About
The Ridge to Rails 50k, Half & 10k presents a unique set of races in the emerging town of Old Fort, NC. Using a combo of classic and new trails in the Old Fort area, the Ridge to Rails races take you on some of the best runs in the area. The 50k is one big loop highlighting some of the best trails in the area. You'll get the chance to bomb down Star Gap, Bernard Mtn, and Kitsuma Trails during the event. The Half is a super unique net downhill point-to-point half marathon from the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains back down the Old Fort Gateway Trail system. Using the Bernard Mtn Trail as the main line down the crest of the Blue Ridge, you get multiple incredible views throughout and a race that loses 2500 ft in 13 miles, with less than half the gain. Finally, the 10k takes you on a challenging, yet very beginner-friendly figure 8 loop through the Old Fort Gateway Trail system. These scenic and beginner-friendly trails offer a great experience for all runners to test out their trail running abilities. Each course offers a few stretches of gravel to allow you stretch your legs as well and search out that PR in each distance.
Date and Time
June 1st, 2024
50k Start: 7:00 AM
Half Start: 8:10 AM
10K Start: 9:00 AM
Location: Old Fort Gateway Trailhead, Old Fort, NC
Registration
Registration opens January 1st!
MUST REGISTER BY MAY 25th TO GUARANTEE RACE T-SHIRT
Refunds - 75% refund granted up until March 1st. 50% Refund granted up until April 15th. After April 15th, no refunds will be given. Transfers/Deferments are not allowed at any time for any reason.
Course Description
50k Course: The 50k makes an amazing loop of the Mill Creek Valley of Old Fort. Using a combo of new and old trails in the area. Expect plenty of views, a mix of smooth and technical terrain, and lots of fast downhills.....and some ups! The official map of this route is still in review with the USFS. We will reveal as soon as we get final go ahead from the USFS (hopefully in early spring). The course however will use the following trails and FS roads: Jarrett Creek Rd, Star Gap Trail, Mill Creek Rd, Bernard Mtn Rd, Bernard Mtn Trail, Point Lookout Trail, Kitsuma trail, Copper Ridge Trail, Rostan Trail, Salt Gap Trail.
Half course: The half marathon is a point-to-point net downhill trail race with a little pavement and gravel thrown in. Runners will start at the Point Lookout TH along Mill Creek Rd and run a short stretch of gravel downhill to the start of Bernard Mtn Road. Bernard Mtn Rd is a double track trail/dirt road with great views as it slowly climbs up to Bernarnd Mtn Trail. Bernard Mtn Trail is a new downhill trail created by the the G5 Trail Collective. This trail is gorgeous with multiple scenic vistas! Come out onto Point Lookout Trail and follow this paved path to main road and follow for a short bit and then make your way up the new Copper Ridge Trail across as it winds its way across the ridge with some excellent views. After a flowy fast downhill, you'll reach Camp Grier's gravel road and run through their picturesque property past the lake with mountains towering around you. Soon you will reach the top of the Old Fort Gateway Trail system and begin your final descent through some brand new smooth trails to the finish. Race map can be found below.
10k Course: The 10k course links up almost all of the new trails in the Old Fort Gateway system with a couple of short stretches of gravel road to link them all up. This course offers a great first trail running race experience that will still challenge even the most seasoned of runners. The trails are smooth and gradually graded, making even the uphills extremely runnable. This trail system is simply a joy to run and an incredible asset to the town of Old Fort, NC.
Elevation Gain:
50k ~ 5700 ft
Half ~ 1,200 ft
10k ~ 750 ft
Elevation Loss:
50k ~ 5700 ft
Half ~ 2,600 ft
10k ~ 750 ft
Time Limit:
50k ~ 11 hours
Half - 4 hours
10K - 2.5 hours
Packet Pickup
You can pre-pickup your packet race weekend on Friday at a TBD location. Keep checking back in for updates.
If you cannot make it on Friday, you can pickup your packet race morning starting at 6:00am at the race start.
Race Rules
Stay on marked trails, DO NOT CUT SWITCHBACKS!
Must check into all aid stations.
Spectators are not allowed at the start of the half marathon
Use proper trail etiquette when passing other runners
Be courteous to other trails users (bikes)
No littering
Obey any race official's request
If dropping from race, you must inform a race official that you are dropping from the race and turn in your race bib to the nearest aid station
No pacers
Need to Know
Half-marathon runners are required to ride the shuttle to the start. Free shuttles depart at 7:30am. There is no parking at the start line of the half.
Parking for the event will be held at the Old Fort Gateway Trailhead off of Curtis Creek Road.
Aid Stations
2 on half course at miles 5.6 & 9.5
1 on the 10k course at mile 3
6 on 50k, aid mileages coming soon
Please listen to course marshalls at road crossings to be informed of when it is safe to cross the road.
Spectators are allowed to view their runners along Jarrett Creek Road during the event and at the finish line. This requires a hike in from the finish line/parking area of about a mile. Spectators are not allowed at any other point along the route.
There are multiple lodging options near the race. You can find multiple AirBnB's in the area and hotels in nearby in Marion, NC and Black Mountain, NC.
Event's current local time: 2:46 AM ET
