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The Caving Cow 5K & Half Marathon

Name: The Caving Cow 5K & Half Marathon
Start: 2026-04-18T07:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-04-18T13:00:00+00:00
Location: Cumberland Caverns

April 18 @ 7:00 am - 1:00 pm

A male runner in a red shirt and headlamp navigates a wide, sandy-floored passage deep within Cumberland Caverns, surrounded by rugged limestone walls and warm, ambient cave lighting.

On April 18, 2026, prepare for a race that defies the ordinary. Set against the rugged backdrop of Cardwell Mountain in McMinnville, TN, the Caving Cow takes you on a sensory journey through diverse terrain. For those who love the technical challenge of the woods, our 5K and Half Marathon trail events offer a mix of double and single-track routes woven with rocks, roots, and elevation.

New for 2026 is a 5K Road Race, a 3-mile paved adventure featuring 318 feet of gain for those who prefer the speed of the road with a spectacular twist. Regardless of the path you choose, every distance culminates in an “epic” finish: a .88-mile out-and-back through the depths of Cumberland Caverns. As you navigate the subterranean dark by the light of your headlamp, you will receive a glow stick at the turnaround to carry as a beacon toward the finish line. Every participant is supported by chip timing, two aid stations, a “Caving Cow” race shirt, and a swag bag of goodies.