Ridge to Rails - Old Fort, NC
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Ridge to Rails - Old Fort, NC
Ridge to Rails, organized by Tanawha Adventures, is a set of trail races held in Old Fort, North Carolina. The event uses a mix of classic and new trails in the Old Fort Gateway and Mill Creek Valley areas and runs across varied terrain including smooth singletrack, technical sections, and short stretches of gravel.
Distances
- 50k loop using multiple trails and forest service roads
- Half marathon point-to-point net downhill course
- 10k figure 8 loop on gateway trails
The 50k is a single large loop that uses Jarrett Creek Road, Star Gap Trail, Bernard Mountain Trail, Point Lookout, Kitsuma Trail, Copper Ridge Trail and other local routes. The half marathon starts on the ridge and descends via Bernard Mountain Trail, Point Lookout Trail and new Copper Ridge Trail, losing about 2,500 feet over roughly 13 miles. The 10k links new trails in the Old Fort Gateway system with brief gravel connectors and gradually graded, runnable climbs.
Elevation and limits are provided for each distance: 50k gain/loss about 5,700 ft with an 11 hour limit; half gain about 1,200 ft and loss about 2,600 ft with a 4 hour limit; 10k gain/loss about 750 ft with a 2.5 hour limit. Aid stations include two on the half at miles 5.6 and 9.5, one on the 10k at mile 3, and five on the 50k with mileages to be announced.
Logistics note that half marathon runners must ride a shuttle to the start and there is no parking at the half start. Packet pickup is available the day before at Hillman Brewery and on race morning at the start. Race rules require staying on marked trails, checking into aid stations, returning a bib if dropping, no pacers, and respectful trail etiquette. Spectator access is limited; spectators may view runners along Jarrett Creek Road with about a one mile hike from the finish parking area. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
