Logo

Quest for the Crest 50k

Burnsville, United States • 16-17 May 2026

Quest for the Crest is a challenging trail running event held in Burnsville, North Carolina, featuring 50K, 25K, and 11K point-to-point races. Known as one of the hardest and most scenic races in the Southeast, the 50K includes 12,000 feet of elevation gain and summits Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi.

The course is extremely technical, with steep climbs requiring the use of hands and ropes. The 25K covers the last 25K of the 50K course with 4,500 feet of gain, while the new 11K is a direct climb to Mt. Mitchell's summit.

The race offers stunning mountain views and demands serious preparation and experience. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

United States North Carolina Burnsville

Race information

Website Registration
50 km
3657 m+
50k
25 km
4500 m+
25k
11 km
3300 m+
11k
Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Trail runs nearby

Trail Camp For Big Kids

Burnsville

Trail Camp for Big Kids is a relaxed, multi-day trail running camp held at Rattler Ford Group Campground in the Nantahala National Forest near Robbinsville, North Carolina. Designed for adults of all running levels, the camp offers a mix of team building, navigation, community, and trail running fro..

Old Fort 50

Old Fort - 21 mi from Burnsville

The Old Fort 50 is a challenging endurance race held in Old Fort, North Carolina, featuring a 30.4-mile course on rugged, legendary mountain bike trails and newer paths by the G5 Trail Collective. Participants face 4,874 feet of elevation gain and descent over fast, technical terrain including the G..

Chasing Trails Ultras

Old Fort - 21 mi from Burnsville

Chasing Trails Ultras is a trail running event held in Old Fort, North Carolina, featuring timed races of 3, 6, and 12 hours, plus a 5k option. The course consists of a challenging yet beginner-friendly 3.2-mile loop with about 380 feet of elevation gain, winding through the scenic Gateway Trail sys..

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. The race offers 5K and 10K distances that wind through scenic trails on a 400-acre property, including a unique splash crossing of the North Toe River, providing an authentic mountain runnin..

Fonta Flora 50K and Half Marathon

Firestone - 25 mi from Burnsville

The Fonta Flora 50K and Half Marathon is a scenic trail running event held at Lake James State Park in Nebo, North Carolina, near the Linville Gorge and Shortoff Mountain. The races start and finish at Fonta Flora Brewery's Whippoorwill Farm, offering runners beautiful views of the lake and surround..

Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival

Old Fort - 21 mi from Burnsville

The Old Fort Strong Endurance Festival, held in Old Fort, North Carolina, is a trail running and mountain biking event featuring 3, 6, and 12-hour races. Set on the trails around Camp Grier and the Gateway Trail System, the festival offers separate loops for runners (about 3.5 miles) and mountain bi..