Clawhammer Mountain 50k - October 15, 2022
In the inaugural year of this primarily singletrack 50k race, we're excited to bring you a course with high quality trail and spectacular views through a variety of forest ecosystems. Held in the Pisgah National Forest in the mountains of Western North Carolina this loop highlights some of the best trails in the region with plenty of climbing, rocks, and roots.
The Course
31 miles
6,250' climbing, 6,250' descending
Elevation Min/Max: 2,159' / 4,201'
This course is over 90% singletrack with a few miles on gravel roads in the middle. You'll be treated to the beginning of changing leaves in our beautiful forests and six vantage points to take in the iconic Looking Glass Rock granite dome. You'll summit 4,000' mountains, run along steep ridges, cross creeks (mostly with bridges), and cruise alongside cascading rivers.
What's Included:
-Well marked course
-Timing, results
-Four fully supported aid stations and one fluids stop
-Custom finisher award
-Awards for top three male and female finishers
-Raffle awards
-Post race meal featuring local, organic produce
-Tons of fun!
Schedule
Friday -
3 pm - 6 pm: bib pick up
Saturday -
6:30 am-7:30 am: bib pick up / racer check in
7:45 am: mandatory pre-race meeting
8 am: race start
6 pm: race cutoff
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm: post race gathering
Race Policies and More Information
Race policies including runner and event cancellations and general rules can be found here.
**Please note that registration is restricted to ages 18 and older. Sorry for any inconvenience.**
A few other helpful links:
Course Maps
Aid Stations
Race cutoff time is 10 hours and rolling cut offs will be enforced at each aid station. This time equates to roughly an 18:45 average mile pace. This is not a course for hiking-only as the terrain is rough and climbs are steep and slow. This is not the best course for a first 50k unless you're a seasoned mountain runner.
We aim to leave no impact on the forest as trail users. Treat the land as it is your own - no littering, stay on the trail, and be kind to other trail users.
Shining Rock Adventures operates this activity with special use permit with the USDA Forest Service.
KOM/QOM
We're thrilled to have Flat Rock and Fletcher Village Bakery sponsor our King and Queen of the Mountain prizes! Be the first one to top out the Black Mountain climb (the first big climb of the event) and receive a $100 cash payout. Now the question is - do you give it everything for that moment of glory or reel it in to save up for the 25 miles ahead??
For even more fun...
Consider signing up for the Front Range Five miler (around 5.75 miles) the following day - October 16, 2022. It'll be a fun, quick event with a serious amount of climbing.
Event's current local time: 10:45 AM ET