About the Race and Shelby Farms Park
The Viper 300 takes place inside Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, TN, one of the largest urban parks in the country and a truly unique setting for an endurance race. This event brings runners together on a 33.4-mile loop that blends smooth paved greenways with winding dirt trails, creating a fast, runnable course surrounded by lakes, woods, and wide-open natural landscapes. From the first mile to the final stretch into Hyde Lake, the course is designed to keep you moving, engaged, and pushing forward. Along the way, runners may encounter local wildlife, including deer and even buffalo roaming in the distance, adding to the one-of-a-kind experience of racing through this incredible park.
Shelby Farms Park isn’t just a race venue—it’s an experience. While runners are out on the course, crews and families have access to everything the park has to offer, including coffee at Bell Tower, dining at Coastal Fish Company, zip lining, fishing, horseback riding, paddle boats, kayaks and canoes, frisbee golf, and miles of trails to explore. There is also a massive Discovery Playground located right next to the Tour De Wolf (TDW) Aid Station, making it a perfect hub for families and kids to enjoy while cheering on runners throughout the race.
With a course built for performance and a venue that delivers both beauty and energy, the Viper offers something rare—a race where the challenge is real, the setting is unforgettable, and the entire experience, for both runners and their supporters, is second to none.
Dates and Times
Race Week: March 8–13, 2027
300 Mile – Monday, March 8 at 7:00 AM
200 Mile – Wednesday, March 10 at 7:00 AM
100 Mile – Friday, March 12 at 7:00 AM
53K (Friday Night) – Friday, March 12 at 5:00 PM
25K – Saturday, March 13 at 8:00 AM
All races conclude: Saturday, March 13 at 12:00 AM (Midnight)
All distances finish at Hyde Lake, bringing every runner together for a powerful final stretch and unforgettable finish.
Packet Pickup
Packet pickup for all races will take place on Sunday, March 7th from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Hyde Lake Pavilion inside Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, TN, which also serves as the main start/finish area for the event. All runners, regardless of distance, should plan to pick up their race materials during this time to ensure a smooth and organized race week.
Packet pickup will resume throughout race week at Hyde Lake Pavilion:
Monday, March 8: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday, March 13: 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM
Race merchandise will be available for purchase during packet pickup, including hoodies, hats, jackets, and more, giving you a chance to grab exclusive Viper gear before and during race week. This is also a great opportunity to check out the venue, get familiar with the start/finish area, and connect with other runners before and during the event.
Swag / Awards
Every runner at the Viper will take home high-quality, race-specific swag designed to match the scale of the event and the distance you take on.
300 Mile Runners will have 5 swag options to choose from:
Hooded puffer jacket with the Viper 300 logo embroidered
Viper 300 hoodie (Bella Canvas Fleece collection hoodie)
Backpack with logo
Sweatpants with logo
Hat with logo
200 Mile Runners will have 3 swag options to choose from:
Jacket with Viper 200 embroidered logo
Backpack with embroidered Viper 200 logo
Hat with Viper 200 logo
100 Mile Runners will have 3 swag options to choose from:
Backpack with Viper 100 logo
Hat with Viper 100 logo
Long-sleeve fleece shirt with Viper 100 logo (shirt color is blue)
53K Runners receive a long-sleeve hooded thin performance shirt with logo
25K Runners receive a short-sleeve race T-shirt with logo
Each distance will receive custom finisher awards designed to match the accomplishment:
300 Mile Finishers receive a custom buckle
Special Sub-100 Hour Buckles awarded to qualifying finisher
200 Mile Finishers receive a custom buckle
100 Mile Finishers receive a custom buckle and finisher medal
Special Sub-24 Hour Buckles awarded to qualifying 100 mile finishers
53K Finishers receive a custom finisher medal
25K Finishers receive a custom finisher medal
OVERALL AWARDS
Awards will be given to the Top 3 Overall Male and Female finishers in each distance:
From your first mile to your finish, the Viper delivers an experience—and the swag and awards to match it.
Locations and Parking
The Viper 300 takes place at Hyde Lake Pavilion inside Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, TN, which serves as the main start/finish line and central hub for the entire event.
Parking for the race will be located at the Tour De Wolf (TDW) Pavilion Aid Station parking area, where runners will pass by their vehicles twice each loop, creating easy and consistent access to personal gear, nutrition, and crew support. This setup allows runners to stay efficient without needing to go far off course, making it a huge advantage throughout the race.
Please follow all posted signage and volunteer directions when arriving to ensure a smooth and organized parking experience for all participants and spectators.
Live Tracking
Live tracking will be available for the 300-mile, 200-mile, and 100-mile runners using Legends Tracking, allowing friends, family, and crews to follow along in real time throughout race week. This adds another level of excitement and support, giving those back home the ability to stay connected to your progress every step of the way.
