Mystery Mountain Marathon & 12-Miler
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About the race
The Mystery Mountain event at Fort Mountain State Park offers two trail races that run over and around Fort Mountain and include scenic views of fall foliage. The courses use single track, rugged mountain bike trails, and smoother horse trails, and include technical footing in places. Total climbing and descending is about 5,500 feet of elevation gain, and the route passes a low stone wall near the summit that was built more than 1,000 years ago.
Both courses begin with a loop around the lake and then follow the Big Rock trail onto the Gahuti trail near the park edge. The summit section is narrow with difficult footing until the rock wall, after which the trail widens and footing becomes smoother. The 12 Mile returns to the lake for its finish. The Marathon continues onto the 301 loop, a mostly double-track section that passes through pine, laurel thickets, upland hardwood and cove forest, old mines, waterfalls, and rhododendrons before returning to the lake.
Aid stations and cutoffs are established for safety. The 12 Mile has three aid stations plus one fluids-only station and a 6-hour time limit with an early cutoff at the park entrance (approximately 8 miles). The Marathon has six aid stations plus two fluids-only stations, an 8-hour time limit, and multiple intermediate cutoffs (approx. 11, 18.9, and 22.3 miles). Marathon runners are advised to carry a water bottle for long gaps between stations.
Course markings differ by race color and are placed on the right side of the trail. The 12 Mile follows orange markings. Marathon runners follow orange markings initially and switch to blue after the Power Line aid station. Confidence markers appear every few minutes on most sections. The course is not a road race and runners are responsible for following markings.
Other notes: bears have been spotted on course sections; leave no trace rules apply. There is a $10 state park parking fee or an annual park pass. The event is 100 percent non-profit and a portion of proceeds supports Fort Mountain State Park. Combined race entries are limited to 250 participants. Shirt sizes are guaranteed only for entries received before September 19. No refunds, transfers, or deferrals are allowed. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
