Race Details
The 2026 BIG BUTTS race, presented by MUTS (MS Ultra and Trail Society), is a trail race offering individual 100K, 50K, and 25K Fun Run options, as well as a 100K Relay. The event takes place at the Mississippi College cross country Choctaw Trails pavilion, utilizing 7.75-mile loops on cross country trails and Butts Park single-track trails. The course is described as not technical with a few small hills, but the late July Mississippi heat and humidity present a significant challenge.
Date and Time
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Time Limits:
- 50K, 100K, and 100K Relay: 14-hour time limit (7am - 9pm)
- 25K Fun Run: 7-hour time limit (starts at 7:30 a.m.)
Aid Stations
There are two aid stations: the Start/Finish (S/F) aid station and one on the course, providing water, Tailwind sports drink, and food.
Registration Information
- T-Shirt Cutoff: July 6th (to guarantee a shirt size)
- Registration Closes: Wednesday, July 15th at Midnight CT
- No registration at packet pick-up or on race day.
- Pricing:
- 25K Fun Run: $40
- 50K: $50
- 100K: $50
- 100K Relay (per member): $50
- MUTS members receive a $5 discount.
- Price increases by $10 on June 1st.
- No refunds, transfers, or deferrals.
Course Description
The course consists of 7.75-mile loops, primarily on single-track trails, with the majority in shade and approximately 170’ of elevation gain per loop.
Swag and Awards
- No finisher medals.
- Unique "Butts swag" is usually provided.
- Custom awards for the top 3 males and females in each individual race and the top relay team.
- A $100 prize is offered if a 100K racer can beat the fastest time of 9:42:43.
Race Changes
100K runners can drop to the 50K (and 50K up to 100K) during the race but are ineligible for awards. Dropping to the 25K Fun Run is not permitted. Runners changing distances must inform race officials and timers.
Relay Teams
Teams can have 2-4 members. Only one member may be on course at a time within the 14-hour limit.
Safety Considerations
- Runners are advised to carry hydration due to July heat.
- Runners starting a lap after 5:30 p.m. must check in and carry a headlamp or flashlight.
- Pacers are not allowed, but 100K runners can have a runner join for the last two laps. 50K runners leaving after 5:30 p.m. may also have a runner join.
Cut-off Times
- 25K Fun Run: 2:30 p.m. (7 hours total)
- 50K: Finish three loops and start the last loop by 11:30 elapsed (6:30 p.m.)
- 100K: Finish seven loops and start the last loop by 12:30 elapsed (7:30 p.m.)
Packet Pickup
- Friday, July 17th: 4-6 p.m. at Buffalo Peak Outfitters (4500 I 55 North Suite 115, Jackson, MS 39211)
- Saturday, July 18th: 6 - 7:15 a.m. at the start
Directions to Choctaw Trails
Detailed directions are provided for those coming from the west (via I-20) and east (via Hwy 18), including GPS coordinates for the entrance.
MUTS Mission
Mississippi Ultra and Trail Society (MUTS) aims to promote, support, and grow trail and ultra running in Mississippi. Visit mutsrunning.org for membership information.
