Catawba Falls 15k
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Catawba Falls 15k
The Catawba Falls 15k is a mixed road and trail race at Foothills Watershed in Old Fort, North Carolina, held on February 28, 2026. The route visits both Lower and Upper Catawba Falls and combines paved stretches along the Catawba River with technical mountain trails and stair sections.
The course distance is approximately ~8.7 miles with about 1,333 feet of elevation gain. Runners encounter roughly 5 miles of pavement and about 3.6 miles of trail. From the start there is an initial paved approach of about 2.5 miles before joining the Catawba Falls Trail. After the Lower Falls the route gains steep terrain and stairs, including roughly 500 feet of climbing in less than a third of a mile, reaches the Upper Falls, follows a ridge trail, then returns along the river road to the finish.
Two aid stations are placed on course at approximately 2.6 miles and 6.2 miles. Aid stations provide at minimum water and Skratch and offer foods such as bananas, potato chips, pretzels, M&M’s and other salty and sweet items.
Entry details include an $80 entry fee, registration open, a 150 participant limit, and a refund policy of 75% through Dec 1, 50% through Feb 1, and no refunds within 30 days of the event. Packet pick-up is available before race day and on race day; all runners must check in before the race. Top finishers receive hand-made awards and gift certificates, and all finishers receive a custom ceramic finisher medal. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
