Next Opportunity Events

Yesterday was one of those days I'll carry with me for a long time.

I had the privilege of directing Big Turtle on my own for the first time, and today I'm sitting with a heart full of gratitude.

When I look at this flag, I don't just see a logo. I see a community.

I see runners who showed up with grit and determination on a brutally hot day. I see volunteers who gave their time, energy, and hearts to make sure every runner had a great experience. I see friends who showed up before sunrise, hauled supplies, worked aid stations, solved problems, cheered until they lost their voices, and stayed long after the last runner crossed the finish line.

Every finisher award was handmade because I wanted this race to feel personal. Trail running has given me so much over the years, and creating something meaningful for the people who support this event was important to me.

One of my favorite things from yesterday is that we had a 100% finisher rate. Not a single runner dropped. Every person who toed the start line crossed the finish line. That's a testament to the grit of our runners, the support of our volunteers, and the spirit of this community.

Directing a race can sometimes feel like standing in the middle of a storm, hoping all the pieces come together. Yesterday, they did. Not because of me, but because so many people stepped up and carried this event alongside me.

To every runner, volunteer, friend, sponsor, and supporter: thank you. Thank you for believing in me, for trusting me, and for helping create something special.

I am incredibly grateful to be part of a community that shows up for one another the way this one does.

You've made this little turtle's heart very happy. 💚🐢

🐢 Big Turtle runners... tomorrow is the big day! 🐢

After months of training, planning, and preparation, race day is almost here. We can't wait to see everyone at the start line!

Before you arrive, please take a few minutes to review the Runner's Guide one more time. It contains important information about parking, aid stations, course markings, cutoffs, drop procedures, and race day expectations.

Runner's Guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1URaojWRKSml_IWOtq94u-xK9aPWqUTYmLmFBeVzTUHo/edit?usp=sharing

If you have any last minute questions, please send us a Facebook Messenger message. We'll be monitoring messages throughout the day and will do our best to help.

Thank you for being part of Big Turtle. We are excited to share this adventure with you and can't wait to cheer you across the finish line!

See you tomorrow!

BT 2026 Runner's Guide Start/Finish Location The start and finish area and official Race Headquarters on race day will be behind the Recreation and Wellness Center at Morehead State University. The address is: Morehead State University Recreation & Wellness Center 100 Evans Branch Rd, Morehead, KY 40351 Race Par...

Race day is almost here, and we're excited to welcome you to the Big Turtle 50K and 10 Miler!

Before race weekend, all participants are required to review the Runner Guide in its entirety. The guide contains important information about race day logistics, parking, packet pickup, course markings, aid stations, cutoffs, runner expectations, safety information, and race policies. Many of the questions we receive in the days leading up to the event are answered in the guide.

Runner Guide: http://bit.ly/4e0eNWF

Please take the time to read the guide carefully before arriving on race day. By participating in the event, runners are expected to understand and follow all race rules and procedures outlined in the guide.

A few important reminders:

No crew or spectator support is permitted on the course or at aid stations.

Accepting aid from anyone other than an official aid station is grounds for disqualification.

Be respectful to volunteers, fellow runners, landowners, and race staff at all times.

Practice Leave No Trace principles. Pack it in, pack it out.

If you choose to drop from the race at an aid station, transportation back to the finish may not be immediately available.

Most importantly, remember to continue dialing in your nutrition, hydration, and gear plans now so there are no surprises on race day.

Thank you for being part of Big Turtle. We appreciate every runner who has chosen to spend their day with us, and we can't wait to see you at the finish line!

docs.google.com

Big Turtle Trail Runs Race Weekend Information

We are excited to welcome everyone to Morehead next weekend (June 6th) for the Big Turtle Trail Runs. A few important reminders and logistics as you prepare for race day.

Location
Morehead State University Recreation and Wellness Center
100 Evans Branch Road
Morehead, KY

Parking
Parking is available in the garage across from the Recreation Center. Please give yourself a little extra time to park and walk over to packet pickup and the start area.

Packet Pickup
Race morning only from 5:30 AM to 8:00 AM

Start Times
50K starts at 7:00 AM
10 Miler starts at 8:00 AM

Course Notes
Expect rocks, roots, climbs, and water crossings. Trails will be marked, but we still recommend downloading the GPX file and coming prepared.

