2026 - The 14 Annual
Southeastern Trail Runs Race Series
Discover the Trails. Build Your Strength. Become a Champion.
Since 2013, Southeastern Trail Runs has introduced runners to the beauty and challenge of Birmingham’s trails through our six-race Southeastern Trail Series. In 2026, the journey begins again in April with the Tranquility Lake 3 & 6 Mile Races, gradually building in distance and difficulty through the year. The series culminates in December with the legendary Blood Rock 25K & 55K Ultra. For the truly adventurous, there is the Blood Rock 50 Mile and 100 Mile
Whether you’re new to trail running or training for the Lake Martin 50 or Blood Rock 100, the series is designed to help you grow — race by race. Each event adds distance, elevation, and technical terrain, preparing you for your biggest goals.
Six races, one journey.
Earn points at every event toward becoming a Series Champion.
Exclusive deal: Register for the Full Long or Short Series by March 7th and save 20% — plus get a full series shirt.
The trails are calling. Will you answer?
There will be a very special offer for those registering for the full series the first two days!
2025 str rACE SCHEDULE
* Registration for the Southeastern Trail Series - Register for All 6 races and Save 20%
Southern States 200 - March 19 - 23, 2025 - 200 Mile Run from Dalton, GA to the top of Mt Cheaha
Lake Martin 100 - April 5 - 6, 2025 - 100 Mile, 50 Mile and 27 Mile Race - Russell Lands at Lake Martin
* Tranquility Lake Trail Race - April 19, 2025 - 3 or 6 Mile Race - Oak Mtn State Park
* Run for Kids Challenge - May 3rd, 2025 - 10K, 12 Hour & Kids Run - Oak Mountain State Park
* Memorial Day Weekend Race - Saturday, May 24, 2025 - 6 & 12 Mile - Oak Mountain State Park
* Hotter 'N Hell Trail Race - July 19, 2025 - 9 & 18 Mile Trail Race - Oak Mtn State Park - 7:00 AM Start
* Ridge to Blazing Ridge - August 23, 2025 - 10 & 20 Mile Trail Race - Oak Mtn Park - 7:00 AM Start
Endless Mile - October 23 thru 26, 2025 - 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 Hour Race
Blood Rock 100 Mile - Dec 5, 2025 - 10:00 AM Start
Blood Rock 50 Mile - Dec 6, 2025 - 50 Mile - 7:00 AM Start
* Blood Rock 50K & 25K Races - Dec 6, 2025 - 7:00 AM Start
* Southeastern Trail Series Races
Southeastern Trail Runs Sponsors for 2025
How to Download a GPX file to your GPS Navigation device
The instruction on this link are for the Blood Rock Course. The procedure is the same for all STR Races. We strongly recommend running all our races with the course GPX file downloaded to the GAIA App on you phone. If you learn how to use the app, you will not get lost.
This is a short video explaining:
1) how to download the GAIA App to your iPhone.
2) How to load the STR Race GPX file to the GAIA App.
3) How to use the GAIA app to stay on course.
PINHOTI OUTDOOR CENTER
RULES FOR THE TRAILS
We wish “RULES” were not necessary, but RULES are the only way to insure fairness for all runners and volunteers. Please read and follow them.
RACE RULES FOR ALL SOUTHEASTERN TRAIL RUNS RACES
RACE RULES
Authority & Course Compliance
All Race Director decisions are final. Aid Station Captains have on-location authority, though Race Directors retain final say on all decisions.
Course Requirements:
Stay on marked trails at all times—no cutting or bushwhacking
Complete the course on foot without assistance from vehicles, bicycles, or other runners
Muleing is not allowed (Pacer or other runner carrying your supplies)
GPS files are available for most races. Download them before race day. Downloaded files are mandatory for some races.
No time adjustments are given for navigating errors
You are responsible for knowing and following the marked course
Runners MUST check-in at all Aid Stations
Safety on Roads
Run toward oncoming traffic, (left side of road) unless marking directs you to the right side
Use shoulders when available; otherwise stay close to the road edge
Run single file at all times
Remove headphones when on roads, crossing roads, or approaching aid stations
Headphones
Acceptable on trails only. Remove them on road sections and when approaching aid stations so we can communicate with you.
Crew Access
Your crew may meet you at crew-accessible aid stations only. They may NOT provide assistance outside these designated areas.
Crew Responsibilities:
Follow all Aid Station Captain directions
Enter aid station tents or pavilions only when accompanying their runner
Do not remove food or drinks from aid stations (aid station supplies are for runners and pacers only)
Keep young children and pets outside aid station tents/pavilions at all times
For 50+ mile races: crews may retrieve drop bags before runner arrival (drop bags will be on tarps or under tents away from the main aid station)
Crew members may set up a personal aid station near the aid station
Your crew may use a car as the personal aid station
Crew Parking:
Display your Crew Car Pass on the dashboard (100-mile or longer races only) showing runner name and number
Don't arrive more than 30 minutes before your runner when parking is limited
Some aid stations have limited or no parking—be prepared to park and hike to the aid station
Trekking Poles
Allowed and encouraged, especially for longer races and those with significant climbing. When not in use, collapse or fold poles to their smallest size and stow in your pack when possible. Never run with fully extended poles when not using them. Poles may be left in drop bags at aid stations.
