PHOENIX, Arizona. – July 17, 2026 – Aravaipa Running is proud to announce that Bad Beard Events is officially joining its calendar, marking a major investment into the Southeastern trail running community. Bad Beard Events joins White Mountain Endurance (Northeast) and Great Lakes Endurance (Midwest) as Aravaipa’s newest regional community hub, anchoring a permanent presence in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
The legacy of Bad Beard Events began in 2001 with Chattanooga’s very first competitive trail races: River Gorge 10.2-mile and Stump Jump 50K. Ginny Smith joined the organization (then Rock Creek Races) in 2014, evolving from a race team member to director, and eventually taking co-ownership of the series. Now serving as the solo operator and director for the past four years, Ginny keeps the heartbeat of the local running community alive with rugged, beautifully managed races that welcome everyone from world-class elites to first-time trail runners.
Most importantly for local runners; the trails, community spirit, and traditions they love are not changing. Bad Beard Events will continue to feature its iconic event lineup around the Chattanooga area, supported by the same passionate local team.
Honoring the Legacy & Looking Ahead
Moving forward, Aravaipa’s mission is to protect the unique character of each individual race, support the local team to ensure a seamless transition, and continue the deep-rooted tradition of giving back to the local non-profit organizations that maintain and protect Chattanooga’s incredible backyard wild spaces.
“Bad Beard has never just been about putting on races. It’s been about people and place. It’s about the volunteers who show up over and over again, the land managers who trust us with these incredible places, the local businesses that have supported us from the beginning, and the runners who come back year after year because they feel like they’re part of something bigger. That’s the community we’ve built together over the past two decades,” said Ginny Smith, Owner and Race Director of Bad Beard Events. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve created, and I couldn’t be more excited for this next chapter with Aravaipa Running. They share that same respect for the trails and the communities that make these events possible. I know they’ll continue to honor what we’ve built while helping these races grow in ways we never could have imagined.”
Reflecting on this milestone, Aravaipa Running founder Jamil Coury expressed his gratitude and excitement to serve the Southeast trail community:
“We are deeply honored to not only take the torch from Ginny Smith, but also to have her join the team to continue the legacy of Bad Beard in Tennessee,” said Jamil Coury, founder of Aravaipa Running. “Bad Beard Events is more than a race company, it’s a cornerstone of the Chattanooga community and a living example of how trail running can foster deep local trail stewardship. Our goal is to honor what Ginny has built over years of visionary leadership, keeping the unique soul of these races intact while supporting the local team and non-profit partners who care for these trails.”
True to Bad Beard’s founding mission, all races within the series will continue to benefit designated non-profit organizations committed to the preservation, maintenance, and protection of local lands. Long-standing industry sponsors like La Sportiva and Black Diamond, alongside trusted local companies including Fast Break Athletics, TuckerBuild, Gearhead Outfitters, and Chattanooga Brewing Company, will continue to be an integral part of these events.
Upcoming 2026-2027 Bad Beard Events Schedule
The upcoming race calendar features a diverse and challenging lineup of distances, from 5Ks to ultra distances:
- Oli Kai (3 Hour | 6 Hour | 9 Hour) – September 5, 2026 Utilizes a scenic 2.1-mile loop within the beautiful 317-acre property of Chattanooga’s own Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center.
- River Gorge Trail Race (6.5 Miles | 10 Miles | 20 Miles) – November 21, 2026 A Southeastern classic running the highly technical single-track Mullens Cove and Pot Point Loops in the Prentice-Cooper Wildlife Management Area.
- Holiday Hustle (5K | 10K) – December 13, 2026 A festive event experiencing the brand-new trails on Aetna Mountain, set against a stunning mountain backdrop just before Christmas.
- Rabid Raccoon 25K – January 9, 2027 A middle-distance challenge starting at Laurel Point on Raccoon Mountain. The 2027 edition will test runners in a fresh clockwise direction.
- Stump Jump (10 Mile | 50K) – March 6, 2027 The Southeast’s premier trail challenge returning for its 26th year to the rugged sandstone-strewn landscapes of Signal Mountain and Walden Ridge.
- Stillhouse 100K – April 17, 2027 A serious, ultra-technical out-and-back “double” of the cult classic Upchuck 50K course, featuring massive climbs and descents along the Cumberland Trail.
- The Cannonball Run (Last Person Standing) – June 12, 2027 A friendly yet punishing suffer-fest hosted alongside Fleet Feet, where runners must complete a 4.3-mile loop every hour, on the hour, until only one remains.
About Bad Beard Events
Established in 2001, Bad Beard Events provides the Southeast region with unique trail racing experiences for top-tier athletes and beginners alike. From ultra-distances to 5Ks, the series encourages runners to experience the incredible trails and natural wonders in Chattanooga’s backyard, while directly funding local non-profit organizations dedicated to land preservation and maintenance.
About Aravaipa Running
Aravaipa Running is a community-driven event production company specializing in trail and ultra-marathon running events across North America. Through its regional hubs—including White Mountain Endurance (Northeast), Great Lakes Endurance (Midwest), and now Bad Beard Events (Southeast)—Aravaipa is committed to delivering premier endurance experiences while honoring local traditions, building inclusive communities, and protecting the wild places we run.
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