Mt Mitchell Challenge and Black Mountain Marathon

Race Description

Due to Hurricane Helene, the running of the 2025/2026 BMM & MC were cancelled. We’re excited to bring the events back, in a new season, in 2027. The Challenge is this: Begin at 7AM in Black Mountain, the quaint front porch of Western North Carolina, and follow trails to the rooftop of Western North Carolina, the 6,684' summit of Mount Mitchell - eastern America's highest point - then head to the finish at Lake Tomahawk! The Marathon runners start side-by-side with the Challengers to the Black Mountain Gap overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway (mile 13). Here, at an elevation of 5,340' and with an extraordinary view of Mount Mitchell as a backdrop, Marathoners will turn back and head to the finish line at Lake Tomahawk. Mount Mitchell Challengers will continue to the summit. The Challenge is 36 miles long and has around 4,500 feet of gain. The Black Mountain Marathon has about 3,000 feet of gain. We work closely with multiple local, state and federal agencies to ensure your safety and provide the best race experience possible. Race Directors will alert runners as soon as possible if we are denied access to the Blue Ridge Parkway on race morning due to inclement weather and the Mount Mitchell Challenge is cancelled. Included in Race Registration: - Quarter Zip Technical Long Sleeve - Wooden Finisher Medal - Finisher Trucker Hat - Professional Chip Timing - Stocked Aid Stations -Two beer tickets (21+) for the post-race party - Donation to the Swannanoa Valley Museum & Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce

Important Information

Race Start Time: 7:00AM (Both Races) Race Start Location: 150 Cherry Street, Downtown Black Mountain Race Finish Location: Lake Tomahawk, Black Mountain Check Point Cut Offs: For the Challengers only - Blue Ridge Parkway (13 Miles) 10:15AM Finish Line Cut Off: 10 Hours/5PM Crew Access: There is no race crew access on the course. Drop Bags: There are no drop bags. Required Gear: Due to the potential for drastic weather changes on the course, we will be requiring runners to have a vessel that can hold at least 20oz, rain shell, and cellphone. Runners must present this gear at check in on race morning and at aid stations. If runners do not have this gear, they will not be a part of this race and will be disqualified from any race results. Post Race Award Party - INFORMATION COMING! Race Schedule Thursday, April 1 4-6PM | Early Packet Pick Up | Mountain Running Company, Tunnel Road, Asheville Friday, April 2 4-7PM | Early Packet Pick Up | Black Mountain Hampton Inn, 306 Black Mountain Avenue Saturday, April 3 Race Morning 6AM-7AM Packet Pick Up & Gear Check 7AM Both races start at 150 Cherry Street, Black Mountain 6:30PM Post-race award party - location TBD!

Awards

Top Awards for the Challenge: Including the male, female & nonbinary category. 1st Place $250 & Custom Pottery Award 2nd Place $200 & Custom Pottery Award 3rd Place $150 & Custom Pottery Award 4th Place $100 & Custom Pottery Award 5th Place $50 & Custom Pottery Award 1st , 2nd, 3rd Place Masters (40+) of the male, female & nonbinary categories will receive a custom pottery award. Top Awards for the Marathon: Including the male, female & nonbinary category. 1st Place $250 & Custom Pottery Award 2nd Place $200 & Custom Pottery Award 3rd Place $150 & Custom Pottery Award 1st Place Masters (40+) of the male, female & nonbinary categories will receive a custom pottery award.

Race Rules

Listen to the Race Officials and obey the event rules at all times. Runners must have the required gear on them at all times. There is no muling or dropping gear. No littering. This event requires runners to leave no trace. Do not cut switchbacks or cut the course. There are no pacers for either race. This is a cupless race. Runners must provide their own reusable bottles to refill at the aid stations. Aid stations WILL NOT have single use cups for runners. Check in and out of all the aid stations by telling the volunteers your bib #. Inform volunteers at aid stations if you wish to drop from the race.

Race History

The Challenge is this: Begin at dawn in Black Mountain, the quaint "front porch of Western North Carolina", and follow trails to the "rooftop" of Western North Carolina, the 6,684' summit of Mount Mitchell - eastern America's highest point - then return to the start/finish area!  With a starting altitude of 2,360', the elevation gain for this 40-mile run will be 4,324' - in the first 20 miles! Race founders Wendell Begley of Black Mountain Savings and Trent Thomas from Black Dome Mountain Sports saw a need for this kind of event for both the elite athlete and the weekend warrior. Their goal was to design a race that was attainable physically while offering the opportunity to test oneself against the often-uncooperative forces of nature!

Refund & Deferral Policy

The Black Mountain Marathon & Mount Mitchell Challenge has a no refund policy. Please note that we do not offer any refunds or discount codes if you cancel your registration for this event, except in the case where the event is sold out and there is a waiting list. ONLY if there is a waitlist, the following refund policy will be implemented. Aug 1 to Jan 1, 2027 - 75% Refund Jan 2 to Feb 17 - 50% Refund Feb 18 to Race Day - No Refund Bibs cannot be transferred as we will have a waitlist and the spot will go to the next participant in line. In the event of a special situation such as military deployment, death in the family, pregnancy, etc. we will offer a full 100% credit towards the 2028 race. Please contact us directly to discuss this option.