Steele Creek Struggle Half Marathon Trail Race 2026 — Bristol, TN

Date
October 3, 2026
Location
Bristol, TN
Venue
4 Little Lane
Start Time
9:00 AM
Entry Fee
$50.00 – $75.00
Events
Steele Creek Struggle Half Marathon
Includes
T-Shirt
Register NowRegistration Open

The Steele Creek Struggle Half Marathon Trail Race starts at 9:00 AM on October 3, 2026, in Bristol, Tennessee, giving traveling runners a reasonable window for arrival the night before. The 13-mile trail event takes place at 4 Little Lane and costs $50 to $75 to enter. This fall race offers trail runners a half-marathon distance on terrain that lives up to its name. Plan your travel and pre-race logistics accordingly, accounting for the early morning start and any necessary warm-up time before the gun.

From the Race Organizer
Welcome to the Johnny Fresh Legs Steele Creek Struggle, an epic backwoods adventure in the heart of Steele Creek Park, one of Tennessee’s most scenic and untamed trail systems. This is not your typical half marathon—it’s a gritty, wild, and rewarding test of endurance for trail runners who thrive on technical terrain and real mountain grit. Also sponsored by Mountain Sports Limited, Bristol, VA , Petro Chili & Chips, Beat Street Bites (beatstreetbites.com) & Dr. Michael Smith Chiropractic, Bristol, TN. Course Overview Distance: 13.1 miles Elevation Gain: Over 2,000 feet Terrain: Technical single track with roots, rocks, steep climbs, creek crossings, and fast descents Location: Steele Creek Park – Bristol, TN This course is designed for trail runners who live for the challenge. Expect to tackle steep ridge lines, narrow switchbacks, creek crossings, and rocky forest paths that wind through thick Appalachian woodlands. Every mile delivers a new test—and a new reason to love trail running. Wild & Untamed Keep your eyes open—you might catch a glimpse of white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and other wildlife along the course. Maybe even a bear. (Don’t worry—they’re not racing.) ⚠️ Race Warning This is not a beginner-friendly race. It’s raw. It’s technical. It’s unpredictable. And it’s unforgettable. Perfect for runners looking to push their limits and earn serious trail cred. 🏁 Ready to Run Wild? If you’re up for the challenge, sign up and get ready to experience trail racing the way it was meant to be—muddy, steep, and gloriously tough. All race proceeds donated to Steele Creek Park for trail improvements. Awards will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers. The Struggle is Real, Rough, Rocky & Rooty!

Hotels Near This Race

Find accommodation close to the start line in Bristol, TN. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.

RaceHotelFinder earns a small commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Results are sorted by distance from the race venue.

Steele Creek Struggle Half Marathon Trail Race 2026 — Bristol, TN

Race day is approaching. Hotels fill up fast.

--Days
:
--Hours
:
--Mins
:
--Secs
Book a hotel for race weekend

Race weekend dates pre-loaded on Booking.com. RaceHotelFinder may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for October 3.

You've trained for months and booked a trip to Bristol, TN. A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing. Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it, and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run 5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no additional coverage needed.

  • Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
  • Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
  • Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
  • Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
  • 24/7 real-time support
Get a Quote — Faye Travel Insurance

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no cost to you. Coverage terms vary by state and plan. Review policy details before purchase.

More Races

Browse all upcoming races in Tennessee →

More Trail Running events with hotel options →

Other upcoming races in Tennessee

July Summer Sizzler 5k + 1 mile 2026 — Cleveland, TNCleveland, TNJul 31, 2026From $$15.00
Find Hotels →
XC Summer Camp @ Pickett State Park 2026 — Jamestown, TNJamestown, TNJul 31, 2026From $$100.00
Find Hotels →
Piney Flats Days 5K 2026 — Piney Flats, TNPiney Flats, TNJul 31, 2026From $$25.00
Find Hotels →
2026 Nashville Urban Runoff 5K & Water Quality Festival 2026 — Nashville, TNNashville, TNAug 1, 2026From $$40.00
Find Hotels →

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Steele Creek Struggle Half Marathon Trail Race 2026 — Bristol, TN?

Steele Creek Struggle Half Marathon Trail Race 2026 — Bristol, TN takes place on October 3, 2026. The race is held in Bristol, Tennessee.

Where is Steele Creek Struggle Half Marathon Trail Race 2026 — Bristol, TN held?

Steele Creek Struggle Half Marathon Trail Race 2026 — Bristol, TN is held at 4 Little Lane in Bristol, Tennessee.

Where can I find hotels near Steele Creek Struggle Half Marathon Trail Race 2026 — Bristol, TN?

RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Bristol. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.