Mt Mitchell Challenge and Black Mountain Marathon

Mt Mitchell Challenge and Black Mountain Marathon

The Mt Mitchell Challenge and Black Mountain Marathon are organized in Black Mountain, North Carolina and scheduled for April 3, 2027. The event presents two formats: a Marathon and the Mt Mitchell Challenge, a longer route that aims for the summit of Mount Mitchell at 6,684 feet. Runners share the same start and follow the same initial course to a Blue Ridge Parkway turnaround; the first 250 runners who reach that point within the event cutoff may continue to the summit and complete the full Challenge.

Distances include:

• Marathon
• Mt Mitchell Challenge, about 40 miles

Course details: the first and final 3 miles are paved. From mile 3 onward the route is a mix of single track trail and rough gravel. The section to the summit combines pavement and trail when trail access is possible. The route currently uses the Old Mitchell Trail from Stepps Gap to the summit, with descent via State Road 128. Elevation figures include a start altitude of 2,360 feet and approximately 4,324 feet of gain in the first 20 miles.

Support and logistics: the Challenge features 10 aid stations and the Marathon 6 aid stations, offering water, Gatorade, fruit, salty and sweet snacks, and at some stations hot soup. The event follows a pack in pack out rule for personal gear. Open entries are accepted until the field limit is reached. There is a drop date of January 1; deferral or refund minus a $30 fee is available before that date, and no refunds or deferrals after it.

The race was not held in 2025 and 2026 due to storm damage and related park and permit restrictions in the region. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.