For those who have run the 30k in the past, the course will be run as in 2021, with no soul sucking climb out of the valley at the end. The 60k will be two laps, one in each direction - with a twist. 60k runners only need to run the course in each direction once, so they have the option to begin clockwise or counter-clockwise. Checkpoints on course will verify each runners stats, and GPX files may be referenced for winners. For the competitive field, this adds some complexity to knowing who is in front of or behind you. For the everyone else, you get to appreciate the views run in both directions. As someone that lives in the area full-time... running along Little Green Mountain feels like you're running on a different planet when you run it in the opposite direction. And that's what I want the 60k runners to experience this year. The entire 30k course includes 2,100+ feet of gain in 18 miles with a max elevation of 4,400+ feet. This race is low key and tons of fun and we keep the runner field small so we can all get to know each other and have a blast.

This race is hosted in Panthertown Valley. The start is at the Salt Rock Gap parking area on the west side of the valley. There are two aid stations. The first is roughly 5 miles in at the Cold Mountain parking area. The second is about 14 miles in at Rattlesnake Knob trailhead. Both aid stations will have typical aid station food (bananas, PB&J, salty, and chocolate). The finish will have hot soup or chili and bread per usual. We are constantly looking to improve and add new and fun things to this race and aid station food is one area we will always work on. So as we get closer to the race we may have delicious additions. We encourage cupless races. It is recommended to bring your own hydration containment system with you. We cannot guarantee there will be cups at the aid stations. We will have bowls and cups at the finish for the soup.

Considering most of the steep terrain in western North Carolina, this course is fairly runnable. There are at least two big climbs you will have to navigate and then some minor climbs, but for the most part you can run the entire course. It's mostly singletrack with a few spots that you are on old forest access roads. The final descent down Black Rock is technical and challenging, especially on tired legs, so be mindful of your footing at the finish line.

 

Additional Distances

This event also has the following non ultra distances

10 KM 30 KM

Results

Date Finishers Top Result (M) Top Result (F)
12/03/22 4 7:24:39 6:22:38