Pacers
All races 100 mile or longer allow pacers
Pacers may start at the first crew-accessible aid station beyond mile 50
Pacers must start and stop only at crew-accessible aid stations
Runners 65+ may have a pacer for the entire race
Pacer bibs will be provided
Pacers must wear the provided pacer bib (one bib per runner—pass between pacers if using multiple)
Pacers must sign a release form before pacing for some races
Pacers must check in and out with aid station personnel
Runners and pacers must stay together at all times
Pacers, as you near an aid station, may run ahead to aid stations to prepare runner gear
Pacers must carry all mandatory gear and are subject to random gear checks
Medical Assistance
Your race ends immediately if you:
Require an IV or supplemental oxygen at any point (including portable oxygen canisters)
Are deemed unable to safely continue by medical personnel or Aid Station Captains
Medical decisions are final and not subject to debate.
Prohibited Actions - Immediate Disqualification
Littering (carry cups and food wrappers to the next aid station)
Stashing food, drinks, or supplies along the course
Running with dogs
Bringing dogs into aid stations (crew dogs must stay in vehicles or at your personal aid station)
Using oxygen supplements
Rude or discourteous behavior toward volunteers, staff, other runners, or trail users
Mistreating volunteers in any way
Race Check-In Requirements
Government-issued photo ID required to verify age and gender. No ID = no start. Runners must compete as the gender listed on their legal ID.
Trail Etiquette
Horses always have right of way
Be courteous to all trail users (bicyclists, horseback riders, hikers)
Smile and thank volunteers—they've donated their time to help you succeed
Concerns or Complaints
If you have concerns about anything during the race, address them with Race Directors AFTER the race—never with volunteers.
WEather and STR RAces
Southeastern Trail Runs has been putting on races for 15 years. In that time, the only race we have ever cancelled was the 2020 Lake Martin 100. The race was scheduled for mid-March and about two weeks before the race, COVID “Exploded!” Russell Lands asked us to cancel the race and of course we did. We did have to move our next two races from April to June, but no other races were cancelled. We will never cancel a race unless we are required to do so by Oak Mountain State Park or a City, State or Federal Government, even if severe weather is predicted. Should there be a severe storm, with lightning, over our race location at the time the race is supposed to start, we may postpone the start until the lightning has moved away. Once the race has started there is just no way to stop it. Should a lightning storm move into the race area during the race, we ask all runners to move off ridges immediately, (If applicable) until the storm passes. Most of our races do not have cutoffs so runners will have plenty of time to finish.
Here are a few photos from the 2017 Blood Rock 100. THe white stuff is snow!
The Lake Martin 100, 2023
Saturday Morning the race stared in a narrow gap between thunderstorms. The temperatures Saturday afternoon went up to almost 90 degrees. The heat took out almost half the 100 field. Saturday night we were hit by, not one, but two hail storms. The second was BAD! It damaged every car near the start. (When I swept the course Monday morning, the south end of the course looked like someone had laid green carpet over the entire section.) As if that was not enough, before daylight Sunday morning, the rain storms hit. Between 8 and 12 inches of rain fell in about 3 hours. The small creeks that runners could step over Saturday were raging class 4 and class 5 rapids. Yet several runners finished after the storms.
The Start: Saturday - 6:30 AM Start - Between Thunderstorms.
After all that, we still had fifteen 100 Mile finishers. About 40 didn’t make it to the end. We Re-Defined “Tough Mudders!”
This was either the 1:30 AM or the 3:00 AM Hailstorm Saturday night.
The serious rain started before daylight Sunday morning, and continued for about 3 hours. Between 8 & 12 inches of rain fell.
2024 Southeastern Trail Runs Sponsor
ALTRA SHOES
We are thrilled to welcome ALTRA back in 2024 as a Southeastern Trail Runs sponsor for all this years races. Hopefully for many years to come. I have a personal interest here because Altra shoes are the only trail shoe I have worn for the past 7 years and love them. We will be giving away two pair of ALTRA shoes at every race this year. We will have a drawing just before the race or during awards at after the race.
Mountain high outfitters
Mountain High Outfitters has sponsored and supported Southeastern Trail Runs since the beginning in 2011. MHO prides itself on having knowledgeable and seasoned staff, making it a comfortable place to prepare for your first adventure, expedition, or lifestyle experience. Building a community is on the forefront of MHO's movement. Whether it is in the stores, at school and church events, trail races, or SUP races, community involvement is an important part of MHO's culture. Currently, with sixteen locations throughout Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida, and a website (mountainhighoutfitters.com), Mountain High Outfitters is the ultimate active lifestyle boutique. Visiting a store in person is the only way to really get a true feel for this diverse retail brand. Come experience MHO and be a part of the movement.
Get Out. Get Active. Be Inspired. Live Your Passion!
With 16 locations in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Florida, Including:
1) By Oak Mountain State Park - 2000 Oak Mountain Park Rd, Pelham, AL
2) Park City, Utah - 2417 West High Mountain Road, Park City, UT.
I think we need a race in Park City! Deer Valley base “Snow Park Lodge” (7,200 ft.) to the top of Empire Mountain (9,570 ft.) across to Bald Mountain and back down. Maybe start at the Canyons and go over to Deer Valley.
As always, we will serve tailwind at all aid stations
Tailwind was created to give athletes like you easy-to-use, complete nutrition that frees you up to live in the moment and surprise yourself with what you can do. Whether you’re out for a weekend adventure, training for your first race, or climbing the podium, Tailwind has your back.
It’s all you need. Really.
COMPLETE ENERGY + ELECTROLYTES + HYDRATION, LIGHT, CLEAN TASTE, EASY ON YOUR GUT, MIXES CLEAR, RINSES CLEAN, NO FAKE STUFF
