South Mountains Marathons

Answer the call of the wild, wintry trails at the South Mountains Marathons on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in the rugged beauty of South Mountains State Park, North Carolina. This year's event focuses on a challenging half marathon (12.9 miles) due to trail closures, offering a perfect mix of wide doubletrack, tight technical singletrack, and the race's signature element: hundreds of stairs. Runners will be treated to stunning views, icy creek crossings, and the sheer, rewarding climbs that define this classic mountain test, all culminating in a unique, hand-crafted ceramic finisher's medal.

With a 9:00 AM start on January 10th, this race is a true celebration of tough, old-school trail running, where the chilly air and steep terrain forge unforgettable memories. Limited to 200 entrants, it promises an intimate, community-focused atmosphere backed by full aid stations and the passionate organization of Tanawha Adventures, making it a must-do winter challenge for dedicated mountain runners.