Fonta Flora 50K and Half Marathon

Fonta Flora 50k, Half Marathon & Relay

The Fonta Flora event is a trail race weekend at Fonta Flora Brewery's Whippoorwill Farm in Nebo, North Carolina, adjacent to Lake James State Park. The event dates are October 25-26, 2025. Distances offered:

• 50K - ~31.5 miles
• Half Marathon - ~13.1 miles
• 50K 2-person and 3-person relays

Relay leg distances (approximate):

• 2-person: ~13.5 miles and ~18.5 miles
• 3-person: ~13.5 miles, ~12.5 miles, and ~6 miles

Course, services and rules

Both courses use extensive singletrack along the lake and through forested mountain bike trails. The half marathon includes about 12.5 miles of singletrack and roughly 800 feet of elevation gain. The 50K includes about 30 miles of singletrack and roughly 2,400 feet of elevation gain. Surface mileage also includes small amounts of pavement and gravel. Time limits are set for each distance; the 50K limit is approximately 9.5 hours and the half marathon limit is approximately 4 hours.

Aid stations supply water, sports drink, assorted soft drinks and pre-packaged snacks such as chips, pretzels, candy, granola bars and bananas. Early packet pick up is held the Friday before the races and race day packet pick up is available at the start/finish area. Registration opens April 11; early fees for the half and 50K are listed with higher rates later in the registration window. Refunds follow a staged policy (75% until July 15, 50% until September 10, then none) and transfers or deferments are not allowed. Awards include top overall and masters prizes and a handmade finisher medal by a local artist. Portions of proceeds support trail development. Rules include staying on marked trails, no cutting switchbacks, no alcohol within park boundaries, and no littering. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.