About This Race
The Dust N Bones Fall Race offers runners a chance to explore Mt. Zion Bike Trails, a well-regarded trail system located just outside Brookhaven, Mississippi. This event brings trail runners to narrow, well-marked paths originally designed for mountain bikers, creating an intimate racing experience on terrain that has earned widespread praise from outdoor enthusiasts. The race organizers describe it as 'The Biggest Little Trail in Mississippi,' and the course delivers on that promise with its technical character and natural beauty. Runners can choose between 6-mile and 12-mile distances, both of which showcase the trail system's signature features: wooden bridges, elevation changes, and winding singletrack that demands attention and rewards focus. The event maintains a family-friendly atmosphere with post-race gathering opportunities at the pavilion, though parking limitations encourage carpooling among participants. Proceeds from the race support trail maintenance and improvements, connecting runners directly to the stewardship of this volunteer-maintained trail system. The Mt. Zion trails operate as a donation-supported public resource, making this race both a competitive event and a community contribution to outdoor recreation infrastructure.
The course follows Mt. Zion's narrow, well-marked trail system through terrain characterized by frequent elevation changes, technical turns, and wooden bridge crossings. The trails wind through natural surroundings that complement rather than dominate the landscape, offering runners glimpses of Mississippi's forest ecosystem while demanding technical focus.
Both distance options utilize the same trail network, with the 12-mile course offering a more comprehensive tour of the system's varied terrain. The narrow singletrack requires single-file running in many sections, and the technical nature of the trail makes it unsuitable for runners seeking fast times or personal records.
Location
Aid Stations
4 stations along the course
Mile 3
water
Mile 6
water
Mile 9
water
12-mile distance only
Finish
water
Practical Info
Early December in Mississippi typically brings mild temperatures with potential for rain, requiring runners to prepare for variable conditions.
JAN - Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport
Brookhaven offers limited lodging options; Jackson, Mississippi provides more extensive hotel availability approximately 60 miles north.
Best For
Notable Features
The race takes place on Mt. Zion Bike Trails, a volunteer-maintained trail system that has earned exceptional reviews from mountain bikers and trail users. The narrow, technical singletrack features wooden bridges and challenging terrain that showcases the natural beauty of Mississippi's forest environment while providing a genuine technical challenge for trail runners.