The Roy Abernathy Legacy Race
Gastonia, United States • 9 Jan 2027
The Legacy
The Legacy is a trail running event in Sapphire, North Carolina, scheduled for January 9, 2027. The event takes place at 976 Grassy Ridge Road and includes routes that pass through Gorges State Park and Spencer Mountain loop trails. The event honors the organizer’s parents who passed away, and race proceeds support research into brain deterioration and learning disabilities.
Distances offered:
- 50K
- 10K
- 5K
- 1 Mile
Course notes explain that the 1 Mile uses a separate paved route consisting of two laps around the back soccer field. The 5K, 10K, and 50K begin on the soccer loop and continue onto the Spencer Mountain loop trails. The route includes a three-mile section of trails; the trail is a mountain bike trail with a reported difficulty of 4 out of 10. Flagging will use yellow ribbon and yellow arrows. Trekking poles are allowed and are recommended for sections of trail.
Aid stations will be stocked with basic foods such as pickles, cereal, pretzels, candy, fruit, and bacon, and will provide water, Tailwind, and various sodas; first aid supplies will be available. Packet pickup is available the day before the race. Participants must wear bibs visibly on the front. The event enforces a 10 hour cutoff, does not allow unregistered participants, and typically does not refund entry fees if the event is canceled. No dogs or strollers are allowed on the course unless a special exception is granted. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.