Assault On Blackrock

Event overview

Assault on BlackRock is a seven-mile trail race in Sylva, NC, held on March 21, 2026. The course gains approximately 2,770 feet of elevation and reaches the summit of BlackRock at 5,810 feet about halfway through the route. The trail runs through spruce forests along the spine of the Plott Balsam Mountains and follows a mix of rocky and dirt roads plus single track. The final climb to the summit ridge adds about 650 feet of elevation in roughly one third of a mile on steep single track.

Entries and prizes

T-shirts are guaranteed for runners registered before March 1, 2026. Registration closes on March 20, 2026. Awards will be given to the overall top three male and female finishers and to the top individual male and female Masters finishers (age 50 and over). Runners who complete the course in 101 minutes or less earn a belt buckle as part of the BlackRock 101 Challenge. The first participant to finish the course in under one hour on race day will receive a $400 cash award. All race proceeds will go to the Sylva Art & Design Committee to support outdoor murals in downtown Sylva. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.