SINCE 1979, Lazarus Lake has organized the annual Strolling Jim Ultra 40 Marathon in Wartrace, Tennessee. According to Lake, some of the best runners in the world have been to Bedford County for the Strolling Jim, the second oldest continually held ultramarathon in the United States. This legendary race begins at the Well House in downtown Wartrace and covers 41.2 miles of scenic roads before ending at the Strolling Jim historical marker in front of the Walking Horse Hotel. Runners can enjoy the meandering rolling hills, native wildflowers, picturesque farms, and wildlife along the route. The race has routinely attracted runners from all 50 states and at least seven other countries who enjoy the friendly atmosphere and Southern hospitality of Bell Buckle and Wartrace.
Held the first Saturday of each May, the Ultra Marathon has a 95% completion rate, which is astounding considering the length of this “ultra” challenging course. According to Lake, almost 4,000 people have competed in the marathon over the years. Of the 156 who completed the 2023 race, 26-year-old Dan Green from Huntington, West Virginia, was the first to cross the finish line in just 4 hours, 18 minutes, and 59 seconds. Green missed beating the course record set by Zach Beavin in 2022 of 3 hours, 55 minutes, and 44 seconds, which earned Beavin $6,000. Finishing second, in 4 hours, 57 minutes, and 11 seconds, was 40-year-old Allison Mercer from Atlanta, Georgia. Mercer’s finish time allowed reigning champion Camille Herron, who finished in 4 hours, 44 minutes, and 1 second in 2022, to keep her title another year. Potential winnings increase by $1,000 every year that the course record remains unbeaten, according to Lake.
Besides the 40-miler, participants could also race in the marathon, the half marathon, or the 10K. Eric Waterman received first place in the marathon after completing it in 3 hours, 8 minutes, and 49 seconds. Owen Bradley finished the half marathon in 1 hour, 34 minutes, and 46 seconds. Sean Giffin was the first to complete the 10K in 41 minutes and 45 seconds. Three noteworthy participants in the 40-miler were all 76, and the oldest runner, 80-year-old Janet Lowe from Cookeville, took part in the 10K, proving that age really is just a number.
Lake said they raised $9,000 in this latest race and, through the years, have been able to donate roughly $100,000 to the East Bedford Civic Club, which benefits Cascade High School. “After almost 50 years, most people in Bedford County can’t remember a time when we didn’t have a Strolling Jim,” said Lake. “Now, we have all kinds of different distances, and we welcome locals to come out and enjoy a little foot tour of the pretty countryside where they live. It’s also a terrific way to support our schools.”
Slip on your running shoes because the 2024 Strolling Jim Ultra Marathon starts on May 4. GN
