Course Description
The Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd and Gravel Smasher races are held at Eagle Bluff Resort, 9800 HWY 10 northeast of Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
The loop course outlines the J.T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve and includes 26 miles of gravel country road and approximately five miles of paved road. The course contains several rolling hills and few not-so-rolling hills. (See the History section for a better definition of the race directors reasoning for the "relatively flat" definition.) The course is surrounded by trees, pastures and prairies. The leaves are usually beginning their massive production of fall colors.
The aid station volunteers are simply outstanding. All are staffed with ultra-runners and "professional" volunteers. Many aid stations are manned by race directors and small business owners. They really know how to make runners and gravelers feel special.
Run Course Map
The Pumpkin Holler course is a 30 mile loop. 100 mile runners will run this loop three times, 100K runners twice and the 50K runners only get to see this beautiful course once. Each distance has an out-and-back spur through the middle of Nickel Preserve. Runners only run this spur on the first loop.
Great Gourd Challenge
Don’t ignore the Great Gourd Challenge this year. The GGC is an extra 1-mile out-and-back that gets you nifty bonus swag. This challenge is just past the East of Eden aid station (the fifth aid station you encounter on the course). The turn-off will be clearly marked.
The Great Gourd Challenge is open to 100 mile, 100K, and 50K runners but you must complete it on your first lap. Just think – when was the last time you ran 101 miles and got bonus swag?
Gravel Smasher Course Map
The Pumpkin Holler Gravel Smasher route is a challenging 30 mile multi-loop course. The 30 miler is our shortest, but don't let it fool you as there is plenty of climbing on this course. It is a challenge no matter your fitness level!
30-mile cyclists will grind this loop just one time, so soak in the scenery the first time. The 60-mile smashers will do two loops. For those taking the 70-mile challenge you will take a 10 mile out-and-back across J.T Nickel Preserve on your first loop.
The Gravel Smasher has a rolling start from the start/finish area to a safe location on the gravel roads.
Be aware of traffic when returning to the start finish line. Stay on the grass/gravel to the side of Highway 10 and watch for traffic near Eagle Bluff Resort.
The 1-mile rolling start and a small section in the middle of your ride are the only pavement on the course.
Watch for signs and/or volunteers as you approach mile 29 of the course. 30-mile smashers will turn left on E 690 Rd to the finish line. The 60 and 70-mile smashers will turn right on E690 Rd to ride their second lap. Turn left after your second loop. Note that runners return to the finish line between laps, but gravel smashers do not.
Downloadable maps are available on RideWithGPS using these links:
An updated and interactive Gravel Smasher map will be provided soon.
Campground
Start/finish & campground map and information will be provided soon.
Elevation Profile
It’s all relative. This is the course elevation of ONE of the 29.7 mile loops. As you can see--the course is relatively flat. Take out the 6-8 nasty hills, and it's a pancake. :-) Seriously, the hill at mile 4.5 is a bitch. The hills around 13-15 are decent but do not seem as bad. The hills at mile 25-28 are doozies. All of the hills are longer and steeper on the second time around. They are off the charts for those doing three loops. For those who feel like dying on their last loop, we do have a local cemetery on the course.
Aid Stations
At the Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd, aid stations are much more than water and food along the side of the trail. Each of our aid stations have developed a unique personality. In many cases our aid stations create memories for a life time. All aid stations are staffed with the best and most-friendly people you could ever meet. Most are ultra-runners and race directors and look forward to giving back to the running community at PHH.
Aid stations are located every 4 to 6 miles and stocked with water, Gatorde, and a variety of foods.
Some aid stations will include drop-bag support or crew access so you can have your preferred supplies and supportive friends nearby.
Aid station locations and driving directions can be found on the course map .
Aid Station Details
| Aid Station | From Start/Finish | To Next Aid Station | Crew Access | Drop Bags | Last Lap Cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start/Finish | 0 | 1.5 | Yes | Yes | 6:00am |
| Meego's Cantina | 1.5 | 4.1 | |||
| Mad Dog | 5.6 | 2.4 | |||
| Dem Country Outlaw Idiots | 8 | 3.3 | Yes | 7:30am | |
| Savannah Corner | 11.3 | 4.3 | Yes | Yes | 8:00am |
| Nature Center Intersection | 13.3 | 1.8 | Mile marker only, aid at this location. | ||
| Out & Back Waffle Stop | Your milage may vary. 3.25M to Waffle Stop then 2.6M to East of Eden. | ||||
| East of Eden | 15.6 | 4.3 | |||
| Hard Up Ahead | 19.9 | 3.1 | Yes | Yes | 11:15am |
| Bathtub Rocks | 23.0 | 2.9 | |||
| Last Gasp | 25.9 | 2.3 | |||
| Meego's Cantina | 28.2 | 1.5 | |||
| Start/Finish | 29.7 | Yes | Yes | 2:00pm | |
- 100 Milers take Nature Center Out and Back 5.5 miles to Sasquatch Aid Station to add 11 miles.
- 100 K-ers take Nature Center Out and Back 1.6 miles to porta-potty to add 3.2 miles.
- 50 K-ers take Nature Center Out and Back .75 mile to Waffle Stop to add 1.5 miles.
There is a high probability of a bandit aid station at the Y intersection about 1.5 miles from the Start/Finish. Expect liquid encouragement and more cowbell as you near the finish line.
Crew Access Points
Crew access is provided at four locations along the course – 'Dem Idiots, Savannah Corner, Hard Up Ahead, and the Start/Finish area. The course map shows the preferred route to these aid stations. Crew is not allowed to drive on the course for safety of the runners. The designated crew route provides faster routes to the aid stations since most of these roads are paved.
Volunteers
Our aid stations are manned by the best volunteers in the area. Most are trail and ultra-runners themselves and anticipate your every need - even before you know you need it.
Pumpkin Holler Hunnerd wouldn't be possible without the help of great volunteers. Sign up for a shift at our registration website. Don't worry if you are new to the volunteer scene. You'll be working alongside and learning from the best of the best.
We have shifts available Thursday through Sunday. We have shifts that are good for families. We have shifts for people looking for a free cross-fit workout. We have shifts that are good for sitting in the woods to ponder the meaning of life.
Open Course
It is the runners’ and riders’ responsibility to follow the rules of the road.
Pumpkin Holler is held on country roads that remain open for neighbors, farmers, and visitors. Many roads are narrow with no shoulders and there are several blind corners. Farm trucks, ATVs, and cars travel rapidly on these roads.
Runners and pacers should stay on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
Cyclists should stay on the right side of the road, traveling with traffic. No more than two abreast to allow cars to pass safely. Use caution when cresting hills and on corners.
