About the Race and Shelby Farms Park
The Viper takes place inside Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, Tennessee, one of the largest urban parks in the country and one of the most unique venues for an endurance race. Runners will experience a 33.4-mile loop that combines smooth paved greenways with winding dirt trails, creating a fast, runnable course surrounded by lakes, forests, and wide-open natural landscapes. From the opening miles to the finish near Hyde Lake, the course is designed to keep runners moving, engaged, and motivated. Along the way, runners may encounter local wildlife, including deer and even the park's famous buffalo grazing in the distance, adding to the unforgettable experience of racing through one of the premier outdoor destinations in the Mid-South.
Shelby Farms Park offers much more than just a race venue—it's a destination for the entire family. While runners are out on the course, crews and spectators can enjoy everything the park has to offer, including coffee at Bell Tower, dining at Coastal Fish Company, zip lining, fishing, horseback riding, paddle boats, kayaks, canoes, disc golf, and miles of scenic trails to explore. The Discovery Playground, located next to the Tour de Wolf Aid Station, provides a perfect gathering place for families and children while cheering on runners throughout the event.
The Viper combines a fast, well-designed course with an incredible venue, creating an experience that is both challenging and rewarding. Whether you're chasing a personal best, tackling a new distance, or simply looking for an unforgettable day on the trails, Shelby Farms Park provides the perfect setting for an endurance event unlike any other in the Mid-South.
Dates, Times, and Cutoff
Race Week: March 19–20, 2027
100 Mile – Friday, March 19 at 7:00 AM (41-hour cutoff)
107K (66.8 Miles) – Friday, March 19 at 5:00 PM (31-hour cutoff)
53K – Saturday, March 20 at 8:00 AM (16-hour cutoff)
25K – Saturday, March 20 at 9:00 AM (15-hour cutoff)
All race distances finish at Hyde Lake, bringing every runner together for an exciting final stretch and unforgettable finish.
Important Notes:
Daylight Saving Time will already be in effect, providing additional evening daylight.
All race distances conclude at Midnight on Saturday, March 20, 2027.
Every finisher will cross the same finish line at Hyde Lake, creating an incredible atmosphere throughout race weekend.
Packet Pickup
Packet pickup will take place on Thursday, March 18, 2027, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Hyde Lake Pavilion, located inside Shelby Farms Park. The Hyde Lake Pavilion also serves as the official start and finish line for all race distances.
If you are unable to pick up your packet on Thursday, packet pickup will reopen at 9:00 AM on Friday, March 19, and will remain open until the start of your race. This allows runners in all race distances to pick up their bib, race shirt, and other race materials before their scheduled start time.
Locations and Parking
The Viper 100 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
100 mile and 100k runners will be live tracked.
Aid Station Information
The Viper features four fully stocked aid station locations throughout the course, providing runners with consistent support from start to finish. Every aid station is stocked with hydration, nutrition, and enthusiastic volunteers ready to help you reach your goal.
Aid Station Locations (Per 33.4-Mile Loop)
Bridge Aid Station
Miles 7.4 & 14.4 (same aid station, visited twice each loop)
Located beneath the Walnut Grove Road Bridge, this aid station provides hydration, nutrition, and volunteer support. Crew access is not permitted at this location.
Refuge Aid Station
Mile 10.8
Located at the Wolf River Refuge Trailhead, this fully stocked aid station offers hydration, nutrition, and crew access throughout race weekend.
Tour de Wolf (TDW) Aid Station
Miles 20.8 & 27.0 (same aid station, visited twice each loop)
The TDW Aid Station is one of the primary hubs on the course and is fully stocked with food, hydration, and medical support. Crew access is permitted, and this location also serves as an official drop bag location.
Hyde Lake Pavilion (Start/Finish)
Mile 33.4
The Hyde Lake Pavilion serves as race headquarters, the start/finish line, and the final aid station on each loop. This station is fully stocked with hydration, hot food, and race support. It also offers crew access, drop bags, and a sleep station equipped with cots, pillows, and blankets for runners competing in the longer distances.
Crew Access
Crew members are welcome at the following aid stations:
Refuge Aid Station
Tour de Wolf (TDW) Aid Station
Hyde Lake Pavilion (Start/Finish)
Crew access is not permitted at the Bridge Aid Station.
Drop bags are permitted at:
Hyde Lake Pavilion (Start/Finish)
Tour de Wolf (TDW) Aid Station
Please clearly label all drop bags with your name and race distance before dropping them off.
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 are permitted for the 100 Mile and 107K races only. Pacers are not permitted for the 53K or 25K.
Runners may have one pacer on the course at a time.
When Pacers May Begin
100 Mile: After completing one full loop (33.4 miles).
107K: After completing one full loop (33.4 miles).
Once eligible, a pacer may join their runner at any crew-accessible aid station during the second loop, including the Wolf River Refuge Aid Station, Tour de Wolf (TDW) Aid Station, or Hyde Lake Pavilion (Start/Finish). Pacers may also leave the course and be replaced by another pacer at any crew-accessible aid station, provided only one pacer is accompanying the runner at any time.
Pacer Rules
Each pacer must sign a waiver and receive a pacer bib before entering the course.
Pacers may not carry water, food, clothing, lights, or any other supplies for their runner. Muling is strictly prohibited and may result in disqualification.
Pacers may carry their own food, hydration, and gear.
Pacers must remain with their runner and may not run ahead.
If a runner drops from the race, their pacer must also leave the course. The only exception is a true emergency in which the pacer goes ahead to seek assistance.
Pacers may utilize aid stations alongside their runner but must enter and leave aid stations with their runner.
The runner is responsible for following the course markings and navigation. Pacers are there for encouragement, safety, and companionship—not to lead the course.
While pacers are available for the longer distances, many runners successfully complete the Viper without one. The course is well marked and highly runnable. Road shoes work well on much of the course, although trail shoes are recommended. Trekking poles are permitted but are not required.
Deferrals & Refunds
All registrations for the Viper 100 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, 2027
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.
Viper Course Loop - 33.4 miles
Route map for Viper 300 Route 2026 by James Boler on plotaroute.com
