Holy Cowans Gap
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Holy Cowans Gap
Holy Cowans Gap is a trail 50K held at Cowans Gap State Park on Sun May 24, 2026. The course distance is 31.9 miles with approximately 5,800 feet of total ascent and descent. The start and finish use Pavilion #4 at the southern end of Cowans Gap Lake; parking is adjacent in Lot #5 and nearby Camping Area A contains the closest campsites.
The route primarily follows the Tuscarora Trail with many side trails, including the Standing Stone and Link Trails, to add elevation. There are some rocky sections but much of the trail is non-technical, with several runnable and scenic stretches. Notable features include steep climbs without switchbacks up Cove Mountain and a direct park-boundary climb on the Bird Knob Trail.
Aid is provided at seven stations, located at roughly 7.0, 11.5, 14.7, 17.7, 23.3, 27.8, and 28.8 miles; Pavilion #4 also serves as the midpoint aid station. The event uses two cutoffs: a five-hour cutoff at the halfway point and an 8.5-hour cutoff at Aid Station 5 (around mile 23). The course will be marked, but participants must carry a turnsheet and a map. A GPX file for the course is available.
Entry is open but limited to 75 runners. Per the permitting agreement, participants must have completed at least one prior ultramarathon.
No medical personnel or medical supplies are provided by the club on course or at aid stations; runners are responsible for their own health, safety, and emergency care. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
