Taking place on December 17th, 2022, the Lookout Mountain trail race offered runners the option of three different distances: 50 miles, 18 miles, and a 10k route winding through the rocky bluffs of one of Chattanooga’s most popular trail systems on Lookout Mountain. The course included the majority of the Skyuka and Bluff trails loop. On short notice, I decided to participate in the 18-mile race, eagerly anticipating the opportunity to run in an area I hadn’t visited in years. The course promised new technical tracks and provided breathtaking views. Check out my Lookout Mountain Trail Race 18 Mile race report for a detailed account of the experience!
Running the Lookout Mountain Trail Race 18 Miler – Complete Race Report
Race Director Listed Distance
Distance: 18 Miles
Elevation Gain: 2,500 Feet
Course Map & Elevation Profile For the Lookout Mountain 18 Mile Race
Check in and the Start of the Race
Race check in was available on Friday in Chattanooga and at the event starting 1 hour before the race. With the race starting at 8am, I arrived around 7:20am. The parking lot is long and narrow, and by that time I was forced to park probably a ¼ mile away from the start. While a bit of a walk, being at the end of the lot and near a large group of trees gave me a quick bano opportunity as the pot-o-potty line was incredibly long.
Check in was smooth. I grabbed my bib and shirt and headed back to the jeep to make final adjustments. It was cold, starting temp was around freezing, so the walk to and from the car helped get warm and dial in my layers the weather. After dropping my stuff at the car it was back to the start of the race to get going!
Section 1 – Pavement to Single Track
The race begins by winding through the heart of the picturesque Covenant College campus, leading participants along a wide, paved golf cart path for the initial mile. This segment presents various elevations, including a gentle climb, allowing runners to jockey for position in the spacious surroundings at the race’s commencement.
Upon reaching the end of the paved path, the course takes a sharp left turn onto a single track. This transition compels the initially spread-out group, now 4-5 runners wide, to gradually shift into single file. Consequently, the start of the trail run becomes notably slower. In hindsight, recognizing this challenge, I would advise future racers to exert effort in the initial section, ensuring they can move ahead of any potential traffic congestion.
Section 2 – Single Track to Aid Station 1
Once on the single track, you’ll encounter a flowing downhill section. I seized this opportunity to navigate off-road, maneuvering around trail traffic. The initial road section allows road runners to surge ahead, only to slow down significantly when faced with the technical trail, which was abundant in this race. As I circled the large block, I led a decent-sized group, maintaining a steady and strategic pace along the rocky mountain bluffs. While the views were likely spectacular, my focus remained on the trail, especially in the more visually stunning yet challenging sections.
Negotiating around the bluff begins with a lengthy straight stretch, followed by a noticeable turn along the mountain’s right side. Here, the elevation starts to shift, guiding you back up the bluff with a few demanding but runnable climbs. The route includes a deceptive descent, leading to one of the climbs, followed by several switchbacks. This eventually opens up onto a rocky fire road that lacked clear direction markers. After pausing and waiting for guidance, we veered left, embarking on about a mile of fast, quad-blasting downhill, culminating at Aid Station 1 around mile 7.5.
Section – Aid Station 1 to Aid Station 2
Arriving at aid station 1, I was eager to refuel and curious about the available options. The station offered a relatively minimal selection, comprising water, tailwind, and two bar choices for sustenance. While a couple more choices would have been appreciated, the snacks provided were satisfying. Departing from this aid station meant heading straight into a substantial climb, so I consumed my snacks while ascending the largest climb in the race thus far.
Once I finished eating, I resumed my ascent, maintaining a slow run. Up to this point, the race had been quite runnable. After conquering the climb, the trail transformed into a remarkably smooth and flowy path—a delightful mix of fast single track undulations, punctuated by a few small technical sections to remind runners of the trail’s nature. This segment guides you down to the river and the final aid station for the 18-mile course.
Aid Station 2 to the Finish
Departing from Aid Station 2, located around mile 13.5, you find yourself at or near the race’s low point. Now, the challenge is to ascend back to the top of the bluff where the race began. This journey initiates with a long, gentle climb along the river. Although it’s an uphill stretch, it remains very runnable, especially for those with a strong background in road running—making it a welcomed respite compared to what lies ahead.
Following over a mile of a slight grade, the trail takes a left turn, marking the beginning of the true challenge. Prepare for a daunting 1,600+ foot climb. While the trail itself isn’t particularly technical, the constant incline is relentless. If you thrive on uphill climbs, this section is tailor-made for you. Upon reaching the ridge’s summit, you’ll enjoy about half a mile of a flowy section before encountering a brief climb leading to the road crossing, just across from the finish line. If you have any energy reserves left, this is the place to utilize them.
In the end, my Garmin registered a total distance of 16.8 miles and an elevation gain of 2,800+ feet.
Finish & Post Race
The finish and post-race experience were a bit underwhelming. There were no finishers’ medals, no snacks or food at the finish line, and I didn’t see any water available. The 18-miler finish felt somewhat like an afterthought. This is disappointing, especially considering that it had more participants (18 finishers) than the 50-mile or 10k races, making it the most popular race distance. Unfortunately, there were no post-race festivities, so I made my way back to the jeep and hit the road.
Race Photos
I received an email Dec 18 saying they would be sending out photos that week. But I have still not received a link to any race photos. There is no link on their website or social media.
Conclusion – Running the Lookout Mountain Trail Race 18 Miler
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this course. It offers a fantastic blend of technical trails, expansive views, and breathtaking rock formations/walls. Considering the price, it’s a race worth considering. However, it does come with some drawbacks. While it’s an excellent course, I’m uncertain if it’s truly 18 miles. With limited aid stations and fewer frills compared to most trail races, you may question the value of the entry fee. If you appreciate the community vibe often found in trail running events, this one may not be the best fit. Additionally, you could easily explore this loop on any weekend without paying the entry fee. For me, it’s a great addition if it fits into your schedule, but it wouldn’t be a top-priority race.