE (non-runner)
Special Guest Keynote Speaker: Mark Dowdle
We are thrilled to welcome Mark Dowdle, one of the world's top ultramarathon runners, as our keynote speaker for the 2027 Hot Rod Ultra kickoff celebration!
Mark has established himself as one of the most accomplished backyard ultrarunners in the world. In October 2026, he won the Big's Backyard Ultra Team USA Championship, running an incredible 445.8 miles over 107 consecutive hours to become the last American standing. His other remarkable accomplishments include winning the 2026 BPN Go One More Backyard Ultra, the Last Soul Ultra in Germany, where he ran 391 miles, and the grueling Arrowhead 135, a 135-mile winter ultramarathon in Minnesota.
But Mark's story is about much more than running. Through his experiences pushing beyond what most believe is possible, he inspires others to embrace discomfort, overcome adversity, and discover what they're truly capable of.
His message perfectly embodies the spirit of the Hot Rod Ultra. This event has always been about more than miles. It's about perseverance, community, and coming together for a cause bigger than ourselves. We can't wait for Mark to share his incredible story and inspire our runners as we kick off an unforgettable weekend!
Want to learn more about Mark?
Follow Mark on Instagram: @mark.dowdle
Visit his website: mark-dowdle.com
Race Information
The Hot Rod Ultra is a 24-hour running experience unlike anything else you will find. On Saturday, September 25, 2027 at 8AM, runners from across the country will gather inside the Bowling Green Hot Rods Baseball Park for a unique challenge that combines endurance, community, and a whole lot of fun.
The course is unlike any other ultra. Runners will complete a .31-mile loop around the concourse inside the baseball stadium, giving them the opportunity to run as many laps as possible over the 24-hour period. While the distance of each lap may be short, the challenge is anything but easy.
Throughout the event, runners will experience the energy of a stadium filled with encouragement, music, activities, and fellow runners pushing toward their own personal goals. Whether you are chasing 100 miles, completing your first ultra, or simply seeing how far you can go, the Hot Rod Ultra is designed to be an experience you will never forget.
Run Your Own Race
One of the things that makes the Hot Rod Ultra unique is that every runner gets to decide what their journey looks like.
You can run through the night, take breaks, grab food, sleep, leave and come back, or stop whenever you decide your race is complete. There is no single strategy for success.
The question is simple:
How far can you push yourself when the clock is still running?
Take On the Challenge With Friends
Not ready to take on 24 hours by yourself? Gather three friends and experience the Hot Rod Ultra as a relay team.
Relay teams consist of four runners and can be made up of any combination of men and women. Teams can divide the running however they choose and work together throughout the 24-hour event.
Relay Rules:
- Relay teams consist of four runners
- No gender requirements
- Teams may be mixed or the same gender
- Teams decide how to divide running time
- All relay teams compete together regardless of team makeup
- The entire team may complete the final lap together
What Every Runner Receives
Every registered runner receives:
- Unique Hot Rod Ultra race shirt
- Custom finisher medal
- Opportunity to earn the coveted Hot Rod Ultra belt buckle by reaching 100 miles
- A Hot Rod Ultra awards plaque will also be presented to the top individual runner based on total laps completed in the 24-hour event, 24-hour relay, and 12-hour events.
Fueling You Through 24 Hours
We know a 24-hour challenge requires more than just determination. Our fully stocked aid station will be available throughout the event to help runners stay fueled and keep moving.
Runners can expect options throughout the day and night, including:
- Fruit
- Burgers and hot dogs
- Ramen
- Pancakes
- Donuts
- Bacon
- Quesadillas
- Pizza
- Chips
- Pickles & Pickle Juice
- Popsicles
- Trail mix and other salty snacks
- Candy
- Electrolytes
- Water, soda, and Gatorade
- Coffee
The aid station is available for registered runners throughout the full 24 hours.
Come Experience the Hot Rod Ultra
Whether you are chasing a distance goal, looking for a new challenge, or simply want to be part of an incredible running community, the Hot Rod Ultra offers an experience you will not find anywhere else.
We cannot wait to see how far you go!
Contact Us
Location
Bowling Green Hot Rods Stadium
300 E 8th Ave
Bowling Green, KY 42101 US
View Location on Map