Next Opportunity Events

08/30/2026

RESULTS COMING TUESDAY!

What a whirlwind weekend!

Yesterday, we hosted five races as part of the Bluegrass Reaper Challenge:

50K
50K Relay
Marathon
Half Marathon
10K

Today, our race team is taking a well earned day to rest and recover before we dive into all of that lap data.

Because the Reaper is a lap course, timing is notoriously tricky. With runners starting at different times, completing different numbers of laps, and checking in every 2.62 miles, there is a lot of information for us to review and verify.

Our goal is to make sure we get it right.

Official results will be posted Tuesday. We appreciate your patience while our team works through the timing sheets and double checks the lap data.

Thank you again to every runner, volunteer, crew member, spectator, and supporter who made yesterday possible. You all made the Reaper something pretty special.

08/29/2026

It’s a beautiful day for a run!

08/27/2026

Hey Reaper Runners!

Race day is almost here, and we cannot wait to welcome you to Berea for the Bluegrass Reaper Challenge this Saturday, August 29th!

Here are the important things you need to know before you come take on the Reaper.

LOCATION

Berea City Park
6 Pirate Pkwy
Berea, KY 40403

Parking is in the main City Park parking lot behind Berea Community School. Race base camp will be down the paved path behind the pool at the picnic shelter next to the volleyball courts.

PACKET PICKUP AND CHECK IN

Packet pickup begins at 7:30 AM. Please plan to arrive and check in at least 30 minutes before your race.

RACE START TIMES

50K and 50K Relay: 9:00 AM, 12 laps

Marathon: 10:20 AM, 10 laps

Half Marathon: 1:40 PM, 5 laps

10K: 3:00 PM, 3 laps

Our final lap of the day begins at 5:00 PM.

HOW THE REAPER WORKS

Each lap is approximately 2.6 miles on a 100 percent paved course through Berea City Park.

You have 40 minutes to complete each lap. Every 40 minutes, the next lap begins.

Finish early? That time is yours. Grab a drink, eat something, sit down, question your life choices, and get ready to do it all over again.

When that clock starts counting down, though, you need to be back at the starting line and ready to go.

And remember, your rest time does NOT count toward your official race time. Your individual lap splits are added together to determine your final time.

IMPORTANT TIMING REMINDER

Our finish line also serves as our aid station and base camp, so after EVERY lap, please check in with the timing tent and make sure we have your lap recorded before you settle in for your break.

We really, really need you to do this!

There will be a lot happening around the finish area, and checking in helps us make sure every one of those hard earned laps gets counted.

AID STATION AND BASE CAMP

There are no aid stations on the course. All aid will be available when you return to the start and finish area.

Make yourself comfortable! Bring your pop up tent, chairs, cooler, snacks, extra clothes, and whatever else you need to spend the day with us. Tent city will be in the softball field next to the start and finish area.

We also have indoor restrooms, a playground, and plenty of space for family and friends to hang out and cheer you on.

If at any point you decide you cannot continue, please let a volunteer or race staff member know so we know you are safe and accounted for.

Most importantly, come ready to have fun.

The Reaper is supposed to be hard, a little ridiculous, and a whole lot of fun. Cheer for each other. Make some new friends. Set up camp. Enjoy Berea. And when that clock starts counting down, get yourself back to that starting line.

We’ll see you Saturday!

06/08/2026

Yesterday was one of those days I'll carry with me for a long time.

I had the privilege of directing Big Turtle on my own for the first time, and today I'm sitting with a heart full of gratitude.

When I look at this flag, I don't just see a logo. I see a community.

I see runners who showed up with grit and determination on a brutally hot day. I see volunteers who gave their time, energy, and hearts to make sure every runner had a great experience. I see friends who showed up before sunrise, hauled supplies, worked aid stations, solved problems, cheered until they lost their voices, and stayed long after the last runner crossed the finish line.

Every finisher award was handmade because I wanted this race to feel personal. Trail running has given me so much over the years, and creating something meaningful for the people who support this event was important to me.

One of my favorite things from yesterday is that we had a 100% finisher rate. Not a single runner dropped. Every person who toed the start line crossed the finish line. That's a testament to the grit of our runners, the support of our volunteers, and the spirit of this community.

Directing a race can sometimes feel like standing in the middle of a storm, hoping all the pieces come together. Yesterday, they did. Not because of me, but because so many people stepped up and carried this event alongside me.

To every runner, volunteer, friend, sponsor, and supporter: thank you. Thank you for believing in me, for trusting me, and for helping create something special.

I am incredibly grateful to be part of a community that shows up for one another the way this one does.

You've made this little turtle's heart very happy. 💚🐢

06/05/2026

🐢 Big Turtle runners... tomorrow is the big day! 🐢

After months of training, planning, and preparation, race day is almost here. We can't wait to see everyone at the start line!

Before you arrive, please take a few minutes to review the Runner's Guide one more time. It contains important information about parking, aid stations, course markings, cutoffs, drop procedures, and race day expectations.

