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REMINDER: THIS IS A CUPLESS EVENT! BRING YOUR OWN CUP, BOTTLE, OR HYDRATION PACK.
6th Annual Not-A-Sprint Ultra Races | Sunday, September 5, 2027 | Forest City, NC
It's not a sprint. That's kind of the point.
Cancer Active proudly presents the 6th Annual Not-A-Sprint Ultra Races — a 3, 6, and 12-hour endurance event for everyone from experienced ultrarunners chasing 50+ miles to walkers discovering just how far they can go.
Run it. Walk it. Run-walk it. Take a break and start again. Whether you're chasing a PR, attempting your first ultramarathon, returning to running, or simply looking for a new challenge, you decide the pace and the goal.
The race takes place on the paved Thermal Belt Rail Trail, starting and finishing at the Pavilion on Park Square (POPS) in downtown Forest City. The 8.34-mile out-and-back course is exceptionally flat, with only about 95 feet of elevation change over the entire route. Aid stations are well stocked, and approximately 35% of the course is shaded.
And for the 12-hour runners: complete 50 miles within 12 hours and you'll earn the custom Not-A-Sprint 50-Mile Belt Buckle.
Pacing is a Virtue.
Not-A-Sprint Ultra Races benefits Cancer Active, Inc., helping people living with cancer live longer and live better through physical activity, nutrition, mental wellness, education, and community.
To learn more about Cancer Active, visit BeCancerActive.org.
Who Should Race?
Experienced ultrarunners: Come chase miles. Complete 50 miles within the 12-hour race and earn the Not-A-Sprint 50-Mile Belt Buckle.
First-time ultrarunners: This is an excellent place to find out what you can do. The paved, exceptionally flat course, frequent aid, and timed format let you control your own challenge.
Runners and walkers of all abilities: You don't have to be an ultrarunner to belong here. Choose 3, 6, or 12 hours and run, walk, or combine the two.
Athletes returning from injury, illness, or time away: There is no minimum mileage requirement and no shame in slowing down, taking a break, or calling it a day when you've accomplished what you came to accomplish.
Choose Your Challenge
Choose from three timed events:
12-Hour Race — 6:00 AM start: Go all day. Chase 50 miles, a new distance, or your own goal.
6-Hour Race — 6:30 AM start: Six hours to see how far your legs will take you.
3-Hour Race — 7:00 AM start: A great introduction to timed endurance racing — or three hours to run hard and see what you've got.
All events take place on the same 8.34-mile out-and-back course on the paved Thermal Belt Rail Trail.
Individual Race Rules
PACING
3-hour and 6-hour runners may not have a pacer. 12-hour runners may have a pacer after six hours of racing (noon). Pacers must be at least 18 years old and must check in at the Forest City timing station and sign a liability waiver before joining their runner.
SUPPORT CREWS
Support crews may assist runners only within the designated Forest City aid station/crew area. Crews may not provide assistance elsewhere on the course or interfere with other runners, crews, volunteers, or trail users.
BIB NUMBERS
Race numbers must remain visible from the front. Runners who choose to run shirtless may attach their bib to their shorts or a race belt.
MILEAGE
Mileage will be recorded at the Spindale turnaround (approximately 4.17 miles) and at the Forest City start/finish (approximately 8.34 miles).
AWARDS
Awards will be presented to the top three male and top three female individual finishers in each timed event. Every runner who completes 50 miles within the 12-hour event will receive a custom Not-A-Sprint 50-Mile Belt Buckle.
DROP BAGS
Drop bags for the Spindale aid station must be clearly labeled and ready for transport by 5:30 AM on race morning. After you're finished with your drop bag, place it in the designated RETURN TO POPS area for transport back to Forest City.
SAFETY & CONDUCT
Race officials and volunteers will monitor the course and transition areas. Follow their instructions and remain aware of other runners, trail users, and your surroundings. Headphones are permitted. Please use them responsibly and maintain enough awareness to hear instructions and other trail users.
We love dogs, but dogs are not permitted on the race course with participants.
The 50-Mile Buckle
50 miles. 12 hours. One buckle.
Complete 50 miles during the 12-hour Not-A-Sprint and you'll earn our custom Not-A-Sprint 50-Mile Belt Buckle.
There is no separate registration and no special division. Sign up for the 12-hour race, cover 50 miles before the clock runs out, and the buckle is yours.
Good things take time.
Packet Pickup
Saturday, September 4, 2027 | 4:30–7:00 PM
Pavilion on Park Square (POPS), 153 Park Square, Forest City, NC 28043
Race Morning — Sunday, September 5, 2027 | 5:30–5:50 AM
Pavilion on Park Square (POPS)
What's Included:
Your registration includes:
Race shirt • Finisher medal • Fully stocked aid stations • Water & electrolyte drinks • Race fuel • Post-race food • One post-race beer for participants age 21+
12-hour runners who complete 50 miles within the time limit also receive the custom Not-A-Sprint 50-Mile Belt Buckle.
Volunteer
Not running this year? Come be part of the race anyway.
Not-A-Sprint depends on volunteers to make race day happen. Help at an aid station, support runners, assist at POPS, or lend a hand wherever you're needed.
Volunteer at the 2027 Not-A-Sprint Ultra Races and earn a FREE entry to a future Cancer Active race.
You'll also receive a volunteer/race shirt, food, and our considerable gratitude.
Volunteer registration information will be posted as race day approaches.
Event's current local time: 2:34 AM ET
