Ridge to Rails - Old Fort, NC

Ridge to Rails, Old Fort NC

Ridge to Rails offers trail races in Old Fort, North Carolina, with three distances: a 50k, a half marathon, and a 10k. Courses use a mix of established and new trails in the Old Fort Gateway Trail system and surrounding area, and include short stretches of gravel and some paved connecting sections. The event base is at Camp Grier in Old Fort.

The 50k is a single large loop that uses trails such as Star Gap, Bernard Mountain, Kitsuma, and others, combining smooth and technical terrain with multiple fast downhills. The half marathon is a net downhill point to point that follows Bernard Mountain Trail and other ridge routes, losing about 2,500 ft over roughly 13 miles with less than half that elevation gain. The 10k is a figure eight loop on mainly smooth, gradually graded trails suitable as an introductory trail race experience.

Listed elevation and time limits: 50k elevation gain about 5,700 ft with a similar loss and an 11 hour limit; half gain about 1,200 ft, loss about 2,600 ft, four hour limit; 10k gain and loss about 750 ft, 2.5 hour limit. Aid stations: two on the half at miles 5.6 and 9.5, one on the 10k at mile 3, and five on the 50k.

Logistics and rules include packet pickup Friday evening at Hillman Brewery and race morning pickup at the start, a required shuttle ride to the half start with no parking at that start, a parking area at Camp Grier, mandatory check into aid stations, staying on marked trails, no pacers, and returning a bib if withdrawing. Spectators are allowed at Jarrett Creek Road and the finish line but are not permitted at other points along the routes. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.