Long-distance footraces seek permits in Wild & Scenic Corridor

COMMENTS DUE OCTOBER 19TH, 2026

The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) is seeking public input on new proposed permits for commercial use of national forest land in the Chattooga River watershed. The proposal would allow two competitive, long-distance footrace events to take place on public national forest land in and around the Chattooga River watershed in SC, GA, and NC.

In a letter announcing the proposed permits, USFS did not disclose the names of the organizations, intended routes, or proposed event schedules, but did state that the race courses would enter the Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor. Chattooga Conservancy has since obtained further details from USFS, as follows:

The proposal would issue one-time permits to two separate commercial events, organized by Run Bum Tours and Warrior Races, respectively.

• Run Bum Tours race proposed for March 10–14, 2027. (See below for USFS agency-specific map of the course through public land.)
• Warrior Races event proposed for April 9–11, 2027. (See below for USFS agency-specific map of the course through public land.)

If authorized, USFS intends to use these events to evaluate “whether similar events may be permitted in the future.”

Chattooga Conservancy will update this post as we examine the proposal more closely. Our initial concerns include:

• Expanded commercial use of the Wild & Scenic Chattooga River corridor. USFS uses “established use,” or commercial uses that have previously occurred, to assess and authorize future permits. But this only works in one direction. Once use is established, it is hard to walk back.
• Potential resource damage. The events would concentrate more human activity along the proposed race course than typically occurs within a three-day period for many stretches in the Chattooga River watershed. Sensitive areas, like riparian zones and tributary creek crossings/fords might experience negative impacts from higher-volume use.
• Potential conflicts with special management areas. Both proposed racecourses run along the boundary of the Ellicott Rock Wilderness. Commercial races are not allowed in Wilderness or Wilderness Study Areas. Both proposed racecourses run along the boundary of and within the Ellicott Rock Extension (aka Ellicott Rock 2 Roadless Area). According to the Sumter Forest Plan, “commercial and organized group size is limited to 12” in the Ellicott Rock Extension. Both proposed racecourses use the Chattooga River Trail through a wild-designated segment of the Chattooga Wild & Scenic Corridor. Management of wild segments “is focused on protecting the outstandingly remarkable values of the river and preserving the natural environment and natural processes from human influences.”

Public input will be accepted on the proposed permits via email through October 19th, 2026. Read the full USFS letter HERE.

How to Provide Feedback:
Email: sm.fs.aprd@usda.gov
Mail: 112 Andrew Pickens Circle, Mountain Rest, SC 29664
Hand Delivery: Andrew Pickens Ranger District Office, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 112
Andrew Pickens Circle, Mountain Rest, S.C. 29664

Please include “Long Distance Trail Event feedback” in the subject line of your correspondence.