Endless Mile — Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Endless Mile race?
A looped endurance running event at Veteran’s Park in Alabaster, Alabama. Participants can choose 6-, 12-, 24-, 48-, or 72-hour races. There is also a 50K and Marathon Option.

Where and when is it held?

• Location: Veteran’s Park, 7305 Highway 119 (Montevallo Rd), Alabaster, AL 35007.

• 2025 dates: October 23-26, 2025.

• Start times:
  • 72-hour race – Thursday, Oct 23 at 9:00 AM
  • 48-hour race – Friday, Oct 24 at 9:00 AM
  • 6, 12 & 24-hour races (Also the Marathon and 50K) – Saturday, Oct 25 at 9:00 AM

How long is the course?
A 1.00203-mile paved loop, USATF-certified, smooth and level with about 12–15 feet of elevation gain per loop.

Is the course hilly?
No. The course is quite flat, with 12 to 15 ft. of gain per lap.

What is the course like and what facilities are available?

• Scenic paved loop through wooded areas and around two small lakes.

• The paved loop has just been repaved and is very smooth.

• Aid station open 24 hours with full meals, made-to-order hot food, fruit, snacks, and drinks.

• Course lighting throughout, though headlamps are recommended at night.

• Real bathrooms with running water are located steps off the course, near the timing arch

What are Personal Aid Stations (PAS) and tent rentals?

• Runners may set up a PAS in designated areas for their own supplies.

• Bring your own pop-up tent and set it up along course.

• Set up a small sleeping tent behind the pop-up.

• Rental options:
  • 10×10 pop-up with table and chair – $40 for the weekend
  • Dome tent for one or two people – $25

What awards are given?

• All finishers receive a medal.

• 100-mile buckle for 100 miles completed; 200-mile buckle for 200 miles completed,

• Official course records are kept for each time category.

What is the schedule for packet pickup and race briefing?

• Packet pickup begins the afternoon before each race and again about an hour before start.

• Timing chip must be collected and worn on the ankle.

• Brief race meeting about five minutes before each start.

Key rules and regulations

• Stay on the paved loop and do not cut the course.

• If you leave the course for rest, you must return at the same spot.

• Bib must be visible on the front; timing chip worn on the ankle at all times.

• Distance changes allowed up to 24 hours before your race start to remain eligible for awards.

• Notify organizers in advance if attempting USATF/IAU records and follow their requirements.

What’s provided and what should I bring?
Provided:

• Full hot meals, snacks, Tailwind hydration, and standard aid station supplies.

• Tables and chairs in the aid station tent

• Aid Station Food is for RUNNERS ONLY! Be sure your crew understands they are not to eat aid station food.

• We provide plates and utensils for meals.

• We provide cups for hot drinks and soup.

Bring:

• Your own cup (the event is cupless).

• Special snacks and drinks you like.

• If you have a crew, bring food for them. Aid Station food is NOT for crew members.

• Headlamp or flashlight, extra clothing layers, and any personal comfort items.

• Endless tends to be the weekend the first cold front of the year comes through. Night time temperatures can be very cold. Be prepared. We have had temperatures drop below freezing at EM.

Where should I Parking and can I camp in a tent or RV before the start

• Park only in marked spaces without blocking others.

• RVs and campers must not obstruct adjacent spots

• RVs are not allowed to park along the front of the course.

• No camping Wednesday night before the event.

When does registration close? Is there registration at the race?

• Registration is through UltraSignup and closes Monday, Oct 20, 2025, at 11:59 PM.

• Race shirt guaranteed if registered by October 6.

• No on-site registration.

If I hope to set a National Record, what do I need to know?

• National record attempts must comply with USATF/IAU rules and anti-doping requirements. Notify organizers in advance if you plan to go for a national record.

• National record attempts must follow all USATF and IAU rules. These rules are listed on the website. https://www.southeasterntrailruns.com/endless-mile-what-you-need-to-know

Etiquette and safety

• Please allow faster runners have right-of-way on the inside lane.

• Faster runners, move to the left side of the trail in front of the timing monitors. Runners often stop in front to check their laps.

• Keep noise down overnight. Homes back up to the course.

• Dispose of trash properly.

• Treat volunteers respectfully—they are not paid.