Featured Speaker

Kallup McCoy II

Join us Friday evening, March 12, 2027, at approximately 6:30 PM in the Hilton Knoxville Airport Ballroom, following packet pickup for an inspiring evening with our featured race weekend speaker, Kallup McCoy II

Kallup is an ultrarunner, running coach, personal trainer, founder of RezHOPE, and a proud member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. After overcoming a 14-year battle with addiction, he discovered running as a path to healing, purpose, and transformation. Since then, Kallup has completed remarkable endurance challenges, including running the Trail of Tears route and running across America to inspire hope and support recovery efforts nationwide.

His story is one of resilience, perseverance, and the power of the human spirit—qualities that resonate deeply within the ultrarunning community. Whether you're racing the 100 Mile, 100K, 50 Mile, 50K, 20 Mile, or 10 Mile event during The Pistol Ultra on March 13–14, 2027, this is a special opportunity to hear from someone whose journey has inspired runners and communities across the country.

We encourage all runners, crew members, family, and friends to join us as we kick off race weekend with our featured speaker, Kallup McCoy II.