There are NO AID STATIONS on the course.
Race start/finish location: 1501 State Road 1227, Old Fort NC.
The course starts/finishes in the Old Fort Gateway Trailhead parking lot and runners will run through the race arch to complete each loop. Each race will start with a loop around the parking lot to spread out runners before heading towards Jarretts Creek Road. This is an approximately .1 mi of gravel road before runners with hook left onto the Gateway Trails.
The Gateway Trail section is ~ 1.9 miles of rolling uphill single track trail with approximately 300ft of climb and beautiful scenic views. The trail meets Jarretts Creek Road and runners will turn right onto the gravel road for ~.2 miles. The course will hook a sharp right onto the Foundation Trail and will stay left to continue onto the Foundation Trail. Runners will continue on this downhill singletrack trail for approximately 1 mile before meeting Jarretts Creek Road. Runners will follow Jarretts Creek Road into the Gateway Trailhead parking lot and loop through the start/finish arch to begin a new loop.
Headlamps must be worn after 6PM. Crews/aid are allowed to set up tents in the Gateway Trailhead Parking lot. All tents must be weighted down at each corner and spectators must pay attention to vehicle traffic.
See the map below. Hurricane Helene washed out the original bridge to the Gateway Trailhead parking lot (red box, Race Start & Finish). Due to contract difficulties, the Forest Service won’t be able to replace the bridge until November.
The race will start & finish in the Gateway Trailhead parking lot. The lot “Runner Parking” (green box) will be where runners will park – BEFORE the creek crossing. There is a boulder foot path across the creek. The creek is also passable via truck/SUV – AT YOUR OWN RISK. We do not encourage runners to pass in their vehicle if they do not feel comfortable.
Boulder foot path runners will take from the runner parking, across the creek, to the start/finish line.
This is where the Gateway Trailhead bridge was originally located. Trucks/SUVs can cross it easily. We don’t encourage any runners to cross in their vehicle unless they’re comfortable.
