# Frozen Head Ultra Camp

- **When:** Fri, Aug 7, 2026 · 1:00 PM EDT
- **Where:** Hawn Rd, Tennessee 37770, USA
- **Hosted by:** Wise Owl Races
- **Event page:** https://runthis.run/event/frozen-head-ultra-camp

## Registration

Register on Run This at https://runthis.run/event/frozen-head-ultra-camp

## Distances

- **3-day/2-night Training Camp - BYO Camping Setup** — $436.65
- **3-day/2-night Training Camp with Shared Cabin (currently only male available)** — $629.88
- **3-day/2-night Training Camp with Off-site Accommodations (Not Provided by FHUC)** — $387.13
- **3-day/2-night Training Camp - Camping Setup Provided** — $581.33
- **3-day/2-night Training Camp with Private Cabin** — $872.73 · SOLD OUT
- **Saturday Long Run Only** — 19.0 mi · $50.00

## Description

Three days. Two nights. Epic climbs. Epic recoveries. All with an adult summer camp vibe and runs in the famous park which plays host to the Barkley Marathons and Barkley Fall Classic.

Welcome to **Frozen Head Ultra Camp (FHUC)** - a high-volume, high-vibe trail running experience built for intermediate to advanced runners ready to train hard, recover well, and soak up the magic of some of Tennessee's best trails, mountains, forests, and creeks.

Set among the steep, shaded ridgelines of Frozen Head and its surroundings, FHUC is your chance to log serious vert, dial in your trail skills, and recharge at an epic ridgetop basecamp with a crew that loves the grind as much as the good times.

Join our community for this race on Facebook here: [(1) Frozen Head Ultra Camp | Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/events/1766544780979632/?active_tab=discussion)

See the Wise Owl Races event page here: [Frozen Head Ultra Camp | Wise Owl Races](https://wiseowlraces.com/frozen-head-ultra-camp)

## **What to Expect

⏳ 6–12 hours of trail running over 3 days**

Two runs at Frozen Head + one run at another scenic trail in the area (3 total guided runs) with "challenge by choice" optionality to allow you to dial the volume up or down to fit your needs.

**⛰ Big climbs + real mountain terrain**

Forested southeastern singletrack, sustained climbs up to 2,000 feet, a mix of smooth and technical descents, and classic Appalachian rollers.

**🔥 Train hard. Recover harder.**

Large conventional Sauna. Homemade cold plunge. Waterfall swims. Optional Massages. Bonfires. Yoga/Stretch sessions. Repeat.

**🍻 Community-first vibes**

Shared meals, local breweries, pizza in a barn, group sauna sessions and yoga, stargazing, and stories around the fire.

**﻿🏚﻿ Varied accommodation options at our scenic Basecamp**

The Rez, in Lancing, TN, provides a picturesque ridgetop setting for Basecamp, with bathrooms, hot water, a sauna & cold plunge, a shared kitchenette, and options to camp or stay in cabins (while supplies last!). See the "Lodging" tab on Run This for more details on the lodging options. See [this link for more info on The Rez, our basecamp](https://www.therez.vip/cabins-and-camping) for FHUC!

## **Who Should Come to Frozen Head Ultra Camp?**

This is **not** a novice-level trail runner weekend; that said, it could be perfect for someone in the midst of training for their first trail marathon or ultra! It will be warm in the TN summer, and there will be no shortage of climbing on the trails.

**You should:**

- Be able to run **~3 hours** on trail at a time
- Be comfortable carrying your own nutrition and hydration (ultra vest recommended)
- Be ready for sustained climbing + descending
- Be ready to taper slightly beforehand (unless you’re very adapted to high-volume/high-vert weekends)

**This camp is perfect for:**

- Anyone training for the [Barkley Fall Classic](https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=131025) or another fall trail marathon or ultra with climbing
- Anyone looking to explore the home of the Barkley Marathons (FHSP)
- Anyone who likes to work hard and play hard; we will train hard, but we will also have fun along the way: swimming, breweries, campfires, and other adventures
- Anyone looking to push themselves beyond their usual limits, but in a controlled, guided environment with amazing daily recovery options
- Anyone training for a "Western-style" race with prolonged climbs and descents
- Anyone from a vertically-challenged area looking to get a big vert weekend in to prepare them for adventures to come

### Ready to climb, sweat, plunge, and repeat?

**Frozen Head Ultra Camp awaits.**

## **Why Do a Training Camp? Is It Worth It?**

Whether it is FHUC or another "training camp" or "ultra camp," what are some of the benefits of adding this type of weekend and massive training stimulus to your calendar in the build-up to a big event?