Tracking links will be provided prior to race week and shared on our social media channels so your crew and supporters can easily follow your journey from start to finish.
Aid Station Information
The Viper is built around a 33.4-mile loop with consistent, reliable support designed to keep you moving efficiently throughout race week. Below is a full breakdown of aid stations, crew access, and drop bag logistics.
AID STATION LOCATIONS (PER LOOP)
Bridge Water Station — Mile 7.4 & Mile 14.4
Unmanned water station for 300M & 200M runners
Refuge Water Station — Mile 10.8
Unmanned water station early in the week (crew access during daylight hours only)
TDW Aid Station — Mile 20.8
Fully crewed aid station with drop bags allowed
Sleep station available (cots, pillows, blankets)
TDW Aid Station — Mile 27.0
Fully crewed aid station with drop bags allowed
Sleep station available (cots, pillows, blankets)
Hyde Lake Aid Station — Mile 33.4 (Start/Finish / Loop Completion)
Main hub of the race with crew access and drop bags allowed
Sleep station available (cots, pillows, blankets)
AID STATION SETUP
Before Friday at 7:00 AM (300M & 200M runners):
2 unmanned water stations:
Bridge — Mile 7.4 & 14.4
Refuge — Mile 10.8
2 fully manned aid stations:
TDW (hit twice per loop)
Hyde Lake (Start/Finish)
Beginning Friday at 7:00 AM:
3 fully manned aid stations per loop
300M & 200M runners: all stations fully staffed, including Refuge
100M & 53K runners: 3 fully manned aid stations each loop
BRIDGE AID STATION (FRIDAY NIGHT – 53K SUPPORT)
The Bridge Aid Station will normally operate as an unmanned water station, but during the 53K race window it will be upgraded to a fully supported aid station.
Fully manned from 5:00 PM to Midnight (Friday night)
Located at:
Mile 7.4
Mile 14.4 (same location, hit twice)
This station will be fully stocked with hydration and nutrition during this time.
All runners (300, 200, and 100 milers) on the course during these hours may use this aid station.
CREW ACCESS
100 Mile & 53K Runners:
Crew access allowed at all fully manned aid stations (except Bridge Aid Station during 53k race)
300 Mile & 200 Mile Runners:
Refuge (Mile 10.8):
Crew access sunrise to sunset (Monday–Thursday)
24-hour access Friday–Saturday
Once all aid stations are fully manned on Friday morning, all manned aid stations become crew accessible
DROP BAGS
Drop bags are permitted at:
Hyde Lake Aid Station (Start/Finish – Mile 33.4)
TDW Aid Station (Miles 20.8 & 27.0)
No drop bags allowed for 25K runners
A fully manned aid station is available at the Start/Finish after every loop
25K runners will pass through the TDW Aid Station twice during their race (mile 3 and mile 9)
Race Rules
Please read carefully. It’s every runner’s responsibility to know all the rules. These are common rules in ultras and not overly restrictive. In our experience, the ultra-community is very trustworthy, and intentional rule-breaking is rare—issues typically come from not fully understanding the rules.
NO DROPPING DOWN IN DISTANCE:
You must complete the distance you signed up for. If you register for the 100-mile, you must complete 100 miles or receive a DNF.
NO MULING:
Runners must carry all their own gear, food, and water. Pacers may not give runners any supplies outside of fully manned aid stations. At manned aid stations, pacers and crew may assist as needed.
NO CREWING OUTSIDE AID STATIONS:
Crew may only assist at fully manned aid stations. No outside assistance is allowed anywhere else on the course.
STAY ON COURSE:
You must follow the marked course at all times. Cutting the course or missing sections will result in disqualification. No time adjustments, no exceptions.
NO LITTERING:
Littering anywhere on the course, at aid stations, or at the finish line is strictly prohibited.
COMPLETE ON FOOT ONLY:
The course must be completed on foot. No assistance from vehicles, bicycles, animals, or anything else (you get the idea).
TREKKING POLES:
Allowed, but please be courteous to other runners when using them.
HEADPHONES:
Allowed, but please remove them when approaching aid stations and stay aware of other runners passing.
PASSING ETIQUETTE:
Be aware of your surroundings and respectful when runners are passing.
CREW & PACER RESPONSIBILITY:
You are responsible for your crew and pacer. Any inappropriate behavior may result in disqualification.
RESPECT EVERYONE:
Be respectful to volunteers, staff, other runners, and park users. Being rude or disruptive is grounds for disqualification.
MEDICAL RULE:
If you receive an IV, oxygen, or have a serious injury, your race is over.
NO STASHING SUPPLIES:
No caching food, water, or gear on the course. Drop bags are only allowed at designated aid stations.
PACERS & CREW RULES:
If using a pacer or crew, you must follow all rules outlined in the Aid Station and Pacers sections.
