Mt Mitchell Challenge and Black Mountain Marathon
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About the race
The Mt Mitchell Challenge and Black Mountain Marathon are trail races held in Black Mountain, North Carolina on April 3, 2027. The event follows trails from downtown Black Mountain to high elevations on the Blue Ridge Parkway and Mount Mitchell, with finishes at Lake Tomahawk.
Distances:
- 36 miles Mount Mitchell Challenge, around 4,500 feet of elevation gain
- Marathon, about 3,000 feet of elevation gain
Registration includes a quarter zip technical long sleeve, wooden finisher medal, finisher trucker hat, professional chip timing, stocked aid stations, two beer tickets for those 21 and older, and a donation to the Swannanoa Valley Museum and the Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce.
Safety and race operations notes: there is no crew access on course and no drop bags. The event is cupless so runners must carry reusable bottles to refill at aid stations. Required gear that runners must carry and present at check in and at aid stations includes a vessel that holds at least 20 ounces, a rain shell, and a cellphone; lack of required gear will result in disqualification. Race officials work with local, state, and federal agencies to manage access and safety on the course.
The event has prize awards by gender and nonbinary categories and masters categories, with cash prizes and custom pottery awards for top finishers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
