Moccasin Ultra Fest

Moccasin Ultra Fest takes place in Memphis, Tennessee, on December 31, 2026. The event is a single 36-hour timed trail run put on by Mamba Trail Runners, with the clock starting at 7:00 a.m. so that you close out the year on the trails and cross into New Year's Day still moving. Instead of chasing a fixed finish line, you cover as much distance as you can before time runs out, which keeps the format flexible: set a mileage target, aim for a milestone distance, or simply see how far your legs carry you.

Timed events like this one reward pacing discipline far more than raw speed. Because you can stop whenever you choose, the 36-hour also works as a low-pressure first ultra, provided you arrive with a clear plan for fueling, sleep breaks and gear changes overnight. A 16- to 20-week build with weekend back-to-back long runs, plus a few sessions on tired legs, will prepare you for the long hours on your feet. Pack a headlamp with spare batteries and layers for a December night in Tennessee.