- Camps with multiple long efforts can help simulate late-race fatigue without the damage of a single ultra-long run
- They can increase motivation and break monotony in long training cycles
- Camps provide an opportunity to build a community of like-minded peers and learn from one another
- You can identify weaknesses and issues prior to race day with time to adapt (e.g., fueling, climbing, etc.) - *or *work on known weaknesses *during *camp
- Multiple hard days in a row (by choice) can help you psychologically adapt to prolonged discomfort and develop neuromuscular fatigue resistance

**More about Morgan County (MoCo), TN, the home of FHUC:** Morgan County is a hidden gem full of beautiful public land, with mountains, valleys, gorges, waterfalls, and abundant flora and fauna. Those who know flock to MoCo (as the locals call it) for its hiking, running, whitewater, hunting, and rock climbing. MoCo is home to Frozen Head State Park, Lone Mountain State Forest, Catoosa WMA, part of Big South Fork National Recreation Area, sections of TN's Cumberland Trail, and the Obed National Wild & Scenic River. It is also home to three great breweries (MoCo, Lilly Pad, and The Beer Barn) and plays host to the Barkley Marathons and the [Barkley Fall Classic](https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=131025) each year. Portions of Morgan County (including near basecamp) are also recognized as "Dark Sky" areas by DarkSky International, so the stargazing is out of this world!

**Getting there:** If you plan to fly, Nashville (BNA) or Knoxville (TYS), TN are your best bets. BNA is about 2 hours 15 mins away, while TYS is 1 hour 15 mins away by car. Simply navigate to 200 Hawn Rd, Lancing, TN 37770 to get to basecamp (or put "The Rez, Lancing, TN" into Google Maps). We will provide additional instructions to participants closer to the start of camp. (You could also fly into Lexington, KY, or other airports if that makes more sense based on flights.)

**Note: This camp is not legally affiliated with Frozen Head State Park, the Frozen Head Ultra Marathon, the Barkley Fall Classic, or the Barkley Marathons. It is, however, a permitted event with Frozen Head State Park.*

## Lodging & Event Info

### **LODGING INFO**

Participants essentially have 3 different lodging options at [Basecamp](https://www.therez.vip/cabins-and-camping) at FHUC; the ***events for registration correspond to the lodging options below***. Otherwise, the events are identical in terms of running and recovery options, etc.

- Camping at The Rez (our Basecamp): Either BYO setup or we provide
- Small cabins at Basecamp: Either private or shared (with one other person in a separate bed unless a couple signs up and would like to stay together.)
- Book your own lodging off-site (available through Airbnb, etc.) in Lancing or Wartburg, TN

The [cabins at The Rez](https://www.therez.vip/cabins-and-camping) (basecamp) are not massive, but they are relatively new, beautifully hand-crafted, comfortable, and uniquely decorated. Each cabin has two Queen or Double beds in it, one of which is in a small loft right above the other. Cabins do not have their own bathrooms, but there is a shared bathhouse less than ~50 yards away. That bathhouse has 3 separate bathrooms (each with a shower, toilet, etc.) and is climate controlled, has hot water, and is extremely clean and nice. If you sign up with a friend and you both book a shared cabin, we can assign you to the same one. Otherwise, you may be randomly assigned to share it with someone of the same gender. Note that there are only two completed cabins currently at The Rez, so book before they’re gone!

[Camping at The Rez](https://www.therez.vip/cabins-and-camping) (basecamp) is about as nice as it gets as well. You can drive right up to where you will set up, and you share the same beautiful bathhouse that the cabins use. That bathhouse has 3 separate bathrooms (each with a shower, toilet, etc.) and is climate controlled, has hot water, and is extremely clean and nice. As far as campsites, there are options for sun or shade, as well as spots for tents or hammocks. There is plenty of room to spread out and have your own space, or you may choose to stay closer to the central hub of Basecamp (the bathhouse, the kitchenette, the firepit, etc.).

