Mountains-to-Sea Trail 50K Challenge
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Event details
The Mountains-to-Sea Trail 12M & 50K Challenge is scheduled for April 12, 2026, in the Falls Lake area near Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina. The event includes the following distances:
- 12 Mile
- 50 KM
Online registration opens in December 2025. The event is organized by Bull City Running Co. All finishers receive a custom finisher award and a race shirt. Additional awards are given to the top three overall finishers (male and female) and the top masters finishers (male and female) in each race. A team scoring option is available for groups of six; teams must register before race day.
Course, logistics and services
Both races use the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) around Falls Lake and are primarily single-track trail in the woods with occasional causeways where the trail meets pavement. Races are out-and-back courses; the 12M turn-around is at Aid Station B - Possum Track Causeway and the 50K turn-around is at Falls Lake Dam. Runners should follow white blazes and any additional flagging near the 50K turn-around.
Aid stations are located approximately every 3 miles and will provide water, an electrolyte drink (Tailwind), GU gels, snacks, and basic first aid. The 50K aid stations will include additional snacks and fruit such as pretzels, trail mix, candy, oranges, and bananas. The event will be cupless; participants are asked to carry their own hydration device. Drop bags are available for 50K runners and a designated bag area is provided for 12M participants. Time limits are 8 hours for the 50K and 3.5 hours for the 12M. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
