Mt Mitchell Challenge and Black Mountain Marathon
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Black Mountain Marathon and Mount Mitchell Challenge
The Black Mountain Marathon and Mount Mitchell Challenge take place April 3, 2027 in Black Mountain, North Carolina, with the course finishing at Lake Tomahawk. Runners follow trails and sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Mount Mitchell State Park scenery.
- 36 miles Mount Mitchell Challenge, about 4,500 feet of gain
- Black Mountain Marathon follows the same route to the Parkway, about 3,000 feet of gain
Marathon runners and Challengers run together to the Blue Ridge Parkway overlook near mile 13. Marathoners return to the finish at Lake Tomahawk while Challengers continue to the summit of Mount Mitchell. There is a Parkway checkpoint at mile 13; Challengers who do not reach it in time are routed into the marathon.
Each race is limited to 250 runners, with a waitlist once caps are reached. There is no crew access on course and no drop bags. Aid stations are stocked - Marathon 6 stations, Challenge 10 stations - each offering at minimum water, electrolytes, salty snacks, and fruit. This is a cupless event so runners must carry their own reusable container.
Required gear includes a vessel that holds at least 20 oz, a rain shell, and a cellphone; this gear must be presented at check in and at aid stations or the runner will be disqualified. Other rules include no muling, no dogs, no pacers, and no cutting switchbacks. Emergency personnel on course make final safety decisions.
Registration includes a quarter zip technical long sleeve shirt, a sustainable wooden finisher medal, a finisher technical BOCO hat, professional chip timing, two beer tickets for 21 plus, and a donation to local organizations. The event has a no refund policy unless a waitlist exists, in which case staged refunds apply; bibs cannot be transferred. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
