Mountains-to-Sea Trail 50K Challenge

Durham, United States • 12 Apr 2026

About the Event

This is the 17th annual Mountains-to-Sea Trail 12M & 50K Challenge, a trail race scheduled for a spring date. The event takes place in Durham, North Carolina, starting and finishing at Riverside High School. It offers two distances: a 12-mile run and a 50-kilometer run.

Course Details

Both courses follow the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) on single-track trails through the woods along the Eno River towards Falls Lake. The courses are updated for the 2026 edition due to construction at Blue Jay Point County Park. Updated maps are to be posted on the race site.

Event Information

The event is a cupless race, meaning participants are asked to carry their own hydration device. Water and electrolyte drinks will be available at all aid stations and at the finish area.

All participants receive a custom race shirt, a finisher's award, and refreshments at the finish. Additional awards are given to the top three overall finishers (male and female) and the top overall masters finishers (male and female) in each race distance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Race information

50 km
50-Km
12 mi
12-Mile
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

A 30-mile annual point-to-point training run between UNC and Duke, alternating direction by year. The informal event is not affiliated with any organization and participants assume all liability for significant route risks.

Trail ultramarathon at Rolling View Recreation Area near Falls Lake with four distances from 10 Miler to 100 Miler. The route is mostly single track on the Mountains to Sea Trail and includes about 8,000 feet of elevation gain.

The Umstead Trail Marathon will take place in Morrisville on Saturday 7 March 2026. You can run 26 miles.

A trail 5k at Pluck Farm on March 7, 2026 supporting Learning Outside, with a 250 m kids race and a virtual 5k option. Steel String Brewery will open early to serve brews after the event.