Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker

Event details

The Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker is a trail running event in Old Fort, North Carolina, hosted at Camp Grier (985 Camp Grier Rd). The event offers two distances:

• 50 miles
• 55 kilometers

Distance elevation gains are listed as approximately 50M: 12,000 ft and 55K: 7,500 ft. Time limits are 16.5 hours for the 50 mile and 12 hours for the 55 kilometer.

Course

Courses include technical singletrack, grassy double track, gravel, and short sections of pavement. The 50 mile course described in previous years includes three major climbs and descents; the 55K includes two major climbs and descents and does not include the Mount Mitchell climb. The original route passes multiple high-elevation peaks, but sections of the original course were closed after Hurricane Helene and an alternate route was used in 2025. Trail repairs are ongoing and the course may be altered depending on access.

Aid stations and required gear

Aid stations are a mix of full and fluid-only, located about every 4-7 miles. Minimum supplies at aid stations include water and Gatorade; food minimums include bananas, orange slices, potato chips, pretzels, PB&J, and M&Ms. Runners must carry required gear: a rain shell, at least 30 oz total water capacity, a whistle, a cell phone, and an emergency blanket. All 50 mile entrants must carry a headlamp when beginning the race and when leaving S Toe River aid station.

Logistics

Lodging options at Camp Grier include private cabins, bunkhouses, rustic cabins, and tent camping. Registration closes on Wed, Mar 18 at 11:59 PM ET. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.