Geyser Growl Half Marathon
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Geyser Growl Half Marathon, Presented by Hillman Beer
The Geyser Growl Half Marathon is a road and light dirt course linking Black Mountain and Old Fort, North Carolina. The route departs Lake Tomahawk Park, circles the Town of Black Mountain for the first two miles, climbs Old US 70 to the crest at Ridgecrest Conference Center, then descends on a mix of dirt and paved road past Andrews Geyser before finishing at Hillman Beer in Old Fort. The course is USATF Certified NC22020BDS.
There are six aid stations spaced at roughly two mile intervals. Station supplies include water at every station, Gatorade at several stations, and cookies at two stations. Chip timing is used and the timing chip is affixed to the back of the race bib and should be visible on the front of the runner during the race. Runners have 3:30 hours to complete the course to receive full police protection and aid station support.
Logistics include packet pickup the day before and the morning of the event, ticketed shuttle buses to the start and from the finish for $15 each way, and designated parking areas in Black Mountain and Old Fort. Two buses are reserved for 2026 with 88 shuttle slots available. Runners registered by October 7 are guaranteed the official race shirt as available. Post race offerings include snacks, water, Gatorade, hot soup and a ticket exchange for one Hillman beer for runners over 21. The event has a no refund no deferral policy and allows registration transfers for a $2 processing fee. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
