Plenty of options exist on the outsider calendar to pursue in July if you’re looking for something to do, from road and trail running to watching cool biking action.
Kicking off the month is the GoNuts Biking Buster the Beast XC and Enduro racing series, set July 1-2 at Monte Sano State Park. Saturday’s action includes the XC / EMTB while Sunday features the Enduro riders. Anyone riding must have a USAC license. Online registration closes June 30 for Junior, Adult and EMTB XC; it closes July 1 for Enduro. There is no on-site registration. GoNuts has a discount code on its site for savings on the license cost.
Riders will be on the Monte Sano State Park trails next week practicing. GoNuts officials will be marking trails at the end of the week prior to competition. It’s a cool way to see some top riders and fun competition, with folks from around the Southeast. If you’re on the trails, be aware of what’s around you whether you’re walking, running or riding.
Other events going on in the next month include:
Discover Your Greenways
Every Monday at 5:30 p.m. Gregg Gelmis with We Walk Huntsville and We Run Huntsville hosts a free run-walk at a local greenway. Discover Your Greenways is a way to enjoy getting outside with other cool folks, perhaps learn about a new greenway, and have fun. Previous stops have included Ditto Landing, Bradford Creek in Madison and Brahan Spring in downtown. Stay updated on the Discover Your Greenways social page.
Pilot Fireball Moonlight Classic 5K
JULY 3, KNOXVILLE — The Pilot Fireball Moonlight Classic 5K is a summer tradition, taking place this year on Monday morning on Neyland Drive in Knoxville. The Little Firecracker Mile begins at 8 a.m. and the 5K is at 9 a.m. The course is certified. INFO: Click here for registration
RunningLane Freedom 5K, 1-Mile
JULY 4, HUNTSVILLE — RunningLane has revived the Independence Mile, after a 9-year hiatus, and is introducing the Freedom 5K, both in downtown Huntsville. The 5K and 1 Mile will start and finish at Big Spring Park. Regular downtown runners will recognize several streets as the route winds through downtown and parts of Old Huntsville. Both courses are USATF Certified and sanctioned events. Refreshments will be available afterward. INFO: Click here for registration
Morningside FBC Firecracker 5K
JULY 4, HUNTSVILLE — The annual Morningside Baptist Church Firecracker 5K is a spectactularly fun race that starts at the church in south Huntsville. It’s the one in the curve where Green Cove and Bailey Cove roads meet. Runners take off from the church, hit the sidewalk briefly and then Aldridge Creek Greenway south. After a fun, flat, very fast 1.5 miles you’ll turn around and head back to the church. There, the nicest ladies and volunteers will have iced cloths, water, homemade cookies, fruit and bevs. Did we mention homemade goodies? This is one of the best post-race food spreads in the area. If you want to run a PR or enjoy a laid-back event, this one is for you. INFO: Click here for registration
Jackalope Trail Runs
JULY 8, HUNTSVILLE — Second in the four-race Wild Thangs series from Running Lane is the Jackalope 4- and 8-mile runs at Monte Sano State Park. Runners start together and then split at a certain point; 4-milers head back to the finish line while the 8-milers complete the fun. Sign up for the individual events or the remaining series. Runners get a good helping of Marco’s Pizza at the finish line. INFO: Click here for registration
Freedom 5K
JULY 8, FLORENCE — If you can’t get enough 5K action on the fourth, head to Florence for the Freedom 5K and 1-mile events at McFarland Park on the Tennessee River. The 5K begins at 8:30 a.m. and the 1-mile fun run at 9:30. Proceeds will help S.H.I.N.E. Inspring Kids & Teen Mental Health, A Better Life Programs, #988 Suicide Crisis Life Line and other community projects. The race will begin next to Pavilion 1 in the park; look for the balloons. INFO: Click here for registration
Burn Your Half Off
