Occoneechee Mountain Challenge 10 Mile
Hillsborough, United States • 25 Jan 2026
Event overview
The Occoneechee Mountain Challenge is a 10 mile trail race on Sunday, January 25, 2026, in Hillsborough, NC. The race is organized by the Hillsborough Running Club and starts and finishes at the Historic Occoneechee Speedway Track (320 Elizabeth Brady Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278). The route is almost entirely off public roads and crosses one road.
Course and logistics
The course follows the Riverwalk (part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail), passes the Occaneechi Indian Village, and goes through Gold Park. The middle third of the route loops around and climbs to the top of Occoneechee Mountain. There is about 700 ft of elevation gain, with most of that occurring in the middle third. Approximately 3.5 miles of the course are paved; the middle 3.5-mile section is single-track around the mountain, and the climb to the peak uses a gravel access road. Trail surfaces include rocks, roots, steps, and mud.
There are two aid stations that participants pass twice; both offer water, Gatorade, and gels. A time limit of 2.5 hours (15 min/mile pace) applies. Finish-line food will include beef chili from Hoof Beat Farm, a vegetarian chili option, bread, and coffee. Parking is at OE Enterprises just beyond the main Speedway entrance off Elizabeth Brady Road. Proceeds go back to local charities and organizations. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.