Geyser Growl Half Marathon
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Geyser Growl Half Marathon, Presented by Hillman Beer
The Geyser Growl is a half marathon held on October 17, 2026. The course begins at Lake Tomahawk Park in Black Mountain and finishes at Hillman Beer in Old Fort, passing the historic Andrews Geyser along the route. The event is the fifth running of this race and the course is USATF certified (Certification No. NC22020BDS).
The route includes an initial loop around Black Mountain, a climb on Old US 70 to the Ridgecrest crest, and a predominantly downhill section on a mix of dirt and paved roads into Old Fort. Runners are asked to stay to the right on most of the course, with a left side running instruction on the Old US 70 climb where signs and volunteers will direct traffic.
There are six aid stations approximately every two miles. Stations 1 and 3 provide water only; stations 2 and 6 provide water and Gatorade; stations 4 and 5 provide water, Gatorade, and cookies. Chip timing is used and timing chips are attached to the back of race bibs. The half marathon has a 3 hour 30 minute course time limit for full police protection and aid support.
Field and event policies: participant capacity is limited to 500. Entry fee tiers apply by date, shirts are guaranteed for registrations made by October 7, a bag drop is available near the start, and ticketed shuttle buses run between Old Fort and Black Mountain. Each finisher receives a commemorative medal; special and age group awards are presented after the race. The event operates a no refund no deferral policy; registration transfers are allowed for a processing fee and must be completed before the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
