The Pistol Ultra celebrated its 13th annual event in Alcoa, Tennessee, just outside of Knoxville in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. This well-loved ultrarunning event continues to grow in popularity, attracting runners from across the country and beyond. With distances ranging from 10 to 100 miles, the Pistol offers something for every runner. This year, we welcomed participants from 35 states and two countries.
We were honored to host the RRCA Tennessee State Championship for the 50k distance, and the competition was strong, with Brian Zickefoose taking the overall male title and Audrey Lawrence winning overall female. The championship designation helped elevate participation, making this one of the largest 50k fields since we took over the event.
The Pistol Ultra is an ideal event for both seasoned ultrarunners and those new to the distance. Athletes who overcame significant challenges participated this year, including visually impaired runners who demonstrated incredible perseverance and grit. Their determination embodies the true spirit of this event, and we are proud to provide a platform where all athletes can succeed.
The weekend featured remarkable performances, highlighted by David Compton, who set a Tennessee State Record in the 50-mile with a time of 7:08:49. “Going into the Pistol Ultra 50-mile, I had one goal — the Tennessee state record — but the path there wasn’t exactly clear. I had been battling breathing and sinus issues for months that would require surgery just days after the race. But as ultrarunners, we don’t use challenges as excuses — we use them as fuel,” said Compton.
The Pistol course is designed for both speed and scenic beauty, featuring approximately 200 feet of elevation gain per 10-mile loop, with views of ponds and Pistol Creek. Runners experienced exceptional support from one of the best volunteer teams in the sport, along with top-tier aid stations throughout the course. The fully paved, well-lit greenway provides a safe and accessible environment for runners tackling numerous distances for up to 32 hours. The course layout also allows family and friends to easily follow and support their runners. The energy of “Tent City,” where runners pass by their setups on the way to the start/finish line, creates an electric and community-driven atmosphere.
We welcomed Ethan Coffey, a standout in the Knoxville running community, as part of race weekend. His accomplishments span road racing, ultrarunning and national competition. Another incredible milestone came from Rob Apple, who completed his 835th ultramarathon. And we witnessed a memorable father-son performance, with Dexter Padgett finishing the 100k in 10:39:36 alongside his 11-year-old son, who completed the distance in 11:44:37—an inspiring display of determination and family support. Piper Gray returned this year to achieve a personal best performance while successfully defending her title as first overall female finisher.
“The Pistol is my favorite ultra to run. The atmosphere, course, aid stations and volunteers keep me coming back year after year. Whether you’re experienced or running your first ultra, this race truly has something for everyone,” said Gray.
The 13th annual Pistol Ultra was an incredible weekend, and we are truly grateful for everyone who made it such a success. From our dedicated volunteers and supportive sponsors to the runners who brought their grit and determination to the course, this event is a reflection of the strength of our community.
Full results here.