Lake James 7 Miler & 5k

Event overview

The Lake James Races take place on April 4, 2026 at Fonta Flora Brewery - Whippoorwill Farm in Nebo, North Carolina. The event offers two distances:

• 7 miles
• 5 km

All races are chip timed and held rain or shine. Registration includes a wooden finisher medal, a commemorative race shirt, one Fonta Flora beer for entrants 21+ (or a nonalcoholic beverage), and a donation to the Lake James Environmental Association. Dogs and strollers are not allowed on the race courses but may remain at the brewery. The organizer maintains a no-refund policy; a scheduled postponement date is April 11, 2026 if the race director elects to postpone.

Course, logistics and awards

Both courses start with a loop around the Fonta Flora field before entering single-track trails in Lake James State Park. The 7 mile course includes single-track trail, three water-only aid stations (approximate locations: mile 1, mile 4.5, mile 6), two road crossings that are not closed to traffic, and about 425 ft of elevation gain. The 5k course uses single-track and a gravel loop, has one water-only aid station passed twice, and about 123 ft of elevation gain. There is a 2 hour course limit for the 7 mile.

Parking is available at the Fonta Flora main lot and an adjacent overflow gravel/grass lot; road access to runner parking will be temporarily closed during race starts and reopened after runners clear the road. Prizes include cash awards and custom awards for top overall and masters categories, and pint-glass age-group awards for top three in each listed age bracket. Transfers to virtual entry, another runner, or a different distance are allowed up to five days before the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.