Operation Fan Dance
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FAN DANCE 2027
FAN DANCE is a mountain trail event on Cold Mountain in Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina, held on Saturday, March 13, 2027. Entrants choose a distance and a carrying category: Runner (no required weight), Light (10 lbs dry) or Heavy (25 lbs dry).
Distances
- 8 miles: about 1,768 ft climbing.
- 16 miles: about 3,996 ft climbing.
The 8 mile route has a Pass time under 5 hours and a Dog Tag time under 4 hours. The 16 mile route has a Pass time under 7 hours 30 minutes and a Dog Tag time under 6 hours 30 minutes. Finish inside the Dog Tag time to earn the FAN DANCE Dog Tag; finishing inside the Pass time records an official FAN DANCE completion. Finishing outside the Pass time is acknowledged with a handshake and a hug.
Both routes start and finish at the Art Loeb/Cold Mountain Trailhead. There are no checkpoints; participants must download the AllTrails route for offline use and carry everything needed for a self-sufficient effort. Required Light and Heavy weight must be carried dry at all times and may not be disposable items. Water, a minimum ration and a personal medical kit are required. Routes reach roughly 5,000 ft on the shorter course and 6,100 ft on the longer route; expect steep terrain, sustained climbing and difficult footing.
Ticket prices vary by date: $115 / $95 to December 14, 2026; $140 / $115 from December 15, 2026; $175 / $145 from February 1, 2027. Cancellations are eligible for a GBF voucher if requested 30 or more days before the event; vouchers are valid for one year. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
