Fonta Flora 50k and Half Marathon

The Fonta Flora 50k and Half Marathon takes place on October 24–25, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM on Saturday for the 50K and 10:00 AM on Sunday for the half marathon at 6793 NC 126 in Nebo, NC. The race starts and finishes at Fonta Flora Brewery's Whippoorwill Farm in the shadow of Shortoff Mountain and Linville Gorge. The 50K has a 9.5-hour time limit; the half marathon has a 3.5-hour time limit.

Course Details:

• Gentle rolling trails along banks of Lake James.
• Mountain scenery without mountainous trails.
• 50K: ~30 miles single track, ~0.75 miles pavement, ~0.75 miles gravel.
• Half marathon: ~12.8 miles single track, ~0.3 miles pavement.

Relay Information (NEW for 2026):

• 2-person relay: legs roughly 13.5 and 18.5 miles.
• 3-person relay: legs roughly 13.5, 12.5, and 6 miles (in that order).
• Awards for top relay teams in Male, Female, and Co-Ed categories.
• All relay teams (2 or 3 person) compete against each other.

Packet Pickup:

• Friday evening (Oct 23) — Fonta Flora's Whippoorwill Farm, 4:00–7:00 PM.
• Saturday race day — Start/Finish, 7:00–7:50 AM (50K).
• Sunday race day — Start/Finish, 8:00–9:50 AM (half marathon).
• Early pickup strongly preferred.
• All runners must check in before race.

Where to Stay:

• Lake James State Park — two campgrounds within 5 miles of start (drive-in car camping and hike-in).
• Multiple hotels in Morganton — about 20 minutes drive from start.

Costume Contest (Halloween Weekend):

• Run the entire race in costume.
• Volunteers and RD vote for favorite costume.
• Winner receives free entry into any Tanawha Adventures race in 2026 calendar.
• One winner for 50K, one winner for half marathon.

Charity and Conservation:

• Portions of proceeds go to further development of trails around Lake James (including Fonta Flora State Trail, currently under construction).
• Tanawha Adventures mission: Run. Inspire. Conserve.
• Substantial percentage of profits allocated to conservation efforts.
• Founded in 2016 by Brandon Thrower.

Post-Race:

• Finish at Fonta Flora Brewery's Whippoorwill Farm.
• Enjoy a pint at the brewery after the race.

Waitlist FAQ:

• Top 15 on waitlist = very high chance of getting in.
• Historically never invited more than 25 off waitlist.
• Invites sent via email when spot opens — one week to confirm.
• Most invites in final few weeks before event.

Refund Policy:

• 75% refund until July 15.
• 50% refund until September 10.
• No refunds after September 10.
• No transfers or deferments at any time.

The Fonta Flora 50k and Half Marathon 2026 combines gentle Lake James trails, mountain views, craft beer, and a Halloween costume contest. Run solo or relay, then raise a glass to conservation.