The point-to-point Arbuckles to Ardmore Race for Mercy Marathon course begins at the historic Turner Falls Overlook in the Arbuckle Mountains and winds downhill, intercepting the Half Marathon course beginning at the Murray County & Carter County line. The course continues downhill through the scenic countryside of the foothills until the course turns east for an out-and-back leg through the Bar Nothin’ Horse Ranch near Springer.
Runners return to Hwy 77 for the straight stretch into Ardmore, with an overall elevation drop of 538 feet over the first 15.5 miles of the course.
A small elevation climb begins at mile 16 and continues until runners turn west for a final out-and-back to the lake inside Ardmore Regional Park and finish at the 50 yard-line inside nearby Noble Stadium.