Fonta Flora 50K and Half Marathon
Firestone, United States • 25-26 Oct 2025
Event overview
The Fonta Flora event is a trail running weekend at Fonta Flora Brewery's Whippoorwill Farm in Nebo, North Carolina, near Lake James State Park and the Linville Gorge. The weekend includes a 50 kilometer race, a half marathon, and 2- and 3-person relay options for the 50k. The races are scheduled for October 25-26, 2025. Portions of event proceeds will support development of trails around Lake James, including the Fonta Flora State Trail.
Course and logistics
Both courses start and finish at the farm and follow singletrack along stream sides, mountain bike trails, and the banks of Lake James. The half uses mostly singletrack along the lake and includes about 800-850 feet of elevation gain. The 50k adds gravel and roughly seven miles of new state-trail singletrack with about 2,400 feet of elevation gain.
Distances
- Half Marathon - ~13.1 miles, ~12.5–12.8 miles singletrack
- 50 Kilometer - ~31.5 miles, ~30 miles singletrack
Aid stations provide water, sports drink, soft drinks and pre-packaged foods such as chips, nuts, candy, granola bars and bananas. Awards include handmade local-artist pieces, gift certificates, and a pottery finisher medal for all finishers. Event rules require staying on marked trails, no cutting switchbacks, no littering, and compliance with race officials. Campgrounds in Lake James State Park are within 5 miles; additional lodging is available in Morganton. Registration and refund dates are listed by the organizer. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.