Cancer Active proudly presents the 5th Annual Not-A-Sprint Ultra Races, an endurance event that welcomes all — from elite ultra runners chasing 50+ miles to walkers soaking in the spirit of community and purpose. Whether you’re pushing for a PR or pacing yourself through your first endurance challenge, this event is Not-A-Sprint.
Held on the scenic and flat Thermal Belt Rail Trail, this 8.34-mile out-and-back paved course starts and finishes at the Pavilion on Park Square (POPS) in Forest City. Aid stations are well-stocked, the course is low on elevation (only 95 ft over the entire loop!), and shade covers about 35% of the route to help with end of Summer heat.
To learn more about Cancer Active or any of these events, please visit www.becanceractive.org.
Who Should Race?
Experienced ultrarunners: Test your endurance with a shot at 50 miles or more. Complete 6 laps (50.1 miles) in 12 hours and earn a custom “Not-A-Sprint” belt buckle.
New or recovering athletes: Walk, jog, or run your race — this course is flat, shaded, well-supported, and welcoming. You choose the pace and the challenge.
Relay teams: Share the journey with friends. Each runner must complete at least one lap — you decide the rest.
Race Date: Sunday, September 6
12 Hour – 6:00 AM; 6 Hour – 6:30 AM; 3 Hour – 7:00 AM
Registration
Registration is now open for all 3 distances and we would love to have you join us.
Race Information
12 Hour Race
Through December 31, 2025 – $120.65
January 1, 2026-Race Day – $141.95
6 Hour Race
Through December 31, 2025 – $92.81
January 1, 2026-Race Day – $110.00
3 Hour Race
Through December 31, 2025 – $71.56
January 1, 2026-Race Day – $82.18
Prices include all taxes and fees
Coming Soon!
Each lap is 8.35 miles with 4.175 miles out and 4.175 miles back, and beginning at the Pavilion On Park Square (POPS) in Forest City and following the Thermal Belt Rail Trail North to Mill Town Brewing Company in Spindale, and then back to POPS.
There is a measly 95 feet of elevation over the entire course and it is paved the entire way. There will be few road crossings. Volunteers will be on hand to direct runners where necessary, but runners need to be aware of their surroundings at these intersections.
The course is partially to completely shaded on about 35% of the course which should help significantly with early September temperatures!
Course Map on Thermal Belt Trail
Aid Stations:
Forest City Aid Station (POPS): Stocked with water, Tailwind, snacks, and tastier treats.
Spindale Aid Station: Stocked with water and Tailwind only.
Runners can set up aid support stations under the shaded pavilion or anywhere in the POPS area, provided they do not interfere with other runners.
Course Conduct
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Follow all instructions from race officials and volunteers.
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Maintain awareness of your surroundings and run safely.
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This is an open course, which means that there may be others who are not participating in the race and will be using the Thermal Belt Rail Trails at the same time.
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Participants may use headphones on the course, but please keep the volume so that you can hear any instructions or pay attention to traffic and other runners.
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We LOVE dogs, but they are not allowed on the course.
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Individual Race Rules
Pacing:
3-hour and 6-hour runners may not have a pacer.
12-hour runners may have a pacer after 6 hours (noon).
Pacers must be 18 years or older
Pacer Registration:
Pacers must check in at the Forest City timing station and sign a liability waiver before joining their runner.
Support Crews:
Support crews may assist their runner ONLY in the Forest City aid station area.
Crews cannot assist their runner on the course or interfere with other runners and crews.
Transition Area:
All transitions between team members must occur at the start area/timing pad at the Pavilion at Park Square (POPS) in Forest City.
Runners will exchange their race bibs in the transition area
Runners shall wear their numbers on the front. If you want to run shirtless, you can attach your bib number to your shorts or bib belt.
Awards and Recognition
Mileage Counting:
Total mileage for individual runners will be counted at the Spindale turnaround (4.17 miles) and the Forest City aid station (8.35 miles).
Amenities
Amenities
There will be food, water and electrolytes available at every aid station, and various food choices throughout the day. Runners should also plan on bringing their own supplies to set up near the start/finish. Space will be provided for tables, chairs and tents for runners and their crew. There will be porta potties or public restrooms at miles 0, 4.5, 9, 13.5 and so on.
What’s Included?
T-shirt, Medal, 50-mile buckle, 50k award, Water, Electrolyte Drinks, Race Fuel, Post-Race Food, and ONE post-race beer
Drop Bags
Spindale Aid Station Drop Bags:
Drop bags must be properly labeled and ready for transport by 5:30 AM on race day.
After use, place drop bags/boxes in the designated “RETURN TO POPS” area.
Race Officials
Race officials will monitor the transition area and ensure compliance with the rules.
Medical Support
Medical personnel will be on-site in Forest City for assistance with injuries or emergencies.
Hydration and Nutrition
Ensure you stay hydrated and fueled throughout the race. Utilize the aid stations and your support crew appropriately.
Safety and Conduct
Respect for Others: Participants and support crews must respect other runners and crews, ensuring a positive and sportsmanlike atmosphere.
Coming Soon!
Mileage Counting:
Total mileage for individual runners will be counted at the Spindale turnaround (4.17 miles) and the Forest City aid station (8.35 miles).
Awards:
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Awards will be given to the top 3 male and top 3 female individual runners.
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Awards will be given to the top 3 teams
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Every runner completing 50 miles within 12 hours will receive a “Not-A-Sprint” belt buckle.
- Awards will be given immediately after the finish of each respective race.
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This will be a chip-timed event using a timing chip attached to the back of your race bib (please don’t crinkle it!). We will record your time at the turnaround point in Spindale and the Start/Finish area in Forest City. All runners will be credited with half-laps.
Dogs are allowed to hang out with your support crew at the POPS in Forest City but are not permitted to run in the race with you.
There is plenty of parking adjacent to the Pavilion on Park Square in Forest City.
This event has a No Refund policy but you may defer to 2027.
To defer your entry or transfer it to another runner, please email info@throwing-bones.org
We rely on your kindness and we promise to give it back to you!
Sign up to be a 2026 Volunteer HERE, and receive a free race shirt and FREE entry to the 2027 Cancer Active Trail Race or the 2027 Not-A-Sprint 3-6-12!
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