Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker

Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker

The Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker is a trail ultramarathon held at Camp Grier in Old Fort, NC, organized by Tanawha Adventures. The event offers two distances with large elevation changes and varied trail surfaces.

• 50 Miler - ~50 miles; ~12,000 ft elevation; 16.5 hour limit
• 55K - ~55 kilometers; ~7,500 ft elevation; 12 hour limit

Courses include technical singletrack, grassy double track, gravel road, and short paved segments. The original 50-mile route crossed three 6,000 ft+ peaks and included Mount Mitchell; some sections were rerouted after hurricane damage and portions of the park have remained closed. Organizers note alternate course options may be used when closures or repairs affect the planned route.

Aid stations are located approximately every 4-7 miles and will be a mix of full and fluid-only stations. At minimum they provide water and Gatorade; food offerings include bananas, orange slices, potato chips, pretzels, PB&J, and M&Ms. Mandatory gear includes a rain shell, at least 30 oz total water capacity, a whistle, cell phone, and an emergency blanket. All 50 milers must carry a headlamp at the start and when leaving S Toe River aid station.

Camp Grier lodging options at the race site include private cabins, bunkhouses, rustic cabins without running water, reserved beds in bunkhouses, and tent camping. The event maintains a waitlist and a published refund policy for cancellations and for race cancellation or virtual transition due to weather or other factors. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.