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.

LET ME KNOW WHEN REGISTRATION OPENS

• Race Snapshot

  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 needed

  THE COURSE:
  This is a thinking runner’s race. You’ll follow a fully marked trail with mile markers, 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 Opening Soon
  Registration Closes: June 22
  
  No-pressure pricing here. Sign up when you’re ready to commit to adventure - the price stays the same.

• What You Get

  Registration Includes

  • Premium race-branded swag (exact item announced soon)

  • A fully marked trail course with clear mile markers

  • Ten thoughtfully placed checkpoints with time bonuses

  • Clearly flagged attack points for optional off-trail routes

  • Post-race meal: soup beans and taters, 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

• Schedule (Tentative)

  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.

“But the moment’s finally come
And there won’t be time to change your mind
Can you run?”

— The SteelDrivers

COMING SOON

---

FAQ

• Where should I stay?

  Camp right at Paintsville Lake State Park or check out area lodging from the Paintsville Tourism Recommendations.

• What should I expect?

  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.

• Do I need navigation experience?

  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.

• How competitive is this race?

  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.

Consider Volunteering

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.

---

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.