Runner's Guide: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1URaojWRKSml_IWOtq94u-xK9aPWqUTYmLmFBeVzTUHo/edit?usp=sharing

If you have any last minute questions, please send us a Facebook Messenger message. We'll be monitoring messages throughout the day and will do our best to help.

Thank you for being part of Big Turtle. We are excited to share this adventure with you and can't wait to cheer you across the finish line!

See you tomorrow!

Start/Finish Location The start and finish area and official Race Headquarters on race day will be behind the Recreation and Wellness Center at Morehead State University. The address is: Morehead State University Recreation & Wellness Center 100 Evans Branch Rd, Morehead, KY 40351 Race Par...

05/31/2026

Race day is almost here, and we're excited to welcome you to the Big Turtle 50K and 10 Miler!

Before race weekend, all participants are required to review the Runner Guide in its entirety. The guide contains important information about race day logistics, parking, packet pickup, course markings, aid stations, cutoffs, runner expectations, safety information, and race policies. Many of the questions we receive in the days leading up to the event are answered in the guide.

Runner Guide: http://bit.ly/4e0eNWF

Please take the time to read the guide carefully before arriving on race day. By participating in the event, runners are expected to understand and follow all race rules and procedures outlined in the guide.

A few important reminders:

No crew or spectator support is permitted on the course or at aid stations.

Accepting aid from anyone other than an official aid station is grounds for disqualification.

Be respectful to volunteers, fellow runners, landowners, and race staff at all times.

Practice Leave No Trace principles. Pack it in, pack it out.

If you choose to drop from the race at an aid station, transportation back to the finish may not be immediately available.

Most importantly, remember to continue dialing in your nutrition, hydration, and gear plans now so there are no surprises on race day.

Thank you for being part of Big Turtle. We appreciate every runner who has chosen to spend their day with us, and we can't wait to see you at the finish line!

05/25/2026

Big Turtle Trail Runs Race Weekend Information

We are excited to welcome everyone to Morehead next weekend (June 6th) for the Big Turtle Trail Runs. A few important reminders and logistics as you prepare for race day.

Location
Morehead State University Recreation and Wellness Center
100 Evans Branch Road
Morehead, KY

Parking
Parking is available in the garage across from the Recreation Center. Please give yourself a little extra time to park and walk over to packet pickup and the start area.

Packet Pickup
Race morning only from 5:30 AM to 8:00 AM

Start Times
50K starts at 7:00 AM
10 Miler starts at 8:00 AM

Course Notes
Expect rocks, roots, climbs, and water crossings. Trails will be marked, but we still recommend downloading the GPX file and coming prepared.

Aid Stations
The 50K course will have multiple aid stations with water, electrolytes, and snacks. The 10 Miler will hit Forestry Ridge before returning to the finish. Please make sure you bring any nutrition or gear you personally need to have a good day on the trails.

Additional Reminders
Cell service can be limited in parts of the course. Weather conditions can change quickly, so check the forecast and prepare accordingly. The cutoff for all runners is 6:00 PM. Cut offs are strictly enforced.

Most importantly, enjoy the day. This course is challenging, and beautiful.

Can't wait to see you at the finish line!

03/13/2026

Thinking about signing up for the Big Turtle Trail Runs but worried you haven’t trained enough yet? Good news - there’s a 10 mile option as well! Whether you’re aiming to run, jog, hike, or just enjoy the trails, you can build up your miles between now and race day. Next Opportunity races are about the experience, the community, and getting out in nature as much as they are about the finish line.🐢🌲

https://runsignup.com/Race/KY/Morehead/BigTurtle

We’re also looking for volunteers to help make race day amazing- from course support to aid stations and check-in. It’s a great way to be part of the event, cheer on runners, and support the trail community.

Interested in volunteering? Let us know in the comments or send us a message!

Whether you run, hike, or volunteer, we’d love to see you at Big Turtle Trail Runs!

The Big Turtle Trail Runs is on Saturday June 6, 2026. It includes the following events: 50K and 10 Miler.

03/03/2026

🐢 In case you missed it… registration for the Big Turtle Trail Run is officially OPEN! 🐢

Join us on June 6th in Morehead, KY for a day on the trails at the Big Turtle. This year we’re focusing on keeping the race sustainable and welcoming, so we’ve simplified the event and are excited to bring runners together for an incredible day in the Daniel Boone National Forest.

Whether you’re chasing a PR, tackling your first ultra, or just want a beautiful day in the woods with the trail community, we’d love to see you there. ✌️❤️🐢

Registration is open now:

The Big Turtle Trail Runs is on Saturday June 6, 2026. It includes the following events: 50K and 10 Miler.

03/02/2026

If you need a coupon code due to the cancellation of RRG in 2025, please reach out to us directly via Facebook Messenger and we’ll get you taken care of.

Important: You must register using the provided code in order to be included in the event. If you do not complete your registration with the code, you will not be on the participant list.

We want to make sure everyone who is eligible is properly registered - so don’t skip that step!

Message us with any questions.