2026 McKee Southern 6 Trail Race

The McKee Southern 6 Trail Race will take place on February 22, 2026, in Collegedale, Tennessee, at the Hickman Science Center, 4843 Colcord Drive. The event is scheduled for a day when the weather is expected to be mild, with temperatures ranging from 45°F to 55°F and mostly cloudy skies. Participants can expect a 6K trail race featuring a mix of challenging and fast sections, with a steep initial climb followed by a rolling descent. The course, located on the White Oak Mountain trails campus, offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the area while navigating a course that is both accessible to beginners and engaging for more experienced trail runners.

What is the distance of the course?

• →6K (approximately 3.6 miles)

What is the terrain like for this event?

• →The course consists of mostly rolling, hard-packed mountain bike trails.

What is the elevation gain for this event?

• →The course features approximately 440 feet of vertical gain.

What is the course description for this event?

• →The route begins with a steep climb during the first mile, followed by a rolling descent for the remaining 2.5 miles, leading to the finish line.

What is the registration fee for this event?

• →$40 (includes taxes and processing fees)

Are there any discounts available for registration?

• →Southern Adventist University students and youth under 18 receive 66% off.

What is the participant cap for this event?

• →Online registration is capped at 175 runners, with an additional 75 participants able to register during packet pickup on race day.

What is the deadline for online registration?

• →Midnight on February 19th (note: some event text indicates February 18th; early registration is recommended).

What is included in registration?

• →A t-shirt is included only if registered before February 1st.

When is packet pickup for this event?

• →Packet pickup is from 9:30 AM to 10:45 AM on race day.

When does the race start?

• →The race starts at 11:00 AM.

Where is the event located?

• →The event is located at the Hickman Science Center, 4843 Colcord Drive, Collegedale, TN, 37363.

What awards and prizes are available?

• →The total prize pool exceeds $900, with awards for 1st–3rd overall in male and female categories, 1st–3rd overall in masters male and female categories, and 1st male and female Southern Adventist University student.

What are the course record bounties for this event?

• →Men: $300 bounty for breaking the current record of 22:04 (set by Christian Thompson in 2023).
• →Women: $200 bounty for breaking the current record of 26:14 (set by Taryn Garlington in 2024).

What happens to unclaimed bounties?

• →Unclaimed bounties are banked and carried over to the following year.

What is the community impact of this event?

• →Proceeds support the Southern's Adventure Program Affinity Fund, which helps bring disadvantaged, inner-city children from Hamilton County schools to the campus ropes course and outdoor programs.

What is the event type?

• →The event is a trail race.