GENERAL RULE:
No cheating. If you’re unsure whether something is allowed, ask beforehand.
Pacers
Pacers will be permitted for the 300-mile, 200-mile, and 100-mile distances only. No pacers are allowed for the 53K or 25K.
Runners are permitted to have ONE pacer at a time.
Pacers can be picked up at the Start/Finish Aid Station (Hyde Lake) and the Tour De Wolf (TDW) Aid Station.
Pacers may begin pacing:
300 mile: after 5 loops (167 miles)
200 mile: after 3 loops (100 miles)
100 mile: after 2 loops (66.8 miles)
Pacers may NOT carry water, food, flashlights, clothing, or any supplies for their runner. Muling is strictly prohibited and will result in disqualification.
Each pacer must pick up a pacer bib/number and sign a release form at Packet Pickup before pacing. No exceptions.
Pacers must enter and leave aid stations with their runner and clearly identify themselves to aid station volunteers. Pacers may take aid from aid stations.
Pacers must stay with their runner at all times and may not run ahead. If the runner drops, the pacer must drop as well. The only exception is a true emergency where the pacer goes ahead to get help—in this case, the runner will be removed from the race for safety.
Pacers may carry their own supplies and nutrition only.
Pacers may not continue on course without their registered runner.
The pacer is a companion, not a leader—the runner is responsible for navigating and leading on the course.
While pacers are allowed, this race can absolutely be completed without one. Road shoes work well on this course, though having a pair of trail shoes is recommended. Trekking poles are allowed but not required.
Deferrals & Refunds
All registrations for the Viper 300 are non-refundable and non-transferable. No refunds and no bib transfers will be permitted.
Entries may be deferred for race credit based on the following timeline:
50% race credit if deferred at least 60 days prior to the race
25% race credit if deferred at least 30 days prior to the race
No race credit after March 1st, 2026
A runner may change distances as long as spots are available in the requested race. Refunds will not be issued if a runner chooses to move to a shorter distance.
These policies are in place due to the planning, permits, and resources required to organize an event of this size.
Viper 25k Information
The Viper 25K is the perfect introduction to the Viper experience, offering a fast, fun, and challenging course that showcases the best of Shelby Farms Park. Runners will cover approximately 15.5 miles, made up of a mix of paved greenways and dirt trails, giving you a little bit of everything this course has to offer.
25K Course Overview
The course consists of 9.5 miles of paved trails and 6 miles of dirt trails through Shelby Farms Park. The first 3.5 miles are on paved trails before reaching the Tour de Wolf (TDW) Aid Station. From there, you will run 6 miles on the Tour de Wolf dirt trail loop, returning to the TDW Aid Station again. The final 6.2 miles are back on paved trails leading to the finish line.
You may place a drop bag at the TDW Aid Station, and many runners choose to switch into trail shoes here for the dirt loop and then change back into road shoes before heading out for the final paved section. Depending on where you park, you will pass near your car around Mile 3 and again around Mile 9.5, making it easy to plan ahead.
Course Navigation
At approximately Mile 1.5, be sure to turn right and follow the 25K signs. There will be course signs at key intersections and turns, and if you don’t see a directional sign, simply follow the orange ground flags. All flags will be placed on the right side of the trail, along with orange confidence ribbons hanging from tree limbs. Some sections—especially on the Chickasaw paved trails—will be run in both directions, so please stay aware of other runners.
Finish Line
A fully stocked aid station will be waiting for you at the finish line, and your car will be approximately ½ mile away, depending on where you parked.
This distance is great for first-time trail runners, road runners looking to mix it up, or anyone wanting to be part of the Viper race weekend without taking on the longer distances. Fast, approachable, and still a challenge—the 25K delivers.
Photographer
Professional race photography will be provided throughout race week, capturing the full experience—from the early miles to the final finish line moments at Hyde Lake. Our photographers will be positioned across the course and at key locations to document your journey, so you can relive the effort, emotion, and accomplishment long after the race is over.
We have one of the best in the sport joining us as the official race photographer—Jenny Thorson. Jenny is bringing her incredible talent to capture the best shots of all runners and their race experience. Her work has been featured multiple times on the front cover of UltraRunning Magazine (March 2023 and November 2021) and she has been published numerous times with photos and articles, including coverage of the Mamba 100 in the March 2024 issue. Your photo from the Viper just might make it into UltraRunning Magazine.
All race photos will be provided free to runners, giving you high-quality images to download, share, and celebrate your finish.
Please wear your bib on the front so Jenny can easily identify you as a Viper runner and capture your photo. With many visitors in the park, a bib on your back makes it difficult to distinguish runners from other park guests.
Viper Course Loop - 33.4 miles
Route map for Viper 300 Route 2026 by James Boler on plotaroute.com
