North Carolina · 50K · 25K
The Naturalist
The Naturalist is a 50K and 25K event held in Franklin, North Carolina. It was last held on October 3, 2026 and is usually run in October; the next date hasn't been announced yet. About 150 runners take part across all distances.
- Usually held
- October
- Location
- Franklin, NC
- Field size
- ~150 runners
Race details
- Last held
- October 3, 2026
- Usually held in
- October
- Location
- Franklin, North Carolina
- Distances
- 50K, 25K
- Field size
- About 150 runners
- Course
- 25K: ~5,500 ft gain; 50K: over 8,500 ft gain (official)
- Registration
- ultrasignup.com
- Official website
- outdoor76.com
Registration, course & weather
- Registration status
- Registration status as last checked September 28, 2026: open
- Start time
- 8:00 AM EDT
- Course profile — 25K
- Point-to-point course; Trail surface
- Course profile — 50K
- Out-and-back course; Trail surface
About the The Naturalist
The Naturalist is a 25K/50K trail race on the historic Bartram Trail near Franklin, NC, part of Outdoor 76's Fall Celebration. The course climbs from downtown Franklin via Wallace Branch to the summit of Wayah Bald, with the 50K circling back for additional mileage and elevation.
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The Naturalist: common questions
- When is the The Naturalist?
- The next date hasn't been announced in the listing yet. The race is usually held in October. Check the organiser's website for the official date.
- Where is the The Naturalist held?
- In Franklin, North Carolina.
- What distances does the The Naturalist offer?
- 50K and 25K.
- How many people run the The Naturalist?
- About 150 runners across all of its distances. That figure is an estimate of the field size, not an entry cap.
- How do I register for the The Naturalist?
- Registration is handled by the organiser at ultrasignup.com. Entry fees, caps and deadlines are set there.
- Is registration open for the The Naturalist?
- Registration status as last checked September 28, 2026: open.
- What time does the The Naturalist start?
- 8:00 AM EDT.
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