TEST SUBJECTS WANTED - Apply Below
We wanted to see what would happen if a trail race asked runners to think as much as they move, and step outside the lines a bit. An Experiment uses a marked trail as the core, but optional off-trail attacks accumulate time bonuses to create a half-marathon experience that rewards curiosity, decision-making, and smart risk. Inspired by the idea of Barkley, designed for normal humans.
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LENGTH: Half-marathon–ish (with strategy-driven twists)
DISCIPLINES: Trail Running • Strategy • Optional Off-Trail Travel
DISTANCES: Core route is 13.1 miles; visiting all 10 optional checkpoints pushes total mileage closer to ~15 miles.
CHECKPOINTS: 10 total, each with an assigned time bonus
WHERE: Paintsville Lake State Park, KY
WHEN: Saturday, June 27, 2026
WHO: Open to runners of all experience levels - no navigation background neededTHE COURSE:
This is a thinking runner’s race. You’ll follow a fully marked trail, while optional off-trail checkpoints offer time bonuses that reward smart decisions. Attack points to those checkpoints are clearly flagged in the field and designed to add strategy - not stress. Bonuses will be known, navigation is simple; how you choose to run the course is the real challenge.THE TWIST:
Right before the start, two checkpoints will be randomly drawn from the ten total and declared mandatory. These two must be visited to avoid penalties - they don’t earn time bonuses, but skipping either one converts its bonus into a time penalty instead!Everything else is up to you. Chase extra checkpoints for bonuses, play it safe, take a few smart risks or just run a trail-half if that’s your thing!
COST: $75
|| REGISTRATION IS CLOSED ||
No-pressure pricing here. Sign up when you’re ready to commit to adventure - the price stays the same. -
Registration Includes
Race-branded cooling neck gaiter (buff).
A fully marked trail course
Ten thoughtfully placed checkpoints with time bonuses
Clearly flagged attack points for optional off-trail routes
Post-race meal: soup beans and cornbread, Ramble-style
Aid station support at the half-way point
“I Did Something Cool” commemorative sticker
A relaxed, low-pressure race atmosphere built to try something new
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Saturday — June 27
Check-In: 9:00- 9:45 AM
Pre-Race Briefing and “Mandatory” Checkpoint Drawing: 9:45am
Race Start: 10:00 AM
Race Cutoff: 3:00 PM
attack point
/əˈtak ˌpoint/
noun
A clearly identifiable feature near a checkpoint that serves as a reliable reference when leaving a trail or known location. Used to simplify navigation by providing a confident starting place for short, precise travel to the checkpoint.
The Course
The Start/Finish is at the Paintsville Lake State Park shelters, following a well-flagged out-and-back route along the Fishermen’s Trail, Kiwanis, and Rocky Knob. Expect a hilly, mostly off-road experience with roughly 95% of the course on doubletrack and trail. The route is heavily shaded with lots of views of the lake. Two major climbs define the effort: the long one up Rocky Knob and the punchy climb back out from the Glade Branch turnaround aid station. At the halfway point, the aid station will be stocked with water, electrolytes, homemade calories, and snacks before sending you back home.
This is the core course only.
“But the moment’s finally come
And there won’t be time to change your mind
Can you run?”
FAQ
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Camp right at Paintsville Lake State Park or check out area lodging from the Paintsville Tourism Recommendations.
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Expect a relaxed, well-run trail event with a strategic twist. You’ll be moving through familiar trail terrain, but with the added element of optional off-trail fun.
What’s different is the choice. You’ll decide whether to chase time bonuses, when to step off trail, and how much risk you want to take. Some runners will keep it simple and cruise the trail. Others will experiment a bit. Both approaches are completely valid - and that’s the point.
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No navigation experience is required. The trail is fully marked, mile markers are posted, and attack points are clearly flagged. This race is about strategy and choice, not traditional orienteering skills.
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You can race hard, experiment strategically, or keep things relaxed. Some runners will chase every bonus, others will stick to the trail. Both approaches are encouraged.
No rush here - generous cutoff, and we won’t pack up until you finish.
These events run best with a few extra hands. If you’ve got friends or family coming along, or know someone who wants to spend a laid-back day outside helping runners try something new, we’d love to have them join the volunteer crew.
“What a fantastic race! Great course design. Food was perfect. The buff is great… and the prizes were delicious!”
Johnson County Trail Towns is our community partner for this event.
They are a big part of what makes outdoor recreation thrive in our hometown. Their work supports trail access, community connection, and stewardship while celebrating the natural landscape and small-town character that define this area.
If you’ve raced our Homeplace Ramble before, you’ll know this event has taken many forms over the past couple of years - from two-day stage races, swims with backpacks, paddling… and we’re not afraid to keep experimenting. We hope you aren’t either.