All racesRace series
The Naturalist
Climb the Bartram. Earn Wayah Bald.
Recently ran
Saturday, October 3, 2026 · 25K & 50K · Franklin, NC
- The Naturalist course: 6.8 mile climb of 1,567 feet from mile 0.5 to mile 7.3.
- The Naturalist course: 5.9 mile climb of 1,868 feet from mile 9.0 to mile 15.
- The Naturalist course: 1.1 mile climb of 395 feet from mile 20 to mile 21.
- Distance
- 28mi
- Climb
- 6,200ft
- High point
- 5,286ft
- Low point
- 2,054ft
Profile of the 50K course
THE RACE
The same trails William Bartram — “The Naturalist” — walked in the late 1700s. You start in downtown Franklin, NC and climb the Bartram Trail from Wallace Branch to Wayah Bald, roughly eleven miles of going up. The 25K carries over 5,500 feet of climbing. The 50K carries over 8,500.
THE NATURALIST
Trail Map
EVERY EDITION
2 races
CREW UP
Volunteer with Bad Beard Events
Our races run on volunteer power.
Course marshals, aid stations, packet pickup, finish-line cheer squads. You don't need experience. Bring a thermos, decent layers, and a willingness to clap loudly. We'll plug you in.