Mountain Fork Half Marathon
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Mountain Fork Half Marathon
The Mountain Fork Half Marathon will be held on Sunday, September 19, 2027. The event is a 13.6 miles loop that starts and finishes at the High Knob Observation Tower in Norton, Virginia, on the Jefferson National Forest's Clinch Ranger District.
The course loops through the Mountain Fork watershed and runs primarily on Forest Service roads and state routes. The route follows the High Knob approach road, Forest Road 238, State Route 619, Forest Road 704, State Route 706, then returns on Forest Road 238 to the tower approach. Total elevation gain for the course is 1,600 feet.
The High Knob Observation Tower sits at about 4,200 feet above sea level atop the highest point in the Cumberland Mountains. From the tower platform five states are visible, including distant peaks such as those in the Great Smoky Mountains area.
On race day packet pick-up takes place at the High Knob Observation Tower and includes the race T-shirt and bib. Portable toilets will be available at the start and finish. Aid stations are located at approximately the 2.3, 5, 7.8, and 11.5 mile marks. The course is an open road course with vehicle traffic and includes sharp and blind curves; a safety vehicle will follow the field. Timing is by hand and bibs should be visible at the finish. Awards and finisher medals are planned, with overall and age group categories; proceeds support environmental education, interpretive, and community programming at the City of Norton High Knob Destination Center. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
