Full Marathon:
This marathon course is incredibly challenging. If you typically run a 3:30 marathon, expect to finish this race in 5 to 6 hours. The course includes 5,883 feet of elevation gain, with 99.9% of the route made up of mountain trails and fire break roads. The only asphalt you’ll encounter is at a few road crossings at lower elevations.
There are sections of ascent and descent that will be technical but extremely scenic. As in the past, you may experience snow, rain, mud, potential stream crossings, and plenty of rocks. Although the distance matches that of a traditional marathon, this race is anything but conventional.
There will not be porta-johns, mile markers, spectators, or volunteers at every turn guiding you. You should approach this race like an ultra-distance event. The course will be marked with orange and blue flagging: continuous orange flagging indicates the correct direction, while a combination of orange and blue indicates an upcoming turn. Blue flagging will appear on the same side of the trail where the turn will occur. The course will be well-marked, but you must pay close attention to the flagging.
Cut Off: Marathon runners must be out of Grove Creek Aid Station (11.5mi) by 10am (4 hours) or you will be pulled from the course.
Half Marathon
This Half Marathon course is challenging, with an elevation gain of 2,389 feet. It consists of mountain trails and firebreak roads. As in the past, you may experience snow, rain, mud, potential stream crossings, and plenty of rocks. There will not be porta-johns, mile markers, spectators, or volunteers at every turn guiding you.
Flagging is same as the Full Marathon, continuous orange flagging indicates the correct direction, while a combination of orange and blue indicates an upcoming turn. Blue flagging will appear on the same side of the trail where the turn will occur. The course will be well-marked, but you must pay close attention to the flagging.
