Dark Horse Trail Series 26.2

Event overview

The Dark Horse Trail Series takes place on August 22, 2026 at the Tryon Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, NC (25 International Blvd). The event offers three distances:

• 26.2 mi (marathon)
• 13.1 mi (half marathon)
• 10 km

Entry fees listed on the event page include youth pricing for ages 1–17. The race is part of the Upstate Trail Series and is included in a multi-race bundle option with a percentage discount per event.

Course, logistics and amenities

The course uses a 6.5-mile loop through the equestrian center featuring wide packed dirt paths, single-track trails, and meadows. Each loop has about 600 ft of elevation gain. The marathon has a 6-hour overall cutoff; runners must start the last loop before the 5-hour mark.

Packet pickup is at the start/finish area on race day. Participant parking is near the start/finish next to the General Store inside the equestrian center. Camping for participants and crews is permitted on site without water or power. Drop bags may be left at the start/finish area if labeled with name and bib number.

Registration includes a tour of the equestrian center and stables, finisher medal, park entry, custom bib and tattoo, event giveaways, race sticker, complimentary race photos, music and a post-race area, and chip timing with splits and live results.

There is one aid station at the start/finish. Available items include pickles, cookies, chips, fig newtons, pretzels, and drinks (water, cola, ginger ale). This is a cup-less event; participants should bring a personal hydration vessel.

Awards include trophies for the top three overall male and female finishers and medals for the top three in each age group. Age categories range from 0–9 up to 80+. Volunteer shifts of three hours earn a free entry to an Upstate Race Series-owned event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.