Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker

Old Fort, United States • 21 Mar 2026

Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker : Event details

The race takes place in Old Fort, North Carolina, with the event base at Camp Grier (985 Camp Grier Rd). Distances offered:

  • 50 Mile
  • 55 Kilometer

Elevation gain is listed as approximately 12,000 ft for the 50 mile and 7,500 ft for the 55K. Time limits are 16.5 hours for the 50 mile and 12 hours for the 55K. Registration opened on September 26, 2025.

Course and logistics

Courses use a mix of technical singletrack, grassy double track, gravel and a short section of pavement. The 50 mile route includes three major climbs and descents that pass Snooks Nose, Green Knob, Crest Trail and other ridges; the 55K includes two major climbs and does not include the climb up Mount Mitchell. Alternate courses have been prepared because damage from Hurricane Helene has closed portions of trails and the park; the 2025 reroute did not summit Mount Mitchell while the park remained closed.

Aid stations will be located about every 4-7 miles. At minimum they will provide water and Gatorade; minimum food items 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 mile runners must carry a headlamp at the start and when leaving the S Toe River aid station. Camp Grier offers private cabins, bunkhouses, rustic cabins and tent camping. The refund policy specifies partial refunds if cancelled more than 45 days before the event, with no refunds within 45 days; if the race is canceled it may be rescheduled or run virtually. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

50 mi
12000 m+
50 Miles
55 km
7500 m+
55 Kilometers
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Event overview TreeTops 8.5 Mile is a trail race held in DuPont State Recreational Forest near Brevard, North Carolina, with the event location listed as 3045 Sky Valley Rd, Hendersonville, NC. The race benefits the Friends of DuPont State..

Event overview Trick or Trail 5k & 1 Mile is a Halloween-themed running and walking event presented by Hunter Subaru in Hendersonville, North Carolina, on October 25, 2025. The event starts and finishes in the Historic 7th Avenue Distri..

Event The Fonta Flora trail races take place at Fonta Flora Brewery's Whippoorwill Farm in Nebo, North Carolina, along the trails and banks of Lake James State Park. The event is scheduled for October 25-26, 2025 and includes a 50 kilometer..

The South of the Mountain Trail Run is a 5k trail race held in Bostic, North Carolina, on the grounds of South Mountain Christian Camp. The course runs on dirt trails in a single continuous loop on the south side of Cherry Mountain, offerin..

Gold Mine River Run 5K is a Saturday race held in Marion, North Carolina (28752). The event features a 5K off-road, cross-country course set in the Vein Mountain area south of Glenwood. The course offers a rugged, nature-filled route rather..

Experience the Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival at Camp Grier with timed trail runs and mountain bike events in 3, 6 and 12 hour formats, plus live music and vendors. Limited field and fundraising spirit make it a community weekend.