Dark Horse Trail Series 26.2

Event details

The Dark Horse Trail Series takes place on August 22, 2026 at the Tryon Equestrian Center in Mill Spring, North Carolina. Distances offered include:

• 26.2 miles (Marathon)
• 13.1 miles (Half Marathon)
• 10k

Included with registration are a tour of the equestrian center, a finisher medal, free admission to the venue, a custom race bib and tattoo, event-themed giveaways, a race sticker, complimentary race photos, music and a post-race gathering, chip timing with splits and live results, a sample hydration product, and a custom collapsible hydration cup. Awards include trophies for the top three overall male and female finishers and age-group medals for 1st–3rd in multiple age categories (age groups listed from 0–9 through 80+). Registration options note transfers and distance changes are allowed, club and referral discounts are available, race shirts are sold separately, and the event does not offer refunds or deferrals except in specific sell-out circumstances.

Course, aid, and logistics

The course is a 6.5-mile loop through the equestrian center with wide packed dirt paths, single-track trails, and meadows. Each loop has about 600 feet of elevation gain. There is one aid station located at the start/finish area offering water, cola, ginger ale, pickles, cookies, chips, fig newtons, and pretzels. This is a cup-less event; participants should bring their own hydration vessel. Packet pickup is at the start/finish line beginning one hour before each event. Participant camping near the course is permitted with no water or power; drop bags may be left at the start/finish area and should be labeled with name and bib number. The marathon has a 6-hour course cutoff and requires starting the final lap before five hours. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

Events nearby