Land Between the Lakes Trail Runs

Our good friend, and ultra running legend, Lazarus Lake (laz), will be hanging around with us on LBL weekend.

Laz is the founder, and genius behind several incredible races:

42 years ago he started the Strolling Jim 40 mile run in Wartrace TN. Held the first Saturday in May, in the beautiful, rolling, Tennessee Walking Horse countryside of Bedford Co. TN, Strolling Jim continues to attract the great legends of ultrarunning. Now it's a lot more accessible to everyone, offering Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K options.  

He's most known for the infamous Barkley Marathons, held in the rugged Brushy Mountains, which include Frozen Head State Park, near Wartburg TN. The Barkley has been finished by only 14 people in over 30 years, and is noted as the crowning achievement of every finisher's career. Perhaps you saw the documentary on Netflix? 90 minutes of excitement, laughs, and inspiration.

The Barkley Fall Classic (now in it's 7th year) gives 500 runners a "taste of the Barkley". It attracts runners from around the world to FHSP to test themselves against the likes of "Rat Jaw", "Testicle Spectacle", "Meth Lab Hill", and have the opportunity to run through the old Brushy Mountain State Prison grounds, and scale the wall (at the same location where James Earl Ray escaped) to make their own escape and continue on. 

Other great laz races are The Backyard Ultra, a last man standing race, that is arguably the hottest new race series in the world, and A Race For The Ages.

laz is a one-of-a-kind story teller who has written several books about his buddy, Big. Big is, well,  a big pit bull that laz rescued. These are wonderful stories.

You can rent or purchase  "The Barkley Marathons - The Race that Eats its Young", or purchase the Big Dog series books on Amazon.

There is no charge for this meet and greet. (unless Terri doesn't like you... in that case, it'll be a dollar)

Full disclosure: Laz and I have been friends for many years. We've walked thousands of miles together, mostly along old county roads in Tennessee. It was during these walks that we decided to team up as co-directors on Strolling Jim, and The Barkley Fall Classic.

If you've never met him, it's an unforgettable experience. 

Steve 

For many years many of us that run LBL trail runs also ran Louisville Lovin' The Hills (LLTH). Cynthia and Todd Heady (directors of LLTH) are great friends of ours. We decided to join forces, and offer a special award for those of you who run both of our events.

It's easy to do. Just register on LLTH's registration site (registration link coming soon) for LLTH any distance, and register on this site for LBL any distance.

LLTH is held on the second Saturday in February. We'll have the finisher's list at the finish line for LBL. Tell us you ran LLTH, and we'll hand you your finishing awards for LBL, AND the special award for running the double. 

Packet pick up is a reunion of old friends, and the making of new ones. Typically over 700 runners enjoy picking out a tech short (sometimes long sleeve, sometimes short sleeve), the color of the running style cap of their choice, a drawstring bag to put it all in, and a great pre race Pasta Dinner.

NEW for 2021! We are giving separate medals for completing an ultra distance. New buckles include a 50 mile buckle, and a 60k buckle. Finishers of the Marathon, and 23km are given a beautiful Medal. 

NEW for 2021! Have you run 500 miles at LBL trail runs? Many of you have. We are rewarding you by giving you an additional buckle. A 500 mile buckle!

Runners gather at the finish area to cheer their friends and fellow runners, then enjoy marvelous post race food provided by the outstanding citizens of Grand Rivers, KY. 

It's a total experience that'll keep you coming back.

Grand Rivers KY, (pop 376), is located at the northern end of the fabulous Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, and surrounded by Kentucky Lake on one side, and Lake Barkley on the other. This quaint little Village is home to great little Antique shops, a nationally acclaimed restaurant (Patti's 1880s settlement), among others, and two World Class resorts in Lighthouse Landing, and Green Turtle Bay. The area swells during the summer months.

Located in western Tennessee and Kentucky, Land Between the Lakes (ie. LBL) is the largest inland peninsula in the U.S.A. Originally created when the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers were impounded (creating Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley), LBL features over 170,000 acres of forested & protected public land, and over 300 miles of undeveloped shoreline. Maintained and managed by the USDA Forest Service, LBL welcomes over 2 million visitors a year.

Having our race the second Saturday of each March (this is the 18th running), allows you to visit and soak in this wondrous area, at a time when the local economy needs a boost. The hospitality of Grand Rivers, and surrounding locales, is second to none. In March, the course boosts gorgeous views of the lakes, before leaves from the trees block them. No insects to contend with either. 

Come see what attracts so many runners to Land Between the Lakes trails runs. Although the area hosts one of the largest trail runs in the U.S., you can experience it's small town feel and hospitality. Give us a try! We think you'll want to return to the area as often as possible.

See the attachment for Lodging choices in the Grand Rivers KY area

Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.

Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.

We've been fortunate to have some elite runners here at Land Between the Lakes over our 17 years.

Inclement conditions have slowed some really fast runners the past couple of years, but the trail held up long enough in 2020 for speedster Will Cadwell of South Haven, MI to shatter the 23k Course Record by over 2 minutes, with his sparkling 1:28:04. 

$1000* to anyone who sets a new Course Record in the 50 mile or 60km

$500* to anyone who sets a new Course Record in the Marathon or 23km

* In the event that the course has to take a detour due to lake flooding, there will be no Course Record money awarded. However, if the winning time is faster than a previous course record, that runner will receive $300. 

Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.

Check out the listing of everyone who has run at least 100 miles at LBL.

Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.

We started LBL trail runs in 2004, with two distances; a one loop 23K, and a three loop 60k. 

The 50 mile distance was added in 2007. 

Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.

Check out some of the great runners who have graced LBL trails!

Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.

LBL trail runs began in 2004, with two distances; a one loop 23k, and a three loop 60k.

The Marathon (two loops) was added in 2007

Click the icon below to download the attached PDF.

Will Cadwell, of South Haven, MI, broke the long-standing course record of Blake Davenport in 2020!

Check out the list of awesome runners who have etched their names in LBL Trail running history!

This arial view by Colburn Photography shows the start of the race and some of the small sections of road.  It does not show the trails. It gives you a great idea of the overall beauty of the area, and the excitement of the race.