Mt Mitchell Challenge and Black Mountain Marathon

Mt Mitchell Challenge and Black Mountain Marathon

The event in Black Mountain, North Carolina features two trail races organized by Mt Mitchell Challenge with registration opening August 1, 2026. Both races begin in downtown Black Mountain and finish at Lake Tomahawk.

Distances:

• 36 miles Mt Mitchell Challenge, around 4,500 feet of gain
• Marathon Black Mountain Marathon, about 3,000 feet of gain

Challengers follow trails from Black Mountain to the summit of Mount Mitchell and back. Marathon runners start alongside Challengers and turn back near the Blue Ridge Parkway overlook at mile 13, returning to the same finish area. The overlook sits at about 5,340 feet elevation.

Race services include stocked aid stations and professional chip timing. The event is cupless; runners must use their own reusable bottles at aid stations. There is no crew access on course and no drop bags. Required gear includes a vessel that holds at least 20 ounces, a rain shell, and an emergency blanket or bivy; this gear must be presented at check in and carried during the race.

Included with registration are a quarter zip technical long sleeve, wooden finisher medal, finisher trucker hat, and a donation to the Swannanoa Valley Museum and the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce. Prize awards are offered for the top finishers in male, female, and nonbinary divisions and top masters placements. The event maintains a no refund policy except as noted for waitlist situations with limited refund windows. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.