Rainbow: A Western NC Mountain Run
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Rainbow: A Western NC Mountain Run
Rainbow is a trail running event scheduled for Saturday, March 13, 2027, in Montreat, North Carolina (302 Lookout Rd.). The course uses a loop that climbs to the summit of Rainbow Mountain and returns via creekside trails, steep inclines, rolling doubletrack, technical descents, sections of broken pavement, and an alpine lake. Each loop is approximately four miles with roughly 900 feet of elevation gain.
Distances
- Single Rainbow: one loop, about 4 miles, ~900 ft gain
- Double Rainbow: two loops, about 8 miles
- Triple Rainbow: three loops, about 12 miles
The event is limited to the first 150 registrants. Race headquarters and an aid station are at the start/finish location and will provide water, Tailwind, soda, bananas, PB&Js, pretzels, chips, and candy. Bathrooms are available at Anderson Auditorium; there are no bathrooms on the course. Free parking is offered at the Anderson Auditorium parking lot, though space is limited. Participants must be fully self-sufficient on course for shade, seating, and extra nutrition. Pacers are not allowed. The event is held on private land owned by Montreat Conference Center.
Registered participants receive a custom HPM shirt (color called "Rainbow") made from eco-friendly materials by Recover, a custom race bib, and a gold finisher coin. Prizes are awarded to the top three overall M/F/X in each distance. Additional donations during registration benefit the Montreat Wilderness/Conference Center. Event sustainability measures include clothing, shoe, and medal recycling programs, a cup-free policy (since 2024), and a safety-pin-free policy (since 2025). Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
