The Pistol Ultra celebrated its 12th annual event in Alcoa, Tennessee, just outside of Knoxville, in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. This well-loved event continues to grow in popularity, attracting runners from across the country and beyond.
With distances ranging from 13.1 miles to 100 miles, The Pistol offers something for every level of runner. Tyson Black, who completed his second ultra and first 50-miler at the event, said, “The Pistol Ultra was an incredibly well-supported course on the Alcoa-Maryville greenway. I loved that it was well-lit throughout the night as well. This is a perfect course for anyone going after a distance goal, whether that’s a half marathon or 100 miles. It is mostly flat and very well-maintained, but still has enough rolling hills to present a challenge. It won’t be my last time coming out to this event.”
This year, The Pistol debuted a new course, featuring approximately 200 feet of elevation gain per 10-mile loop. The route showcased scenic ponds and Pistol Creek, enhancing the beauty and speed of the race. A 10.35-mile loop was established for 50k and 100k runners, while the 50-mile and 100-mile runners tackled multiple 10-mile loops. There was a 32-hour cutoff for 50k, 100k and 100-mile races, while the nighttime 50-mile race began at 8 p.m. on Saturday and had a 20-hour cutoff.
Tyson Black (left) completes his first 50-miler. Photo Nick Morgan
The weekend kicked off on Friday at the Hilton Knoxville Airport with packet pickup and a special talk by running legend Michael Wardian. He shared stories from his extraordinary career, which began in 1995 with a dream of running the Boston Marathon. Since then, he has completed over 300 marathons and ultras, won races on all seven continents, set multiple Guinness World Records and represented Team USA on the world stage.
After the race, Michael Wardian shared his thoughts on The Pistol Ultra, “I loved the vibe and community around The Pistol Ultra events and highly recommend it if you’re looking for a well-organized and fun, hometown event with friendly people and a fast course.”
Another legend, Rob Apple, returned to The Pistol, adding to his incredible record by completing his 818th ultramarathon.
Audrey Carter crosses the 100k finish in 9:56 winning the women’s race. Photo Misty Herron
This year, participants from 30 US states as well as the country of Great Britain took on the challenge, embracing the course’s speed and natural beauty. Participants enjoy exceptional support, including heated aid stations, warming areas and an incredible team of volunteers. The fully paved, well-lit greenway provides a safe and accessible environment for runners tackling up to 32 hours on the course. Additionally, the setup allows family and friends to easily follow and support their runners along the route.
Full results here.