Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival

Event overview

The Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival is a combined trail running and mountain bike event at Camp Grier in Old Fort, North Carolina, held on December 6, 2025. The event offers timed endurance formats for both runners and riders and includes a festival area with vendors, live music, and guest speakers. Entry is limited to 450 participants (225 runners and 225 riders).

Course and logistics

The courses use singletrack trail and gravel road around Camp Grier and the Gateway Trail System. Distances per loop are approximately:

• 3.75 miles for the run course (about 550 ft of ascent and 550 ft of descent per lap)
• 8.3 miles for the ride course (about 1,000 ft of gain and loss per lap)

There is a common start/finish area by Camp Grier Lake with a tent village for crew support. One aid station will be located near the start/finish and tent village. Crews are limited to a single 10x10 tent area in the crew zone. Parking is in the upper fields of Camp Grier; carpooling is encouraged.

Fundraising, awards and rules

The event raises funds for the Old Fort Strong Fund to support residents and businesses affected by Hurricane Helene. Participants are set up as fundraisers with a minimum fundraising target. All participants receive a branded race t-shirt and sponsor items. Prize packages and raffle items are offered for top fundraisers and top finishers. Race rules require staying on marked trails, not cutting switchbacks, and informing race officials if withdrawing. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.