Swamp Stomper 50k/25k
About the race
The Swamp Stomper 50k/25k has taken place annually in Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park since 2006. This year marks the 22nd running of Swamp Stomper.
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, or simply "The Forest" as many local trail runners call it, is a common destination for area trail runners looking for a solid workout and a quiet place to escape to. The park trails and race course offer a little bit of everything, from fast flowing sections to tough climbs and technical descents.
This is a not for profit event. 100% of the proceeds go back to the trails.
Awards and prizes
Finisher's medal
All finishers will receive a custom designed finisher's medal.
Awards
The top three male and female 50K and 25K finishers will receive custom designed awards.
Red Loop Challenge prize money (50K)
- $20 bills to the first male and first female through the Red Loop Aid Station (Mile 4.7) the first time.
- $50 bills to the first male and first female through the Red Loop Aid Station (Mile 21) the second time.
Red Loop Challenge prize money (25K)
- $50 bills to the first male and first female through the Red Loop Aid Station (Mile 4.7).
Last Turkey on Trail award
The last 50K runner to finish under the cutoff time will receive a special Last Turkey on Trail award.
Drop bags and shirts
There is one drop bag location for 50K runners, at the Start/Finish by the aid station. It is the only drop bag location on the course.
The deadline to guarantee a shirt is 1/4/2027.
Race day packet pickup
Packet pickup is available on race morning at Start/Finish.
- 6:45 am to 7:15 am for 50K and 25K runners.
- 7:40 am to 8:15 am for 25K runners.
Start location
The race starts at Shelby Forest Nature Center, 361 Grassy Lake Rd, Millington, TN 38053.
Hilde Haynes Memorial Award and past recipients
Hilde Haynes (1943-2013) Memorial Award
In memory of Hilde's endless spirit and sportsmanship, her love for trails and running and people.
Past recipients
- 2023: Magdalena Casper-Shipp
- 2022: Sean and April Hilsdon (April Hilsdon 2022 AT 100 26:46:33)
- 2021: James Holland (2021 AT100 24:46:20)
- 2019: Brian Williams
- 2018: Katie Helms (2018 AT100 27:45:36)
- 2017: Deb Baker (2017 AT100 28:54:21)
- 2016: Beth Garrison (2016 AT100 27:40:02)
- 2015: Andrea Stack (2015 AT100 29:21:41)
- 2014: Sarah Harris (2014 AT(Arkansas Traveller)100 28:44:36)
Cabins
Meeman-Shelby Forest has six two-bedroom standard cabins along the shoreline of Poplar Tree Lake in a heavily wooded section of the park. The newly renovated cabins sleep up to six people. Each has two bedrooms with one bed each, plus one full size pull out couch. In cabins 1 to 5 the beds are queen size; in cabin 6 they are full size.
Reservations may be made in advance through the visitor center or online.
Volunteers
This race is not possible without the efforts of our volunteers. Each year many volunteers generously donate their time and energy, sometimes braving the worst of conditions to make this race a success. Many thanks to everyone who has offered their service to the race over the years.
Delta Amateur Radio Club
Each year the Delta Amateur Radio Club generously contributes their time and resources to help keep our runners safe and accounted for on the trails. They also go above and beyond to support all of our aid station volunteers. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to them for their contributions year after year.
Cutoffs and course rules
- In the interest of safety for our runners and volunteers, all cutoff times will be strictly enforced.
What your entry includes
The course
50K
25K
The race course is 99% single-track trail and makes use of the Pioneer Springs Trail (blue blazes), Woodland Trail (red loop), and Chickasaw Bluff Trail (white blazes). The 25K is an out-and-back course. The 50K is a double out-and-back of the same course as the 25K.
Race weekend schedule
Location
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, Millington, TN, USA Open in Google Maps
City insight: Millington
Millington is a city in Shelby County, Tennessee, and is part of the Memphis metropolitan area. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 10,582, and it has been recognized by the Tennessee State Legislature as the "Flag City Tennessee." The Naval Support Activity Mid-South occupies the former Memphis Naval Air Station, and the city also has a general aviation airport with one of the longest runways in the state. Summers in Memphis are hot and humid and winters are mild but can be cold and damp, so spring and autumn are the best seasons for running or racing.
Know from the athletes
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