General Course Description

 

Wow, this isn't that bad!  Holy crap this is steep!  Wow, look at those views!  Man what a trail, I could run this all day! Oh man my quads are hurting!  That was cold! Pretty creek! I might die on these stairs! Oh my gosh, those stairs were so worth it, this waterfall is amazing!  And up we go again! And down we go again! And up again!  This trail is so perfect, I feel like I'm in the middle of nowhere!  Another $#%^ing hill!  What a view!  This dowhill is amazing, just wish my quads didn't hurt so bad! UP AGAIN!!!!!  Smelling the barn!  WHAT THE $#%&!!!!!  This is just cruel!  I could lay in that creek right now!  FINISH!!! Wow, one of the best courses I've ever run!  Sign me up again!!!

 

Above is what you will probably be thinking during your race!  This course has it all.  From wide and smooth double track trails, to tight and technical singletrack trails.  Grades from easy and gentle to holy crap this is steep!  Views abound along the route and High Shoals Falls is one the best waterfalls in NC! This course is tough, but rewarding.  Please be prepared!  Due to length and the climb of the course, experience on long mountain runs with elevation gain is suggested before signing up.  If you are just getting into mountain running we suggest you try the half marathon.

 

The Numbers

 

Distance: 26.5 Miles

Elevation Gain: ~ 6,000 feet

Time Limit: 8 hours

Miles of Doule Track Trail: ~ 14.5 miles

Miles of Single Track Trail: ~ 11 miles

Miles of Pavement: ~ 1 mile

Number of Stairs: ~ 250!!!!

Number of Creek Crossings: 5 joyous splashes!!!

 

Aid Stations: Locations & Cutoffs

 

There will be 4 aid stations along the course with one being water only!  The backcountry aid station requires a 5 mile hike in by our volunteers!  Aid stations are spread approximately 4-6 miles apart.  Full aid stations (3 along course) will have at a minimum: Water, Gatorade (flavor varies by station,) and assorted soft drinks. Foods include: bananas, potato chips, pretzels, animal cookies, M&Ms, gummi bears, Goldfish, trail mix, PB&J.  NOTE: We're are a green race so everyone needs to bring a water bottle (or two or bladder) for fluids.  There will be no cups at aid stations.

 

Aid 1: 5.1 miles - water only - no cutoff

Aid 2: 9.2 miles - Full aid - 11:15 am cutoff

Aid 3: 15.6 miles - Full aid - 1:15 pm cutoff

Aid 4: 20.5 miles - Full aid - 2:45pm cutoff