Quest for the Crest 50k

Quest for the Crest : May 16-17, 2026, Burnsville, NC

Quest for the Crest is a point-to-point trail event with three distances:

• 50K : point-to-point, finishes on Mt. Mitchell, 12,000 ft vertical gain.
• 25K : point-to-point, shares sections with the 50K.
• 11K : point-to-point, climbs to the Mt. Mitchell summit; last portion of the 50K course.

Course, logistics, and policies

The course is technical, rocky, and rooty with steep sections that may require hands and the use of a rope. The first climb for the main distances is a 2.5 mile ascent with about 3,300 ft of gain. The 50K route visits three peaks, including Mt. Mitchell. The 11K course is a single major climb to the summit; it has no formal aid stations but there are places to refill water.

All runners receive a pint glass and a hat or beanie; 50K finishers receive a medal. Photos are provided free. All runners are given a mandatory shuttle ride to the race start; the 11K finish line drop bag is transported to the summit and runners are returned to the start by bus, with possible wait times up to about 90 minutes. Runners are required to carry at least 1 liter of water or a water filter for certain distances.

Registration details include early-bird pricing (50K: $135 before September 1, $145 after; 25K: $105 before September 1, $115 after). The organizer’s refund policy: no refunds, transfers, or deferments within 90 days of the event; cancellations beyond 90 days may receive half credit toward another race; full credit for pregnancy and military order deferral is offered for two years. The organizer notes the event is rugged and not intended as a first trail race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.