JULY 8, CHATTANOOGA — Run the Half, 10K or 5K in the Scenic City in this Awesomesauce Events low-key fun series. Run or walk, you’ll come back to the start/finish/super aid station area multiple times throughout the race. This means you’re welcome to leave a drop bag to access your own personal goodies and you can shed layers as you warm up. This is also a good place to reapply sunscreen, address any potential issues such as blisters, etc. This is a running and walking event that is more about camaraderie and fun, not competition. Everyone gets a finisher medal. The only “award” is the coveted Sloth Society medal for the last finisher. INFO: Click here for registration
Santa Hustle in July
JULY 8, CHATTANOOGA — Same day, same city as above but a different Half, 10K and 5K for anyone interested in mid-year Christmas cheer. But what’s cool is this is a NIGHT EVENT. That’s right, the fun starts at 9 p.m. so you’re not scorching in the daytime sun. It’ll be a smidge cooler, and very cool. Plus, you could do the Burn Your Half Off morning event and the nighttime Santa Hustle, too. (Yes, do two of them!). This is part of an 11-city series. Ho! Ho! Ho! INFO: Click here for registration
Haw Ridge Trail Race
JULY 8, OAK RIDGE — This 7+ mile course will wind precipitously and circuitously through Haw Ridge Park, quite a bit of it along the lake, before returning to the finish line. The event is put on by Knoxville Track Club. INFO: Click here for registration
Scenic City Scorcher
JULY 15, CHATTANOOGA — The Scenic City Scorcher is a certified 2-mile race. All are welcome to race. Tennessee residents are eligible to set 2-Mile state records at every age, so all ages are encouraged to participate. This event is capped at 225 participants. Online registration will be open until 7 a.m. on race day. INFO: Click here for registration
HTC Twilight 5K at UAH
JULY 15, HUNTSVILLE — Buckle up for some evening racing at the Twilight 5K, hosted by the Huntsville Track Club to benefit the UAH Track & Field squads. The race starts and ends at Spragins Hall on the UAH campus. Anyone familiar with the Turkey Trot or other events on campus should recognize the route. The bit of incline makes things fun, and a zippy decline to the finish. The first 350 to register get a cool t-shirt. INFO: Click here for registration
OXR Police 5K, 1-Mile
JULY 22, OWENS CROSS ROADS — This new 5K and 1-mile fun run in Owens Cross Roads will benefit the OXR Reserve Police officers. With it being a new event, you could set a record or win your age group, or both! INFO: Click here for registration
Steeple to Steeple 5K
JULY 22, ARAB — Arab First United Methodist Church is excited to host the Steeple to Steeple 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run for local emergency services assistance and (Temporary Emergency Services of Arab food pantry. The 5K will begin at 8 a.m. at the church. The 1-mile fun run will begin immediately after, approximately 8:45 a.m. INFO: Click here for registration
Skunk Ape 10 Mile, 5 Mile
JULY 29, HUNTSVILLE — Third in the four-race Wild Thangs series from Running Lane is the Skunk Ape 5- and 10-mile runs at Monte Sano State Park. Runners start together and then split at a certain point; 5-milers head back to the finish line while the 10-milers complete the fun. Sign up for the individual events or the remaining series. Runners get a good helping of Marco’s Pizza at the finish line. INFO: Click here for registration
Motus Panther Creek Trail Run
JULY 29, MORRISTOWN — Options exist for a Half or 4.2-mile at Panther Creek State Park. Nestled around a finger of Cherokee Lake, the park presents a rural playground for trail runners. Winding through the park, participants will encounter rocks, roots and climbing to test their grit. Motus Panther Creek will take participants through the landscape and rugged hills of East Tennessee while exploring this magnificent park. INFO: Click here for registration
Motus Panther Creek Triathlon
JULY 30, MORRISTOWN — Distances for the Panther Creek Tri are an 800m swim, 13-mile bike and 4.2-mile run at Panther Creek State Park. The event is spectator-friendly. Nestled around a finger of Cherokee Lake, the park presents a rural playground for mountain bikers and trail runners alike. INFO: Click here for registration
