Upcoming
Saturday, October 3, 2026
THE NATURALIST 2026
25K & 50K · Franklin, NC
About The Naturalist
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.
All editions
THE NATURALIST ARCHIVE
Volunteer
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.