Ridge to Rails - Old Fort, NC

Event overview

The Ridge to Rails event in Old Fort, North Carolina offers three trail race distances held from and finishing near Camp Grier and the Old Fort Gateway Trailhead. The distances are:

• 50k
• Half Marathon
• 10k

Courses use a mix of new and existing trails and some gravel road. Named trails and roads used include Star Gap, Bernard Mountain Trail, Kitsuma Trail, Point Lookout Trail, Copper Ridge Trail, Jarrett Creek Road and several FS roads in the Mill Creek Valley area. Elevation figures given by the organizer are: 50k gain/loss about 5,700 ft, Half gain about 1,200 ft and loss about 2,600 ft, 10k gain/loss about 750 ft. Time limits are listed as 11 hours for the 50k, 4 hours for the half, and 2.5 hours for the 10k.

Course details and logistics

The 50k is a large loop using multiple trails and FS roads with a mix of smooth and technical terrain and extended downhills. The half marathon is a point-to-point, net downhill course that follows Bernard Mountain Trail and other ridgeline trails before descending to Camp Grier. The 10k is a figure-8 loop linking new trails in the Old Fort Gateway system with short gravel connectors.

Aid stations: two on the half (miles 5.6 and 9.5), one on the 10k (mile 3), and five on the 50k (mileages pending). Packet pickup is available Friday evening at Hillman Brewery and on race morning at the start area. Race rules include staying on marked trails, checking in at aid stations, no pacers, and returning a bib if withdrawing. Half-marathon runners must use the shuttle to the start; there is no parking at the half start. Spectators are allowed at the finish and along Jarrett Creek Road with a short hike in. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.