A Race for the Ages

A Race for the Ages

On the Thursday before Labor Day Weekend of 2026, ultramarathoners will once again descend on Fred Deadman Park in Manchester, Tennessee. Led by a contingent of wheezing geezers, over a hundred of America’s finest foot warriors will circle the famed Deadman Mile for days on end in September of 2026.

Race Format

• Age Divisions: All runners 41 and over will be allotted a number of hours equal to those hard-earned years of age to accumulate as many miles as possible. Kids, 40 years and below, will compete over the final 40 hours of the race.
• Winner Criteria: The winner will be the runner with the most miles accumulated by the finish.
• Veteran Participation: The ARFTA is dominated by the super veterans of the sport, with numerous participants aged 70 and older.
• Notable Achievements: In 2025, participants aged 70 and older completed over 100 miles, showcasing enduring competitiveness.

Community and Atmosphere

• Storytelling: The event is celebrated for the stories shared among participants and the legends of the sport.
• Family Bonding: Families can share miles together, creating cherished memories during the event.
• Celebration of Life: The atmosphere encapsulates a celebration of life, making it a must-do event.
• Friendships: It provides a platform for rekindling old friendships and rivalries.

Facilities and Amenities

• Meals: Hot meals served every 6 hours catered by local Cracker Barrel, available for purchase for crew members.
• Restrooms: Indoor bathrooms available on the course, along with additional portapotties for convenience.
• Camping: Ample tent camping available on site, with various motels within 1 mile for convenience.
• Parking: Limited parking available, with shared use of the park facilities for baseball and tennis.

Camper Information

• RV Restrictions: RV campers are allowed in the designated back parking area near the back ball field.
• Space Requirements: Campers must fit within a standard parking space of 8.5 feet wide by 18 feet long.
• Tent Space: Ample space is provided for tents near the course.
• Community Engagement: The local community is encouraged to enjoy the park during the event.

Additional Information

• Facebook Group: Join the ARFTA Facebook group at this link.
• Financial Support: Runners over 70 with financial limitations are encouraged to reach out for assistance.
• Event History: The race has seen a growing number of participants logging over 100 miles and setting new records.
• Lifetime Miles: Top six in lifetime miles include Maurice Robinson (1473), Barney Riesback (1439), Doyle Carpenter (1407), Ed Masuaka (1255), Harry Strohm (1196), and Rosemary Evans (1231).

Race Details

Location: 101-166 Wilson St, Manchester, TN

Date: 2026-09-03

For more information, visit the race page at Race for the Ages.