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Last Vol State Race Runs Through Area

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The Last Vol State Race, the annual 314 mile race across the state of Tennessee, began July 8. The race starts at Dorena Landing, Missouri, with a ferry ride across the Mississippi River to Kentucky and ends at “the Rock” atop Sand Mountain in Castle Rock, Georgia.

Racers endure miles and miles of empty road with no aid stations and account for their most basic needs: food, water and shelter. The race organization provides transportation to the start of the race, parking at the end of the race, and a bailout for anyone wishing to vacate their attempt.

Friday, July 9, we stopped Norm Bittner, 51, as he ran through McKenzie, 56 miles into the race. Norm, a racer from Maple Shade, New Jersey, traveled with a group of friends to participate in the race across Tennessee. This year’s Vol State Race is his first, following several previous 100 mile races and Iron Man races.

From past experience in races, Norm knew to be prepared for extreme weather changes. On the starting day of the race, Norm’s group experienced heavy rain about a mile and a half from the Dresden Farmer’s Market. Norm said he was the only one in his group with a poncho, and everyone was soaked as they “got dumped on” by the sudden storm. However, the race goes on—rain or shine.

Norm split from his group early Friday morning, planning to finish the race as soon as he can to go home and see his three children.

The course, an approximately five-and-a-half hour drive, is estimated to take runners four-to-ten days to finish. Norm theorized the winner of the race will finish in three-and-a-half days. His goal is to finish in five.

The race yields no real prizes other than the satisfaction of making it to “the Rock.” Norm’s motto, “Make it happen,” along with the camaraderie he has gained and the support he has received from passing communities motivates him to finish the 314 mile trek.

The race, estimated to finish July 18, is the fifteenth annual Last Vol State Race using this course.