Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker
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Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker
The Mount Mitchell Heartbreaker is a trail ultramarathon held in Old Fort, NC, using Camp Grier as the event base. The races run on trails in the Pisgah region and include notable sections such as Snooks Nose, Green Knob, Black Mountain Crest, and Heartbreak Ridge. The original 50 mile course included three 6,000 ft+ peaks, one of which is Mount Mitchell; due to Hurricane Helene damage the course has been rerouted in recent years and may not summit Mount Mitchell while park repairs continue.
Course surfaces include technical singletrack, grassy double track, gravel and short sections of pavement. The 50 mile route typically features multiple long climbs and descents, while the 55 kilometer route shares much of the same terrain but omits the Mount Mitchell climb on alternate layouts. Aid stations are placed roughly every 4 to 7 miles and provide at minimum water and Gatorade plus simple foods such as bananas, orange slices, potato chips, pretzels, PB&J and M&Ms.
Runners must carry required gear at all times, including a rain shell, at least 30 oz total water capacity, a whistle, cell phone and an emergency blanket. 50 mile entrants are required to carry a headlamp at the start and when leaving S Toe River aid station. Weather can change quickly on the mountain; if the event is canceled it may be rescheduled or run virtually with no refund options in some cases.
Camp Grier offers on-site lodging options including private cabins, bunkhouses, rustic cabins, reserved beds and tent camping close to the start area. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
