May 9th, 2026 in Bonita Lakes Park (Boat Landing) - Meridian, MS
Information:
After seeing 2 finishers achieve 14 loops in 2025, and one who continued on to make a 15th loop. The Overall winner will now be determined by most loops-fastest in 12 hours. For Example, if we have multiple runners reach 14 loops (64.4 miles) under 12 hours, the runners can continue to attempt extra loops. If the leader bows out at 14 and the next runner completes a 15th loop, that runner will be declared the winner. However, if that runner fails to complete the 15th loop under 12 hours, the first runner than made it to 14 completed loops will be the winner. This will be the model going forward for the event. Also, in the event multiple runners complete a 15th loop, the same rule will apply till the clock reaches 12 hours.
NEW FOR 2026 - Turtle Level.
Turtle Level is a 2 loop only division. It is separate from the Circle of The Dragon Endurance division. In the Turtle division, you only run 2 loops (9.2 miles). There is no option for continuing beyond 2 loops. There is also no option to drop down to this division from the main Circle of the Dragon division. Your time will end at 2 loops. This division is designed for those who haven't worked up to the higher distances, or simply want to participate and see what the fuss is about. Ideal for younger runners and for older runners who don't want to take on the high distances.
ALSO NEW FOR 2026.After seeing 2 finishers achieve 14 loops in 2025, and one who continued on to make a 15th loop. The Overall winner will now be determined by most loops-fastest in 12 hours. For Example, if we have multiple runners reach 14 loops (64.4 miles) under 12 hours, the runners can continue to attempt extra loops. If the leader bows out at 14 and the next runner completes a 15th loop, that runner will be declared the winner. However, if that runner fails to complete the 15th loop under 12 hours, the first runner than made it to 14 completed loops will be the winner. This will be the model going forward for the event. Also, in the event multiple runners complete a 15th loop, the same rule will apply till the clock reaches 12 hours.
Basic Rules for Circle of The Dragon
All participants will run a 4.6 Mile loop course from the Bonita Lakes boat landing around the big lake on the Jeep trail road. The only aid station is at the start of the loop, but we will have a UTV roving the course as the day wears on to offer assistance for anyone who may need a refill or medical assistance. We will provide food, drinks, snacks, GU and Tail Wind. All participants must bring a water bottle, hydration pack or some sort of container and we will provide the liquid. All participants are expected to bring wrappers and used gel packs and such back to the check point for disposal. Participants will build miles over the course of the event to achieve milestone awards. Once you achieve a milestone, you will get that award unless you achieve the next level milestone. As you collect milestones your award will grow and if you complete 64.4 miles in 12 hours, you will achieve Dragon level. If you achieve more than 14 laps in the 12 hours, the longest/fastest rule will apply to determine the race winner. If the male or female fastest loop record is broken during the event (only applies to Circle of the Dragon division for anyone who completes at least 4 loops) the King of the Loop and/or Queen of the Loop will also be awarded. Time2Run Race Timing will be recording splits for each lap.
Results: 2025 Race
Top Performers:
Addison Hendricks 2025 Top Male - 14 Loops in 10:56:51
Lindsey Burton 2025 Top Female 12 Loops in 11:08:26
Loop Records:
King of the Loop - Zach Vogt 2024 - 31:05 Loop 1 2024
Queen of the Loop - Shea Scarborough 2024 - 46:07 Loop 1 2024
Longest Distance - Jason Carr 2025 - 15 Loops in 11:52:31.06
Course Map: Click here
Schedule of Events:
Friday May 9th Early Packet Pickup 4pm - 7pm at Bonita Lakes Park
Friday May 9th Early Packet Pickup 4pm - 7pm at Bonita Lakes Park
Saturday May 10th Race Day Packet Pickup 5:00am - 5:55am. Race begins at 6am
Additional Information:
All participants will start at 6am. The course will remain open for 12 hours. At 6pm, the course will close. This event features a 4.6 mile loop with rolling and increasingly challenging hills over the course of multiple laps. There will be one aid station, at the Start/Finish location of each loop.
Runners must provide their own hydration bottle/container. Water and Tailwind will be provided by the organizers at the Start/Finish area to refill bottle/containers. All gel packs, wrappers and trash should be carried back to the Start/Finish area to be disposed in appropriate trash containers.
Food will be provided during the day as well as snacks and refreshments. This course is deceivingly hard if you run 1 loop. Each loop the difficulty will compound and eventually you will defeat it or the Dragon Loop will wear you out.
Pace yourself. The pace calculator says this can be achieved at an 11:11 mile pace. You can bank time early, but a miscalculation of pace early will be your undoing in the later stages of the race. You may want to slowly build through the day.
Venue:
Bonita Lakes Park is a picturesque setting and the home of the Great Scorpion Trail Run. While this event will not be held on single track trails, you will enjoy easy footing and great views during your run.
Finisher Medal:
All Participants who complete 4 full loops will receive the Circle Of The Dragon 12 Hr Endurance Run medal.
Presented and Timed By:
Our Charity:
We chose Care Lodge in Meridian because of their work to help victims of domestic violence. They are warriors for good. to learn more about their mission, visit carelodge.com. In 2024, with the help of our generous sponsors and you participants, we were able to raise $2,000 to help the efforts at Care Lodge in Meridian. We hope to build on this amount each year with future editions of this event.
Shirt:
Each runner will receive the official race shirt and swag bag.
Timing:
Each runner will be timed using RFID Chip Timing and each lap split will be recorded.
Awards:
While we welcome runners of all experience levels, this event is designed with the more experienced ultra runner in mind. All participants must complete 4 laps on the Dragon Loop to receive an award of any kind. To be eligible for for the fastest loop award, you will have to achieved the lowest milestone award, Rabbit. (See chat below how the levels of milestone awards can be achieved throughout the day.)
Complete the distance and collect all 6 milestones, and you will earn the topper for your award set and the right to stand in the Circle of The Dragon.
Open Division:
Top Male: Furthest/Fastest Distance
Top Female: Furthest/Fastest Distance
King of The Loop: Fastest Recorded Loop Male {all time}
(must reach at least Rabbit level to qualify)
Queen of The Loop: Fastest Recorded Loop Female {all time}
(must reach at least Rabbit level to qualify)
Milestone Awards:
Level 1: Rabbit - Participants completing 4 laps (18.4 Miles)
Level 2: Deer - Participants completing 6 laps (27.6 Miles)
Level 3: Hawk - Participants completing 8 laps (36.8 Miles)
Level 4: Wolf - Participants completing 10 laps (46 Miles)
Level 5: Bear - Participants completing 12 laps (55.2 Miles)
Level 6: Dragon - Participants completing 14 laps (64.4 Miles) or more will achieve Dragon Level.
Patch:
All participants will receive the exclusive Circle Of The Dragon 12 Hr Endurance Run patch free. Additional patches will be available for purchase
2026 Sponsors
