2026 Cummins Falls Marathon

The 2026 Cummins Falls Marathon is scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Cookeville, Tennessee, with the race taking place in the Cummins Falls State Park area. The event will be held on the scenic rural back roads of Jackson County, offering runners a challenging yet picturesque route. Weather conditions for February in Cookeville typically range from cold to mild, with average temperatures between 30°F and 45°F. Participants can expect a mix of open roads and riverfront paths, with the course featuring steep hills and remote sections that test endurance. The race includes multiple distances, all of which are chip-timed with aid stations along the way, and finisher medals are provided to all participants.

What distances are available for this event?

• →Marathon starting at 8:00 AM CST
• →Half Marathon starting at 8:00 AM CST
• →10K starting at 9:00 AM CST
• →5K starting at 9:00 AM CST

How much does registration cost?

• →Marathon: $112.30 (includes $7.30 fee)
• →Half Marathon: $101.70 (includes $6.70 fee)
• →10K: $59.30 (includes $4.30 fee)
• →5K: $48.70 (includes $3.70 fee)

What are the registration deadlines for this event?

• →All distances: February 28, 2026 at 11:59 PM CST

What is included in the registration?

• →Race t-shirt (guaranteed for those who register before February 1)
• →Finisher medal (wooden design unique to each distance)
• →Chip-timed race
• →Aid stations approximately every 2–3 miles
• →Music allowed on course

What are the cutoff times for this event?

• →Marathon and Half Marathon: 8-hour course limit
• →5K and 10K: Walkers welcome (no strict cutoff noted)

What awards are given at this event?

• →Finisher Medals: All finishers receive a distinctive wood medal
• →Competitive Awards: Top 3 overall male/female and top 3 in age groups (0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+)
• →Masters (40+) and Grand Masters (50+) awards for male/female

What is the event schedule?

• →Marathon and Half Marathon: Start at 8:00 AM CST
• →10K and 5K: Start at 9:00 AM CST
• →Packet pickup on Friday, February 27, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM CST
• →Race-day packet pickup for Marathon/Half: 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM CST
• →Race-day packet pickup for 10K/5K: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM CST

What policies apply to this event?

• →No refunds for registration
• →If the race is canceled due to public health concerns, options include deferral to 2027 or refund minus service fees
• →Distance changes allowed until online registration closes

What is the mission of this event?

• →Proceeds support critical land acquisitions and conservation needs at Cummins Falls State Park

What is the course description for this event?

• →All distances run on rural back roads of Jackson County, Tennessee
• →Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K routes follow the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River
• →The course features steep hills and remote sections, offering a rugged experience
• →Surface is paved road, not technical trail

What is the swag offered for this event?

• →Race t-shirt included for all registrants
• →"No shirt" option available to donate shirt cost to park conservation
• →Early registration (before February 1) guarantees the 2026 shirt
• →Late registration may receive the 2026 shirt if available, otherwise a prior year shirt

What team discounts are available for this event?

• →5K/10K teams of 5: $5 off per person
• →Half/Full Marathon teams of 3: $10 off per person
• →Discount applied automatically as refund after full team registers

What are the key race details?

• →Chip-timed event
• →Aid stations approximately every 2–3 miles
• →Music allowed on course
• →Awards for all finishers and competitive categories
• →Finisher medals for all participants

What is the recommended preparation for this event?

• →The course is deceptively tough, with hills and remote sections
• →Limited spectator access and potential wind exposure
• →Training for hills and packing layers for February weather in Tennessee is recommended
• →Packet pickup on Friday is recommended to minimize race-day stress