Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker
The Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker offers two trail race distances that start and finish at Camp Grier near Old Fort, NC. Courses run through trails in the Mount Mitchell area, using singletrack, grassy double track, gravel and short sections of pavement. The 50 mile course includes climbs over three 6,000 ft plus peaks including Mount Mitchell and follows sections of Snooks Nose, Green Knob, Black Mountain Crest, and Heartbreak Ridge Trails. The 55 kilometer course follows much of the same terrain but does not include the Mount Mitchell climb.
Elevation gain is listed as approximately 10,500 ft for the 50 mile distance and 7,500 ft for the 55 kilometer distance. Each course has a mix of technical climbs and long gentle downhills. Aid stations are positioned roughly every 4 to 7 miles and will be a combination of full and fluid-only stations. Minimum aid station provisions include water and Gatorade and basic foods such as bananas, orange slices, potato chips, pretzels, PB&J, and M&Ms. Listed aid counts are 50 mile - 5 full and 1 fluid; 55 kilometer - 4 full and 1 fluid.
Runners must carry required gear including a rain shell, at least 30 oz total water capacity, a whistle, cell phone, and an emergency blanket. 50 mile runners must carry a headlamp at specified points. Live GPS tracking is used and trackers must be returned after the race. An alternate course that avoids the Blue Ridge Parkway is available if needed. Lodging options are available at Camp Grier from cabins to camping. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
