What is The State Jelly?

An ultra-endurance journey race that challenges athletes to traverse the entire Commonwealth of Kentucky from the western border to the eastern mountains.

Map of Kentucky showing major cities including Louisville, Lexington, Frankfort, Paducah, and Bowling Green, along with geographical features like the Ohio River, Kentucky Lake, and Daniel Boone National Forest
Map courtesy of GIS Geography

~425

Miles

50,000+

Feet of Elevation

10

Day Cutoff

150

Spots Available

The Challenge

The State Jelly is not just a race—it's a test of mental fortitude, physical endurance, and navigational skill. Participants will traverse diverse terrain including rolling bluegrass farmland, dense forests, the rugged Appalachian foothills, and everything in between.

Starting in the eastern mountains of Pike County, runners will make their way across the entire state, finishing in the western tip of Kentucky near Paducah. The route follows a combination of trails, back roads, and wilderness paths that showcase the natural beauty of the Commonwealth.

What Makes It Different

Unlike traditional ultramarathons, The State Jelly is a self-supported journey race. Participants will be given the set route once determined, arrange their own resupply, and navigate the challenge of crossing an entire state on foot.

This is an adventure that rewards creativity, planning, and perseverance. There are no aid stations—just you, the road ahead, and the rolling hills of Kentucky.

Coming Soon

The State Jelly is currently in development. Sign up for updates to be the first to know when registration opens, receive route information, and get exclusive content about the race.