About

Grandfather Mountain, sitting at 5,945 feet tall is the most iconic mountain in all the Southern Appalachians.  It is rich in scenery and bio-diversity and home to some of the most gnarliest trails you can find on the east coast.  So what better place to hold a pure mountain race?!?!

The Grand-Further Mountain Run is the premiere mountain race in North Carolina.  The 25 kilometer course will climb Grandfather Mountain a total of two times from both sides of the mountain.  The terrain is unforgiving, extremely technical, but most of all, astounding!  Fixed ropes and ladders are even placed in certain sections of the trails to assist in climbing the tallest mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountain Range. This race is not for the faint of heart of the weak of knees.  It demands your best and your utmost respect.

Prior trail running experience required to participate.

Course Description

From the start you will run approximately a half mile of pavement to thin out runners before hitting the singletrack of Grandfather Mountain's Trail system.  The first mile or so will be mellow, but after that the climbing and extremely technical terrain begins.  Ladders and fixed ropes are placed on near  vertical slopes to help aid in climbing the mountain near the summit.  Expect roots, rocks, and boulders almost every step of the race.

The Numbers

Distance: ~14 Miles

Elevation Gain: ~ 4,200 feet

Time Limit: 6 hours

Miles of Single Track Trail: ~ 14.5 miles

Miles of Pavement: ~ 0.5 miles

Race Rules

Stay on marked trails, DO NOT CUT SWITCHBACKS!

Must carry mandatory gear at all times.

Use proper trail etiquette when passing other runners

No alcohol allowed within park boundaries

Be courteous to other trails users

No littering

Obey any race official's request

Need To Know

-Weather conditions can change drastically on the mountain. If race needs to be canceled due to extreme weather, the race will be rescheduled to the next day August 25th, 2024. No refunds will be given if you cannot attend the rescheduled date.  

-You are required to carry mandatory gear.  This includes a rain shell, at least a 20oz water carrying device, and an emergency blanket. 

-No parking at the Profile Trail Head, you'll be parking at designated sites close by.

-The finish area is a half-mile walk from the start and your car.  Please walk the trail back and not the road.

Aid Stations & Cutoffs

Aid 1:   3.5 miles - 9:30 am cutoff
Aid 2:   7.1 miles - 10:55 am cutoff
Flat Rock Cutoff: 8.6 miles - 11:45 am
Aid 3:   10.9 miles - no cutoff

Aid stations will have at a minimum: Water and Gatorade. Foods include: bananas, potato chips, pretzels, and M&Ms and other salty and sweet snacks.

Awards

Top three M & F overalls receive hand-made awards and gift certs to Mountain Running Company

Top Masters M & F receive hand-made awards and gift certs to Mountain Running Company

All finishers receive handmade ceramic medal from Hannah Thrower Ceramics

Waitlist FAQ

- How do I know my order on the waitlist? Click on the waitlist button above on this page to view where you stand currently on the waitlist.
- What are my chances of getting off the waitlist? If you are in the top 15 of the waitlist, your chances of getting in by race day are very high, but not a full qaurantee. You should go ahead and be training as if you are in the event. If you are lower than 15 down the waitlist, your chances diminish the further you are down the list. Historically, we've never exceeded inviting any more than 25 people off a waitlist and that is very high, but know that not everyone accepts a registration invite and many decline. So you could be number 35 on the waitlist, but still get in by race day.
- When will I know that I got off the waitlist? An email will be sent to invite you to signup for the race off the waitlist after a spot opens up. You will have 48 hours to confirm your entry before the invite will be removed
- How soon should I expect an invite? Most likely you will not receive an invite until the final few weeks before the event up to two days before the event.

Refund Policy

75% refund granted until June 1st.
50% refund granted until July 25th
No refunds will be granted within 30 days of the event for any reason. We do not allow transfers or deferments in any case at any time.

Event's current local time: 2:45 AM ET