Aid Stations
The 50K course will have multiple aid stations with water, electrolytes, and snacks. The 10 Miler will hit Forestry Ridge before returning to the finish. Please make sure you bring any nutrition or gear you personally need to have a good day on the trails.

Additional Reminders
Cell service can be limited in parts of the course. Weather conditions can change quickly, so check the forecast and prepare accordingly. The cutoff for all runners is 6:00 PM. Cut offs are strictly enforced.

Most importantly, enjoy the day. This course is challenging, and beautiful.

Can't wait to see you at the finish line!

Thinking about signing up for the Big Turtle Trail Runs but worried you haven’t trained enough yet? Good news - there’s a 10 mile option as well! Whether you’re aiming to run, jog, hike, or just enjoy the trails, you can build up your miles between now and race day. Next Opportunity races are about the experience, the community, and getting out in nature as much as they are about the finish line.🐢🌲

https://runsignup.com/Race/KY/Morehead/BigTurtle

We’re also looking for volunteers to help make race day amazing- from course support to aid stations and check-in. It’s a great way to be part of the event, cheer on runners, and support the trail community.

Interested in volunteering? Let us know in the comments or send us a message!

Whether you run, hike, or volunteer, we’d love to see you at Big Turtle Trail Runs!

Big Turtle Trail Runs The Big Turtle Trail Runs is on Saturday June 6, 2026. It includes the following events: 50K and 10 Miler.

🐢 In case you missed it… registration for the Big Turtle Trail Run is officially OPEN! 🐢

Join us on June 6th in Morehead, KY for a day on the trails at the Big Turtle. This year we’re focusing on keeping the race sustainable and welcoming, so we’ve simplified the event and are excited to bring runners together for an incredible day in the Daniel Boone National Forest.

Whether you’re chasing a PR, tackling your first ultra, or just want a beautiful day in the woods with the trail community, we’d love to see you there. ✌️❤️🐢

Registration is open now:

Big Turtle Trail Runs The Big Turtle Trail Runs is on Saturday June 6, 2026. It includes the following events: 50K and 10 Miler.

If you need a coupon code due to the cancellation of RRG in 2025, please reach out to us directly via Facebook Messenger and we’ll get you taken care of.

Important: You must register using the provided code in order to be included in the event. If you do not complete your registration with the code, you will not be on the participant list.

We want to make sure everyone who is eligible is properly registered - so don’t skip that step!

Message us with any questions.

Big Turtle 50K – Official 2026 Race Date & Registration Announced!

You may have heard the rumors… and it’s true.

We’ve officially moved the Big Turtle 50K to June 6th!

The date shift helps accommodate a few races that had to reschedule due to winter weather this year. We wanted to be thoughtful about the broader trail community calendar while also choosing a weekend that gives us the best chance for great trail conditions and an incredible race-day experience.

Registration opens March 1st!

Sign up here: https://runsignup.com/Race/KY/Morehead/BigTurtle

Same wild spirit. Same beautiful miles. Just might be a little hotter. 🔥

Circle June 6th on your calendar and start building that base. We can’t wait to see you out there!

Big Turtle Trail Runs The Big Turtle Trail Runs is on Saturday June 6, 2026. It includes the following events: 50K and 10 Miler.

🐢 Mark your calendar. Big news. 🐢
We have a tentative date for The Big Turtle!

May 23, 2026 (pending permit approval)
Updated distances: 50K and 10 miles

We’re shaking things up a bit this year and are excited about what’s ahead. Registration will be posted as soon as permits are approved, so keep an eye out.

More to come soon 🐢

Registration is open for the Bluegrass Reaper Challenge!

Join us in Berea, KY on August 29 for a fast, fun race with great vibes. Show up, challenge yourself, and celebrate every mile together!

Register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/KY/Berea/BluegrassReaperChallenge

We can’t wait to see familiar faces and meet new ones at the starting line. We'll see you at the finish line!

Bluegrass Reaper Challenge The Bluegrass Reaper Challenge is on Saturday August 12, 2023. It includes the following events: 50K, Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, and 50K Relay.