Dark Horse Trail Series 26.2
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Dark Horse Trail Series (26.2 · 13.1 · 10K) : Tryon Equestrian Center, Mill Spring, NC
The Dark Horse Trail Series offers three trail distances that all run from the Tryon Equestrian Center at 25 International Blvd in Mill Spring, North Carolina. Entrants choose a distance and complete repeated circuits of the same loop.
- 26.2 miles (marathon)
- 13.1 miles (half marathon)
- 10K
The course is a 6.5-mile loop that combines wide packed dirt paths, single-track trails, and open meadows. Each loop gains about 600 feet of elevation. All distances use the same terrain; runners complete the number of loops required by their selected distance.
There is a single aid station located at the start/finish area so participants pass the aid station each lap. The event is cup-less; runners should bring their own hydration vessel. Available snacks listed by the organizer include pickles, cookies, chips, Fig Newtons, and pretzels. Hydration options at aid include water, Coke, and ginger ale. Wildly Charged is noted as the hydration sponsor.
Parking is charged at $5 and is included with registration to cover park entry. Registration opens 2026-09-01 and closes 2027-05-01; listed entry fees are $50 for the marathon, $45 for the half, and $30 for the 10K. All participants receive a finisher medal; awards include trophies for the top three overall finishers and age-group medals for 15 age categories.
The event is part of several series and supports the Prisma Health Patient Assistance Fund. Practical notes: dogs are allowed on leash, headphones are permitted, porta-johns are available, a gear check area is provided on the grass, cell service is limited, and organizers allow transfers and distance changes but do not offer refunds or deferrals. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
