Marathon Details - Strolling Jim marathon

North America Marathons > USA > TN > Wartrace > Strolling Jim marathon

Strolling Jim marathon

Strolling Jim marathon & 40 Miler, Half Marathon, 10K

Wartrace, TN USA

May 4, 2024

Marathon Results

By Year:

2024 2023 2022 2021 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 Top 3 Finishers

Race Details

Beautiful rolling countryside through Tennessee Walking Horse areas. Paved roads, light traffic.

Contact Information

Name:	Steve Durbin
Address:	445 W. Blount Ave Unit 108 Knoxville, TN 37920
Phone Number:	270-556-1679
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (2)

Course 5.0

Organization 4.5

Spectators 3.0

Write a review

Number of comments: 2

J. H. from Los Angeles, CA (4/25/2019)

"Beautiful Vintage Marathon in Countryside" (about: 2018)

50+ previous marathons | 6+ Strolling Jim marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5

Perhaps the most pure, natural, still existing true to the roots of it's history ultramarathon that remains in the United States. I ran the Strolling Jim 40 Miler ultra for the first time in 2010 and return every year no matter how far or long of a journey it takes to return back.

The race was created by Lazarus Lake, yes that one...creator of the infamous and near impossible Barkley Marathons, over 40 years ago. So you know you are not going to get some cookie cutter, overly marketed, catered, powder puff RNR-like event.

Since Steve Durbin joined Laz to RD the event a few years ago they've added a marathon, half marathon, and 10K distances to the traditional 40 miler. It gives a sampling of the historic 40 miler to runners of all levels. It also gives an opportunity for spouses, friends, and family members something do while they wait on their loved ones to finish the 40 miler.

Back in 2010 all we had was water jugs on the road every 5 miles...and you know what? It was perfect and main reason I fell in love with this race. The course record was set in 1989 (with jugs). Since then, Steve has softened the race by adding some true aid stations along the way with some simple foods, sports drink, etc in addition to the jugs every 5 miles and a couple drop bag spots for the ultra runners.

The volunteers on the course and after the race cooking BBQ chicken, baked beans, and creating a family like celebration of every runner that finishes which makes it a perfect homecoming race for me, my Run It Fast® family, and so many that take part.

If you are wanting a Rock n Roll/Foam Party/Color Run then this event isn't for you. If you want a throw-back in time to the true roots of our sport, and a chance to meet a living legend, Laz, and many other decorated runners from all over the globe then Strolling Jim will not disappoint.

R. J. from Bedford, NH (10/31/2018)

"Loved the entire experience!" (about: 2018)

50+ previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 1

Although I did not run in the marathon, I did run the 40 miler. As an ultrarunner, I expected a low frills, but supportive race...and I got it. The course was beautiful and well marked. Traffic was allowed on the course and it presented no problems. You can't block off 40 miles of roads. Aid stations were 'as advertised.' Some were manned, and some were unmanned (jugs of water on the ground). Some stations were a few miles apart, and some were 7 miles apart. All as advertised and all part of ultrarunning. Crowds cheering in an ultrarun? Hardly. Just doesn't happen, especially over a 41.2 mile course. Was the course easy? Absolutely not! Tough as nails with unrelenting hills. In a nut shell, the course was awesome with beautiful scenery, all of the volunteers, runners and support crew were awesome, the packet pick-up was easy, information given was honest, and the race went off without a hitch. Laz and Derb were awesome race directors too. I have signed up for 2019. Any recommendations? Level the hills and cool down the weather by 20 degrees-just kidding. I would like to see Sword energy drink available at all aid stations, manned and unmanned. Sword is a perfect energy drink.

Never had anything better. I would also like them to keep the horse on the finisher's medallion. It is Tennessee Walking horse country. Cotton T-shirts were awesome. Great race and an honest one. Just read the information carefully...and remember...you are running an ultra. We runners aren't suppose to be 'spoon fed.'