Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker
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Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker
The Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker is a trail ultramarathon held near Old Fort, North Carolina, with race operations centered at Camp Grier. The event offers two distances and uses a mix of technical singletrack, grassy double track, gravel roads, and a short section of pavement.
- 50 Miler
- 55 Kilometer
The original 50 mile route included multiple high peaks and sections on Mount Mitchell and passes named trails such as Snooks Nose, Green Knob, Black Mountain Crest, and Heartbreak Ridge. The 50 miler lists about 12,000 ft of elevation gain and the 55K about 7,500 ft. Time limits are listed as 16.5 hours for the 50 mile distance and 12 hours for the 55K. The 50K course does not include the Mount Mitchell climb described for the 50 miler.
Many parts of the original course remain closed from Hurricane Helene damage, so the course may be rerouted. An alternate course has been planned and has similar terrain and climbs; summit access to Mount Mitchell may not be possible depending on park status.
Aid stations will be a combination of full and fluid-only stations roughly every 4 to 7 miles. Minimum station supplies include water and Gatorade, with foods such as bananas, orange slices, potato chips, pretzels, PB&J, and M&Ms. Required gear includes a rain shell, at least 30 oz total water carrying capacity, a whistle, a cell phone, and an emergency blanket. All 50 mile entrants must carry a headlamp at the start and when leaving S Toe River aid station.
Camp Grier lodging options at the host location include private cabins, bunkhouses, rustic cabins, and tent camping. Weather on the mountain can change rapidly; if the race is canceled for extreme conditions it may be rescheduled or run virtually, and no refunds will be given if a participant cannot attend the rescheduled date. Refund rules for cancellations by participants are tiered: a 75% refund if canceled before January 1, 50% if canceled after January 1 up to 45 days before the event, and no refund if canceled within 45 days of the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
