Filed Under: Running
This is the site of the 1990 World Police and Fire Games 10K running race. Not much of it remains to date except a few signs letting you know you are "on trail." Although this is a very nice run with the lack of trail maintenance and confusing route, the difficulty rating should be higher than posted. I have run on this course many times without ever looking at the course map (just by following the signs) and have managed to get off-track or lost more times than not. Tip - download the map below and you will not get confused.
The run starts and ends in the large field near the stables. There is a sign marking the start and finish. Start by running north thru the field. Keep an eye out for all the trail markers as sometimes this will be your only clue that you are on trail.
Shelby Farms is loacted between Mullins Station Road and Walnut Grove Road. From the west, you can take the Walnut Grove road exit off I-240 and go east to the third stop light. You will see the park on both sides of the road. Turn left at the light and drive stright into the park. You will see Patriot Lake on your right and the Bison and Longhorn Range on the left.
From the east, follow Walnut Grove or Mullins Station until you see the signs. Park in one of the parking areas near the horse stables.
Comments
sean said ...
This course is also known as the "Shelby Farms 10K Course," and (if I remember correctly) was the site of a previous the U.S. Cross Country Championships.
KalamariB said ...
Memphis experienced a huge storm during the summer of 2003 and there are parts of Shelby Farms that still haven't completely recovered. The 10k course signs were always a bit confusing, but now some of the trails used for the course are in pretty bad shape or nearly impassable. The 10k course runs through one forest of trees where you can still see where a tornado must have entered the forest and cut a path right through. In this section of the course, the trail is covered with huge fallen trees and brush. I would recommend the Tour de Wolf or Wolf River Trails in Shelby Farms park as possible alternates.
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