Rivers, Lakes, and Fields 2026

Rivers, Lakes, and Fields is a trail race weekend held in Grand Rivers, Kentucky, within the 170,000-acre Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, situated between Kentucky Lake and Barkley Lake. Taking place in March, it features four distances: 23K, marathon, 60K, and 50 miles. The event has been established for over 20 years and is directed by Durbin Race Management. Each race has a 12-hour time limit, with additional loop cutoffs for the 60K and 50-mile participants. The course begins and ends on paved road before crossing the Canal Loop for most of the race. This 11.3-mile section consists primarily of single-track, packed dirt trail. Participants will experience lake views from both sides of the peninsula. The longer races involve repeating the loop multiple times, incorporating pacing and cutoffs into the overall challenge. The field attracts elite trail runners nationwide, as well as marathoners and novice ultra runners because of the variety of distances. Those completing the 60K and 50-mile races receive belt buckles. Cash bonuses are awarded for new course records, provided lake flooding does not necessitate a route change.