Mt Mitchell Challenge and Black Mountain Marathon

Mt Mitchell Challenge and Black Mountain Marathon

The event on April 3, 2027 takes place in Black Mountain, NC, with the start area listed at Cherry Street. It features two race options that use a common early course: the Marathon and the Mt Mitchell Challenge, an approximately 40-mile route that can include a summit approach to Mount Mitchell.

Distances

• Marathon: 26.2 miles
• Challenge: about 40 miles with summit option

The course surface includes paved sections and trail. The first and final three miles are paved. From mile three onward the route is a mix of single-track trail and rough gravel. The section to the summit includes both pavement and trail when trail access is possible. There are 10 aid stations for Challenge runners and 6 for Marathon runners; supplies listed include water, Gatorade, oranges, bananas, salty and sweet snacks, and some stations may offer hot soup. Race operations follow a pack in pack out policy for personal gear.

All entrants register as Marathon runners. On race day, the first 250 runners who reach the Blue Ridge Parkway turnaround and meet the course cutoff may choose to continue to the summit and become Challenge finishers; subsequent runners complete the Marathon course. The organizer noted that Hurricane Helene caused trail and park damage that made the races untenable in 2025 and 2026. There is a drop date of January 1 for deferrals or refunds with a $30 fee if refunded before that date. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.