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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

What distances are offered?

The Bell Ringer Trail Run includes 50K, 25K, and 15K distances.

What is included with registration?

50K:
Runners will receive a race shirt, swag bag, wooden finisher medal, and one complementary beer (for those 21+), and an extra gift for completing the longest distance! Awards will be given to the top 3 men and women.

25K:
Runners will receive a race shirt, swag bag, wooden finisher medal, and one complementary beer (for those 21+). Awards will be given to the top 3 men and women.

15K:
Runners will receive a race shirt, swag bag, wooden finisher medal, and one complementary beer (for those 21+). Awards will be given to the top 3 men and women.

Is a post-race meal included with registration?

A post-race meal is not automatically included with registration this year. Runners who would like to enjoy lunch at the Lodge can add it during registration for $10, which includes access to the pasta bar, desserts, and drinks. An on-site alcohol bar will also be available for those who wish to purchase additional beverages.

what is the refund policy?

Refunds of 50% will be given within 60 days of your registration date until October 1st. After October 1st no refunds will be given. Registration rollover will not be permitted. Bib transfer will be allowed until the Wednesday before the race.

Where do the proceeds go?

The Bell Ringer Trail Run is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Friends of Montgomery Bell State Park. The Friends of Montgomery Bell State Park is a 501c3 non-profit organization. The mission of this group is to support the park, provide a quality place for families to recreate, and educate visitors on the importance of the protection and preservation of the park. They support various projects and programs throughout the year at Montgomery Bell State Park, including a week-long Junior Ranger Camp for individuals with special needs, a Halloween celebration in the campground, providing refreshments at the parks’ annual Ranger-led hikes, and so much more.

If you would like more information, feel led to donate to this charitable organization, or would like to get involved with the Friends of Montgomery Bell State Park, please visit their website.

What is the course like?

The course contains multiple uphill and downhill sections. The terrain is of moderate difficulty, providing a challenge to runners, but not too hard for first-timers. For the 50k, 25k, and 15k there will be aid stations approximately every 5-6 miles.

50K Route Map
25K Route Map
15K Route Map

The maps are approximations of the race courses. Course subject to change.

Can I Run the course Before the race?

The hiking trails at Montgomery Bell State Park are always available for trail running (please be off the trails before dusk), however, the mountain bike trails can only be run on the day of the event; only mountain bike use on those trails on all other days.

Does the race allow drop bags?

Drop bags are allowed. You are welcome to leave items at the conference center prior to the start of the race to send drop bags out to Aid Station 3, which is at mile 8.8, 15.3, and 29.8. Each time you pass this aid station you can choose to keep your items at the aid station or send them back to the conference center.

what is the timeline for race day?

  • 5:30 AM - Registration & packet pick-up opens in the Conference Center

  • 7:00 - 10:00 AM - The Lodge’s Continental breakfast will open for MBSP Lodge Guests

  • 7:00 AM - The 50K starts at the Inn & Conference Center upper parking lot

  • 7:30 AM - The 25K starts at the Inn & Conference Center upper parking lot

  • 8:00 AM - The 15K starts at the Inn & Conference Center upper parking lot

  • 8:00 AM - Registration closes in the Conference Center

  • 9:30 AM - Lunch starts in the Conference Center

  • 10:30 AM: 15K & 25K awards in the Conference Center

  • 1:30 PM - 50K men’s & women’s awards in the Conference Center

  • 4:30 PM: Final cut-off time

What are the cutoff times?

There will be a 2 hour cutoff time (9:30 AM) at mile 7 and a 6 hour cutoff time (1:30 PM) at mile 21. Finally, there will be an 8 hour cutoff time (3:00 PM) at mile 27.25. These are hard cut-off times and all runners arriving after these times will be asked to drop. Please be respectful of race officials if you are asked to drop - no discussion. You will be provided with transportation back to the start/finish line.

There will be a 9.5 hour cutoff time (4:30 PM) to finish. This averages out to over 17 minutes per mile pace. This is not a hike, so please be respectful and do not sign up for this event if you plan to walk most of the course.

When is packet pick-up?

Friday: 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday: 5:30 AM - 8:00 AM
Location: Montgomery Bell State Park Conference Center
Address: 1000 Hotel Avenue, Burns, TN 37029

are there aid stations?

For the 50K, 25K, and 15K there will be aid stations approximately every 5-6 miles. Aid stations 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6 will be manned by volunteers and supplied with additional snacks (including HAMMER GEL® and HAMMER ENDUROLYTES FIZZ®) and portable restrooms. Drop bags will be brought to aid station 3.

Is there lodging available?

Hotel accommodations will be provided by Montgomery Bell State Park Inn. Reserve your room online here, or over the phone at 800-250-8613.

what will top finishers receive?

Awards are given to the top 3 male and female finishers in each race - 50K, 25K, 15K. The awards are made by the Dickson County Woodturners. They are made from wood from Montgomery Bell State Park and then engraved with the event logo and award information. 

Keep an eye on our social media pages for additions to the award packages.

All finishers will receive finisher medals.

What are the course records?

15K Men - Samuel Pentecost - 1:06:41 - 2022

15K Women - Megan Scheumann - 1:22:00 - 2022

25K Men - Grant Farrell - 1:53:55 - 2018

25K Women - Ashley Evans - 2:20:17 - 2015

50K Men - Jack Martin - 4:10:41 - 2022

50K Women - Lauren Osborne - 4:43:48 - 2024