About
4th Annual Not-A-Sprint Ultra Races
Forest City, NC
Saturday, August 31, 2025
Cancer Active proudly presents the 4th Annual Not-A-Sprint Ultra Races, an endurance event that welcomes all — from elite ultra runners chasing 50+ miles to walkers soaking in the spirit of community and purpose. Whether you're pushing for a PR or pacing yourself through your first endurance challenge, this event is Not-A-Sprint.
Held on the scenic and flat Thermal Belt Rail Trail, this 8.34-mile out-and-back paved course starts and finishes at the Pavilion on Park Square (POPS) in Forest City. Aid stations are well-stocked, the course is low on elevation (only 95 ft over the entire loop!), and shade covers about 35% of the route to help with end of Summer heat.
Who Should Race?
Experienced ultrarunners: Test your endurance with a shot at 50 miles or more. Complete 6 laps (50.1 miles) in 12 hours and earn a custom "Not-A-Sprint" belt buckle. Set a new course record and win $250! (Current record: 66.72 miles by Kelly Woodard)
New or recovering athletes: Walk, jog, or run your race — this course is flat, shaded, well-supported, and welcoming. You choose the pace and the challenge.
Relay teams: Share the journey with friends. Each runner must complete at least one lap — you decide the rest.
Categories
Choose from 3, 6, or 12-hour races:
3-Hour Individual
6-Hour Individual
12-Hour Individual
Start Times:
12-Hour: 6:00 AM
6-Hour: 6:15 AM
3-Hour: 6:30 AM
Not-a-Sprint Ultra Races, August 31
Total Loop Distance: 8.34 miles (4.17 out / 4.17 back)
Aid Stations:
POPS (Forest City): Full-service station with snacks, water, Tailwind, and shade
Spindale Turnaround: Water & Tailwind only
Participants may set up support areas under the shaded pavilion. No crew support is allowed on the course itself.
The races will be a 4.17 mile out and 4.17 mile back course (8.34 miles round trip) beginning at POPS and following the Thermal Belt Rail Trail North to Spindale, and then back to POPS. There will be one aid station at Mill Town Brewing, and one self-serve aid/H2O station in the middle of the course.
There is a measly 95 feet of elevation over the entire course and it is paved the entire way. There will be few road crossings. Volunteers will be on hand to direct runners where necessary, but runners need to be aware of their surroundings at these intersections.
The course is partially to completely shaded on about 35% of the course which should help significantly with September temperatures!
The first runners will leave the Pavilion on Park Square (POPS) at 6am. The first wave will run 12 hours from 6am to 6pm. The second wave will run 6 hours from 6:30am to 12:30pm. The third wave will run 3 hours from 7:00am to 10:00am.
There will be food, water and electrolytes available at every aid station, and various food choices throughout the day.
The Rules are laid out below.
Cancer Active, Inc., is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to encourage cancer patients to stay healthy and active through treatment. Cancer Active's programs include the Cancer Active patient portal, Cancer Active Education, and the Cancer Active Support Group.
All funds raised through the 2024 Not-A-Sprint Weekend will be used to encourage those affected by cancers to stay healthy and active through treatment.
September 1, 2024
12 Hour: 6AM-6PM
6 Hour: 6:30AM-12:30PM
3 Hour: 7AM-10AM
Individual Race Rules
Individual Race Rules
Pacing:
3-hour and 6-hour runners may not have a pacer.
12-hour runners may have a pacer after 6 hours (noon).
Pacers must be 18 years or older
Pacer Registration:
Pacers must check in at the Forest City timing station and sign a liability waiver before joining their runner.
Support Crews:
Support crews may assist their runner ONLY in the Forest City aid station area.
Crews cannot assist their runner on the course or interfere with other runners and crews.
Relay Race Rules
Team Composition:
Each relay team consists of 3 runners.
Each relay team member must run at least one lap.
Transition Area:
All transitions between team members must occur at the start area/timing pad at the Pavilion at Park Square (POPS) in Forest City.
Runners will exchange their race bibs in the transition area
Runners shall wear their numbers on the front. If you want to run shirtless, you can attach your bib number to your shorts or bib belt.
Awards and Recognition
Mileage Counting:
Total mileage for individual runners will be counted at the Spindale turnaround (4.17 miles) and the Forest City aid station (8.35 miles).
Awards:
Awards will be given to the top 3 male and top 3 female individual runners.
Awards will be given to the top 3 teams
Every runner completing 50 miles within 12 hours will receive a "Not-A-Sprint" belt buckle.
Course Record:
Establishing a new course record (currently 66.72 miles in 12 hours by Kelly Woodard) will earn a $250 prize.
Drop Bags
Spindale Aid Station Drop Bags:
Drop bags must be properly labeled and ready for transport by 5:30 AM on race day.
After use, place drop bags/boxes in the designated "RETURN TO POPS" area.
Additional Information
Race Officials:
Race officials will monitor the transition area and ensure compliance with the rules.
Medical Support:
Medical personnel will be on-site in Forest City for assistance with injuries or emergencies.
Safety and Conduct
Participants and support crews must respect other runners and crews, ensuring a positive and sportsmanlike atmosphere.
Course Conduct:
Follow all instructions from race officials and volunteers.
Maintain awareness of your surroundings and run safely.
Headphones are allowed
We LOVE dogs, but they are not allowed on the course.
Packet Pickup
Packet Pickup will be from 5PM-8PM on Saturday, August 31, 2024 at the Race HQ in front of the Pavilion on Park Square in Forest City.
What's Included!
TBD
Volunteer
We rely on your kindness and we promise to give it back to you!
Sign up to be a 2024 Volunteer (registration link above), and receive a free race shirt and FREE entry to the 2025 Throwing Bones Trail Race or the 2025 Not-A-Sprint 3-6-12!
Event's current local time: 1:26 AM ET
