Articles

Belgian Ultrarunner Karel Sabbe's Record-Breaking Pacific Crest Trail Run Showcased in New YouTube Documentary

Explore Karel Sabbe's record-breaking Pacific Crest Trail run in a riveting documentary. Jour..

Trail Running: How it Can Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Trail running is an effective way to reduce stress, anxiety, and improve physical and mental he..

Trail Running vs. Road Running: Which One Is Right For You?

When it comes to running, there are two primary options to choose from: trail running and road..

Vertical Mile Challenge

Name: Vertical Mile Challenge
Start: 2026-06-20
End: 2026-06-20
Location: Hiddenite

Hiddenite, United States • 20 Jun 2026

Vertical Mile Challenge

The 12th Annual Vertical Mile Challenge takes place at Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area in Hiddenite, North Carolina. This event features two distinct distance options on a course located at 3451 Rocky Face Church Road.

Participants can select from the following race categories:

16 miles (Vertical Mile)
8 miles (Vertical Half Mile)

The event utilizes the natural terrain of the recreational area to provide elevation for runners. Both distances are scheduled for the same date in June, with the course centered around the topographical features of the mountain. The registration process and additional logistics are managed via a digital ticketing platform. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

United States North Carolina Hiddenite

Race information

Website Registration

16 mi

Vertical Mile

8 mi

Vertical Half Mile

Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Trail runs nearby

Saturday Sep 12

Shining Hope Farms Salute Trail Run

Conover

5 km

10 km

A sixth annual trail run at Shining Hope Farms in Conover, NC offering chip timed 5k and 10k distances on a 120 acre farm. The event honors veterans and first responders while raising funds for Saddles & Salutes scholarships.

Saturday Sep 26

Chad Lovette Memorial Trail Run

Wilkesboro

3 mi

6 mi

A memorial trail event in Wilkesboro, North Carolina on September 26, 2026 offering timed 5K and 10K runs, an untimed 5K walk, and a virtual option. Chip timing and RFID-tagged bibs are used and proceeds support the American Cancer Society.

Saturday Oct 10

Lake Rhodhiss Trailfest

Valdese

Lake Rhodhiss Trailfest in Valdese, NC on October 10, 2026 offers three hour, six hour and twelve hour loop events on a roughly three mile course with trail and crushed cinder greenway. Food, vendor space, and occasional live music are plan..

Sat - Sun Oct 17-18

HKY 100 Mile Ultra Trail Race

Hickory

100 mi

A 100-mile ultra in Hickory using a 4-mile mixed-surface loop, open to solo runners and teams of 2 to 10, featuring about 70% trail, over 15,500 feet of elevation, and marked signage for night running.