Purpose

This race is the vision and hard work of several McKee Foods employees who faithfully steward, hike, bike and run the Bauxite Trail System daily. Our vision is simple, to provide a high quality event to the greater Chattanooga trail running community showcasing this fantastic trail system.

All proceeds from the event will be reinvested back into the Bauxite Trail System for maintenance and improvements.

History of the Bauxite Ridge

Many years ago, this ridge and surrounding area was home to the Cherokee Indians. This particular ridge is still home to the Eastern Box Turtle which was of significant cultural importance to the Cherokee Indians.

During the early to mid-twentieth century, this ridge was mined for Bauxite which is used to make aluminum. You will still see some evidence of the mining operation as you wonder around the ridge.

Today, most of the ridge has been developed for recreational trail use for hikers, runners and mountain bikers. This property has been privately purchased by McKee family members who paid to build the trail system and then donated the property to Southern Adventist University. This generous gift is for the benefit of the community to enjoy.