Lake James 7 Miler & 5k
Nebo, United States • 4 Apr 2026
Lake James Races : April 4, 2026
- 7 Miler
- 5k
The Lake James Races start and finish at Fonta Flora Brewery - Whippoorwill Farm in Nebo, NC. Both races are chip timed and will be held rain or shine. Race registration includes a wooden finisher medal, a commemorative race shirt, one Fonta Flora beer for 21+ participants, and a donation to the Lake James Environmental Association. Dogs and strollers are not allowed in either race; they may remain at the brewery. The 7 Miler has a 2 hour course limit. Courses are subject to change due to trail conditions.
Courses, aid, parking and awards
The 7 Miler uses a loop of the Fonta Flora field, single track trails, two road crossings, Paddy’s Creek and Mills Creek trails, a beach crossing near mile 4.75, and Overmountain Victory Trail back to the brewery. The course has about 425 ft of elevation gain, no mile markers, and three water-only aid stations (bathrooms at aid stations noted). The 5k also begins with a field loop, follows Overmountain Victory Trail, includes the Discovery Loop (about 1 mile of gravel single track), has about 123 ft of elevation gain, and one water-only aid station passed twice.
Event parking includes a main lot and an adjacent overflow gravel/grass lot; the road to runner parking will be temporarily closed during race starts and reopened once runners have cleared the road. Top awards include cash product certificates to Mountain Running Company for top three overall and masters categories, and Fonta Flora pint glasses for age-group top three finishers in standard age brackets. Transfers to a virtual entry or another runner are allowed up to five days before the event; a $10 shipping fee applies for virtual transfers after April 1. Refunds are not offered. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.