Logo

Quest for the Crest 50k

Burnsville, United States • 16-17 May 2026

Quest for the Crest is a rugged mountain ultramarathon in Burnsville, NC, with three point-to-point races: 50K, 25K, and the new 11K. The routes feature brutal vertical climbs, including a 2.5-mile opening ascent with about 3,300 ft of gain, and total elevation around 12,000 ft for the 50K, 4,500 ft for the 25K, and 3,300 ft for the 11K. The 50K includes Mt.

Mitchell among three major peaks; the 25K covers the last 25K; the 11K climbs Mt. Mitchell in one ascent. Runners face technical, rocky terrain with rope-assisted sections; finishers receive swag, and there is a mandatory shuttle to the start. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

United States North Carolina Burnsville

Race information

Website
50 km
12000 m+
50k
25 km
5000 m+
25k
11 km
11k
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Springmaid Splash

Spruce Pine - 13 mi from Burnsville

Springmaid Splash is a trail running event held at Springmaid Mountain Resort in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, featuring 5K and 10K races through scenic, lush trails on a 400-acre property. The course includes a unique splash crossing of the North Toe River, offering a true mountain running experienc..

Chasing Trails Ultras

Old Fort - 21 mi from Burnsville

Chasing Trails Ultras is a trail-running event in Old Fort, North Carolina, at the Gateway Trailhead. The 2025 edition on Sept 6 offers 12-, 6-, and 3-hour options plus a 5k loop. Each loop is about 3.2 miles with roughly 380 feet of elevation gain on single-track trails.Participants accumulate laps..

Fonta Flora 50K and Half Marathon

Firestone - 25 mi from Burnsville

Fonta Flora 50k and Half Marathon (and Relay) run along Lake James State Park trails in Nebo, NC, with views of the lake and Linville Gorge. The Half is about 13.1 miles with roughly 850 ft of elevation gain; the 50k about 31.5 miles with ~2,400 ft gain, on extensive single-track. Both start and fin..

Gold Mine River Run

Marion - 23 mi from Burnsville

Gold Mine River Run 5K is a Saturday race held in Marion, North Carolina (28752). The event features a 5K off-road, cross-country course set in the Vein Mountain area south of Glenwood. The course offers a rugged, nature-filled route rather than a paved city path, emphasizing a woodland and rural se..

Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival

Old Fort - 21 mi from Burnsville

Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival is a multi-discipline trail event held at Camp Grier in Old Fort, North Carolina. The course uses the Gateway Trail System with loops for runners about 3.5 miles and for mountain bikers about 8 miles, starting and finishing at Camp Grier Lake. The festival offers 3..

Land and Lakes Relay

Swannanoa - 23 mi from Burnsville

Land and Lakes Relay is a team relay race starting at Warren Wilson College in East Asheville, NC, finishing at Fonta Flora Brewery-Whippoorwhill Farm near Lake James in Nebo. The course passes Swannanoa, Black Mountain, Lake Tomahawk, Old Fort, Marion, and the Lake James area. Four- or six-person t..