Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker
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Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker
The Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker is a trail ultramarathon held at Camp Grier in Old Fort, North Carolina on March 21, 2026. Two distances are offered:
- 50 miles with multiple major climbs including Mount Mitchell
- 55 kilometers with two major climbs and descents
The courses combine technical singletrack, grassy double track, gravel, and short sections of pavement. The 50 mile route goes over three peaks above 6,000 ft and includes named sections such as Snooks Nose, Green Knob, Black Mountain Crest, Bald Knob Ridge, Heartbreak Ridge, and Buncombe Horse. Elevation gain is listed as about 10,500 ft for the 50 mile and about 7,500 ft for the 55 kilometer distance.
Aid stations are located approximately every 4 to 7 miles and are a mix of full and fluid only stations. Minimum provisions include water and Gatorade, and foods such as bananas, orange slices, potato chips, pretzels, PB&J, and M&Ms. Station counts are 50M: five full and one fluid; 55K: four full and one fluid.
Required gear must be carried at all times and includes a rain shell, at least 30 oz total water capacity, a whistle, a cell phone, and an emergency blanket. All 50 mile runners must carry a headlamp at the start and upon leaving S Toe River Aid Station. Live GPS tracking is provided and requires carrying a small tracker for the race.
Course routing may be altered because of trail closures from Hurricane Helene; an alternate route is planned if needed. Time limits are 16.5 hours for the 50 mile and 12 hours for the 55 kilometer race. Lodging at Camp Grier includes private cabins, dorm style cabins, and camping. The event maintains a refund policy based on cancellation timing and does not allow bib transfers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
