Quest for the Crest by Run Bum Races
The hardest and most scenic trail race on the East Coast. The point to point races are big climbs with big descents. The views on the way up and up top are worth it. The race motto is "Beauty comes at at price".
The 50k is about 34.5 miles with 12,000 ft gain and the same loss 15 hour cutoff with an optional early start to allow 16.5 hours.
25k is 16 miles with 5,000 ft gain 7 hour cutoff
11k is 5.8 miles with 3,900 ft of gain 4 hour cutoff
>-Please make sure you check out our website where the updated maps, charts and runners handbook can be found along with a video detailing the changes.
- https://www.runbumtours.com
This year we will have an early start option for the 50k event. Race for the early start will begin at 4am--this is to allow participants time to complete the course--this is not meant for everyone to select this--it is for those who TRULY need the extra time. Please refer to our runner's handbook on our website for complete details on this--NOTE: Early start participants are not eligible for overall awards.
Swag / awards etc
All runners for the 50k/25k will get a pint glass. All finishers will get a medal or finisher award. Runners get free photos. All 50k / 25k runners get a free MANDATORY shuttle ride to the race start.
For the 11k runners have an optional shuttle back to the start from the summit of Mt. Mitchell.
All race details on RunBumTours.com
Refund Policy
Refund & Deferral Policy
EFFECTIVE 8/25/2026-Run Bum Races does not offer refunds, transfers, race credits, or deferrals, except for the limited circumstances outlined in our full Refund & Deferral Policy.
If you would like refund protection, SPOT Refund Protection must be purchased through UltraSignup at the time of checkout.
**SPOT cannot be added after registration/checkout is complete. SPOT is a third-party service offered through UltraSignup and is not administered or controlled by Run Bum Races.
**Any questions regarding SPOT coverage, eligibility, claims, or refunds must be directed to UltraSignup/SPOT.
Outside of our limited exceptions for pregnancy, military obligations, or the death of an immediate family member, the only option for a Run Bum race deferral/credit is to volunteer an event for a minimum of 8 hours for a 50k or longer distance & a minimum of 6 hours for distances less than 50k.
Participants who registered prior to 8/25/2026 remain subject to the policy in effect at the time of their registration.
Please refer to our full Refund & Deferral Policy at www.runbumtours.com under the FAQ section for complete terms and details.
WARNING
THIS CAN NOT BE YOUR FIRST TRAIL RACE FOR ANY DISTANCE!
This is a ruggedly extreme deep end of the pool race. If you can not be set sufficient in the mountains, be on all fours for brief periods where you could fall and get seriously injured, filter water at times for the 25k and 50k, then you have ZERO business being out there. IF you are winging it, not training or not an athlete then you should not run. Every year we have people who should not be out there! Please we ask that you take the training seriously and enjoy the process. This is a beautiful HIKE up and jog down over boulders kind of "run". Whatever your PR is for said distance... double it and then some.
Event's current local time: 2:29 AM ET
