About
The Vol-State is not just another ultramarathon. It is much more than that. The Vol-State is a journey, an adventure, and an exploration of inner space. It begins with a ferry ride across the Mississippi River, from Missouri to Kentucky, and finishes at “the Rock,” high atop Sand Mountain in Northeast Georgia. What lies in between are 314 miles of the great unknown. From the time the Vol-Stater steps off the Ferry, until they reach the Rock, they are totally reliant upon their own physical and mental resources. For the next three to ten days, in the face of the heat and humidity of July in Tennessee , the Vol-Stater must make their way on foot, along highways and backroads, from one small town to the next, over hills and across rivers, up mountains and down long valleys, all the while accounting for all of their most basic needs; “what will I eat?” “When will I find water?” Where will I sleep?” Success is not guaranteed. There are no aid stations, teeming with volunteers waiting to tend to your every need and encourage you to continue. There are just miles and miles of empty road. Your friends can follow your progress from afar, but no pacers can carry your burden for you. If you do encounter another runner, theirs is the same desperate plight as your own. You will have doubts. Finishing will often seem an unfathomable dream. Your worst enemy may become the knowledge that an air conditioned ride to your car at the finish (in the dreaded seat of disgrace”) is but a phone call away. Many will fail. But, for those who find the steely will and muster the sheer dogged tenacity to overcome the impossible obstacles, and reach the rock on foot, the Vol-State can be a transcendental experience. No words can adequately describe the sense of combined relief and amazement to be experienced at the Rock. No one can explain the regret that this incredible journey has actually come to an end. Former King, Barry Crumrine probably summed up the Vol-State experience as well as it can be put into words; “I found in myself something that I never knew was there.”
With or without race provided logistics to arrive at the start? If you will provide your own transportation to the start line, and your own accommodations the night before the race... you should enter with the lower cost "No bus ride or hotel pre-race" option. For the higher cost registration, you will get: a) a parking spot at the finish line, from the day before the race until you finish or your race ends, b) a seat on the bus ride along the course to Union City, with lunch provided en route. (your bus seat is guaranteed, but being there on-time is up to you!) c) a bed in a double occupancy room in Union City the night before the race. d) bus ride from Union City to the Ferry on race morning. For those who used the race hotels in Union CIty in 2024, we recognize one of them was less than pleasant... we will be addressing that with a change in 2025. We want you to start the race fresh as a daisy... the "experience" doesn't need to start before the start!
Crews (UPDATE!) THERE WILL BE NO CREW VEHICLES ALLOWED IN 2025. If you signed up for the wait list on day one and don't want to run if you can't have a crew... go ahead and withdraw. Or....don't withdraw! and take the opportunity to do what hundreds of your friends and heroes have done over the past 20 years.... take to the roads and utilize your skill and resolve to overcome the challenges of the Vol State Road Race without a crew vehicle coddling you! You may just find that you are capable of more than you thought you would be. This is your chance, we have removed the temptation to compromise your screwed journey running experience! If you just can't go without that certain someone.... they are free to sign up and run right along side you, they might even thank you for the invite....AFTER they experience the joy of finishing!
Other Info
Refunds; 90% refunds are available until December 24. Refunds will be available after that time, dependent on the ability to replace the withdrawing entrant from the wait list. Refunds will be made on a declining scale: January thru March 80% refund; April and May 70% refund; June 50% refund.
Wait List; A wait list will be built and the initial entrants list will be chosen late summer 2024. The wait list will be maintained after the initial field is selected....Withdrawals replaced from the wait list will receive a refund at the rate listed above, sent as a paper check mailed to the address listed on the ultrasignup account of the registrant.
Check-Ins: All entrants are required to report their location by phone at 0730 and 1930 each day. Texting will suffice, and runners planning to be on break at check-in time may report early..... Failure to check in will result in a search for your body.
Dropping Out: Runners may choose to drop from the race at any time, by simply calling in and requesting a ride to the car park. Transportation will be furnished at the earliest feasible time.