### **WHAT'S INCLUDED IN ALL EVENTS / WITH ALL LODGING**

- 3 guided trail runs (likely 2 at Frozen Head and 1 elsewhere nearby), led by Barkley Fall Classic / ultra-running veterans who know the local area
- Lodging (except for those finding off-site lodging), including [bathrooms, showers, hot water, shared kitchenette, firepit, cooking stations](https://www.therez.vip/amenities), etc.
- Bedding is included if you are staying in a cabin (or if you get your camping setup provided)
- Breakfast and coffee Saturday & Sunday mornings (options may be limited for vegans)
- One dinner at the Lilly Pad Hopyard brewery!
- A custom FHUC T-shirt and likely other swag!
- At least one yoga session / class
- Unlimited [onsite sauna](https://www.therez.vip/amenities) use each evening (Fri & Sat) before & after dinner + limited ice bath / cold plunge use
- 4 drink tickets per person to use during camp at one of Morgan County's local breweries (most of which have good NA options)
- [Fast Pickle shots](https://fastpickle.com/pages/home) for rapid rehydration before, during, and after runs
- Optional waterfall jumping/swimming, opportunities for optional massages (paid for separately), exploration of the local restaurant and brewery scene, and so much more
- Discussions / consultation about gear, fueling, and training for ultramarathons
- Endless possibilities in terms of new friends and unforgettable memories

## Schedule

### **SCHEDULE**

### **Friday: Arrival + Shakeout + Yoga**

Arrive late morning to midday (to allow people to drive/fly in early as needed), settle in, and roll out to Frozen Head by early afternoon for a ~90-120 minute run on classic steep park terrain (not your average "shakeout" run). Afterward, swim in a local creek (optional) and enjoy a yoga class (optional) back at basecamp before dinner and a campfire. The days will be long in TN that time of year, giving us plenty of time for activities. (As a note, if you are not able to make it to our first run, it will not majorly impact your camp experience! Feel free to join Friday evening.)

### **Saturday: The Long Run + Refuel & Recover**

Fuel up. Game plan. Then head to Frozen Head for the main event: a 3-6 hour guided long run on Frozen Head's trails (there will definitely be an option for a 5+ hour run, but we will ensure no one HAS to run that far; there are alternate ways back to the start for those who want a shorter effort). Following this epic adventure, there will be opportunities for refreshments (pizza & beer at a local brewery) and recovery (sauna, cold plunge, optional massages, etc.) to round out the day prior to dinner and a campfire.

### **Sunday: Scenic Send-Off**

Choose your final adventure based on your energy and time: 2-3 guided route options for a 1-3 hour run on a nearby trail before you head home. We'll either all run together, with early-out options for those who want to run shorter, or we will break into multiple groups to hit different trails.

## Routes

Routes each day will be set by FHUC leaders on the morning of the run. Factors taken into consideration will include group energy level and environmental conditions (including temperature, possibility of storms, mud, etc.).

We have included an *example* route for the Friday "shake-out" run on this event page to give you a flavor for what you might encounter at camp.

We will most likely run at Frozen Head State Park 2-3 days, with the possibility of doing one run at a different surrounding park / trail.

## Cancellations, Etc.

REFUNDS / CANCELLATIONS

We understand that this is a big commitment to book in advance, because we as runners know that sh*t happens... We get injured, our best friend decides to get married that weekend, or we have to pay for an expensive car repair we hadn't planned for... So we are offering a refund policy that we think is fair to you and to us, as a lot of the expenses are locked in well in advance of the event. Here is our policy:

- Before June 1: 90% refund
- Before July 1: 60% refund
- Before August 1: 40% refund
- August 1 or After: No refund

*Note: "Before June 1" means before the clock strikes 12:00am on 6/1 in Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), i.e., by 11:59pm EDT on 5/31.

You may also find a “buyer” to transfer your spot to and arrange separate payment with them for no additional charge. However, we will need to be notified of this in advance and the other person will still have to sign a waiver, etc.

A FEW NOTES ON WEATHER:

- TN Weather can be unpredictable at times; that said, in all likelihood, this camp will not be cancelled due to weather.
- However, there is a possibility that an individual day's itinerary (including the run) could be impacted by weather such as a lightning storm or strong winds.
- The safety of the group and the guides will be our #1 priority. Any participant can opt not to run as desired, and we will be cognizant of "shortcuts" back to the car to the extent possible.
- We may switch routes / parks we run in depending on weather conditions and safety factors. For example, climbing to the summit of a mountain and up a lookout tower is a terrible idea when there is a chance of lightning. However, running a trail paralleling a river, deep in a gorge, and with uniform tree cover is much less risky in that scenario.

## Summary

### **SUMMARY**

At FHUC, choose your own adventure to share with a group of like-minded runners. Whether it's the lodging, the long run, the post-run activity, or the scenic sendoff, you have options to customize your experience based on your own preferences with support around you throughout the camp. We can't wait for you to join us - register today!

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Source: [https://runthis.run/event/frozen-head-ultra-camp](https://runthis.run/event/frozen-head-ultra-camp) — data from Run This (runthis.run).
