2026 Viper 300

The 2026 Viper 300 will take place on March 9, 2026, in Cordova, Tennessee, at Shelby Farms Park. This mixed-terrain trail event offers a unique blend of paved paths and single-track trails, winding through serene lakes and lush wooded landscapes. Participants can expect a challenging and scenic experience, with encounters with local wildlife such as deer and a herd of buffalo. The event features multiple distances, including 300, 200, 100, 53K, and 25K options, each with specific start times and time limits. Weather conditions in Cordova on the event date are expected to be mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit and minimal precipitation.

What distances are available for this event?

• →300 Miler
• →200 Miler
• →100 Miler
• →53K
• →25K

What are the race start times and time limits for each distance?

• →300 Miler: Monday, March 9th at 7am | 137-hour time limit
• →200 Miler: Wednesday, March 11th at 7am | 89-hour time limit
• →100 Miler: Friday, March 13th at 7am | 41-hour time limit
• →53K: Friday, March 13th at 5pm | 31-hour time limit (Night race)
• →25K: Saturday, March 14th at 8am | 16-hour time limit

What is the course structure and terrain like?

The course features a 33.4-mile repeatable loop design, combining paved paths and single-track trails. The terrain includes serene lakes, lush wooded landscapes, and opportunities for wildlife encounters, such as deer and buffalo. The loop starts and finishes at Hyde Lake Pavilion, with key aid stations along the route.

What aid stations are available on the course?

Key aid stations on the loop include:

• →Refuge Unmanned Water Station — Mile 10.8 (crew only during daylight hours; no drop bags)
• →TDW Aid Station — Mile 20.8 (crewed, drop bags, sleep station with cots/pillow/blanket)
• →TDW Aid Station — Mile 27.0 (crewed, drop bags, sleep station with cots/pillow/blanket)
• →Hyde Lake Aid Station — Mile 33.4 (loop completion; crewed, drop bags, sleep station)

Additionally, manned aid stations are open 5pm-Midnight Friday at Mile 6 and Mile 14.5, primarily for 53K runners.

What are the requirements for race footwear and equipment?

Road shoes are acceptable, but trail shoes are recommended for the mixed-terrain course. Trekking poles are allowed, and participants are encouraged to use them for added stability on single-track trails.

What are the rules regarding crew and pacer access?

Crew access is available at all fully manned aid stations for 100M and 53K runners. For 300M and 200M runners, access is limited to specific times, with full access available once all stations are manned. Pacers are permitted for 300M, 200M, and 100M runners, with specific rules including one pacer per runner at a time, start requirements, and the need to sign a release form and wear a pacer number.

What are the rules for pacer participation?

• →One pacer per runner at a time
• →Pacers can start after: 3 loops (100 miles) for 300M; 2 loops (66.8 miles) for 200M/100M
• →Pacers picked up at Start/Finish or Tour De Wolf Aid Station
• →NO muling: Pacers cannot carry water/food/gear for runners except at manned aid stations
• →Pacers must sign release form and wear pacer number from Packet Pickup
• →Pacers must stay with runner; if runner drops, pacer drops (emergency exception only)
• →Pacers follow the runner; runner leads and navigates course

What is the policy on dropping down in race distance?

Participants are not allowed to drop down in race distance during the event. All runners must complete the distance for which they registered.

What are the rules regarding course cutting and equipment?

Participants must follow all course markers and are not allowed to cut the course. The race must be completed on foot only, with no vehicles, bikes, or animals permitted. Headphones are allowed, but runners must remove them when approaching aid stations. No littering or stashing supplies outside designated drop bag stations is permitted.

What is the policy on medical intervention?

Medical intervention, such as IV treatment, oxygen, or addressing a broken bone, will result in the runner being taken out of the race.

What is the refund and transfer policy?

There are no refunds or bib transfers for the 2026 Viper 300. Deferral options include 50% race credit if requested 60+ days prior and 25% credit if 30+ days prior. No race credit is available after March 1, 2026. Distance changes are allowed if spots are available, but no refunds are given for downgrading.

What is the course map for the event?

The Viper 300 Course Loop (33.4 miles) can be viewed at Viper 300 Course Loop ↗. The Viper 25K Course map is available at Viper 25K Course ↗.

What is the event's live tracking policy?

Live tracking is available for the 300-, 200-, and 100-mile races, allowing participants and supporters to follow the progress of runners in real time.

What are the key amenities and features of Shelby Farms Park?

Shelby Farms Park spans 4,500 acres and includes 40+ miles of trails for walking, biking, running, and hiking. The park features the Shelby Farms Greenline, 20+ bodies of water, and a herd of buffalo. Amenities include a Woodland Discovery Playground, Water Play Sprayground, horseback riding, treetop adventures, paintball, laser tag, and dog-friendly areas. The park is managed by the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy, a 501(c)3 nonprofit.