Pilot Mountain Goat

Event overview

The Pilot Mountain Goat is scheduled for Saturday, Dec 20, 2025, at Pilot Mountain State Park in Pinnacle, North Carolina. The event has a total capacity limit of 150 runners. Registration closes Wed, Dec 17 at 11:59 PM ET.

Distances

• 3 mile
• 7 mile

Course and logistics

Both races start in the campground and end at the top of the mountain. The 3 mile course follows a wide gravel trail, turns onto Grindstone Trail, climbs to the upper parking lot, then follows Pilot Knob Trail around the knob and finishes on the sidewalk above the bathrooms. The 7 mile course follows the gravel trail onto Grindstone Trail, turns onto Mountain Trail to run around the back of the mountain, returns to Grindstone Trail, climbs Grindstone Trail, goes around the pinnacle on Pilot Knob Trail, and finishes at the same location as the 3 mile race.

After the race participants must return to their cars by running or walking down the trail for about 2.25 miles or arrange a ride; park rangers cannot provide rides back down. The first 49 cars will park at the campground; additional cars will be directed to overflow parking.

Entry items, awards and policies

Registered participants receive a beanie embroidered with the race logo. Awards are given to the top three men and women and to age-group finishers (top three in each 7 mile age group; first in each 3 mile age group). A post-race breakfast is provided. Long sleeve race shirts from previous years are available for purchase at packet pickup and after the race for $10; these shirts do not have a year on them.

Packet pickup is available Friday, Dec 19 outside the Pilot Mountain Visitor Center, and on race day at the starting area. No refunds are given. Registrations may be transferred to another person or changed in distance through Dec 17, 2025. The event will proceed rain or shine unless the state park closes for weather, in which case organizers will attempt to reschedule. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.