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The Last Annual VOL STATE ROAD RACE is coming through town

Posted on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 1:50 pm

King of the Mountain, Chris Varnadoe is the first runner to complete the course this year with a completion time of 3 days, 11 hours, 29 minutes and 29 seconds.
photo courtesy of Bev Reed

An annual event is going on this week and the participants are going through Marion County from Monteagle through Jasper and South Pittsburg on their way to “the rock” in Castle Rock, GA.

They started on July 11 at the Dorena Hickman Ferry in Missouri and have to finish the 314 mile race in 10 days.  121 racers started and as of now 41 have already dropped.  You can see their progress on www.vacationwithoutacar.com and also see their comments and pictures on the LAVS FB page.

They are a tough group that are making their way south in the heat, sleeping in fields and eating whatever they can find at convenience stores. Many are mistaken for homeless. Many are coming down Tracy Mountain in the next few days. Saturday is the final day.

Road Angels or locals who set up a place for them to rest outside (they can’t go inside anyone’s house or car) are a blessing to them.

If you happen to see some of these racers in the area, give them some encouragement on their journey.

Submitted by Bev Reed