Pilot Mountain Goat
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Trail Running at Pilot Mountain
The Pilot Mountain Goat is a mountain running event held within Pilot Mountain State Park in Pinnacle, North Carolina. Managed by Mountain Goat Racing, the event offers two distinct distances for participants:
- 3 Miler: A course starting at the campground that follows wide gravel and the Grindstone Trail up to the Pilot Knob trail.
- 7 Miler: A longer route that includes the Mountain trail and connects back to Grindstone trail to loop around the pinnacle.
Both courses begin at the park campground and conclude at the top of the mountain. Participants are responsible for their own transportation back to the starting area after the finish, as they must walk or run approximately 2.25 miles back down the trail or arrange for a private ride.
Participant Information
The event is limited to a total of 150 runners. Registered participants receive a long-sleeve technical shirt and access to a post-race breakfast. Awards are presented to the top three male and female finishers, as well as to winners within specific age groups for both race distances.
Logistics and Requirements
Parking at the venue is limited, with the first 49 vehicles directed to the campground and additional cars placed in overflow lots. Registration remains open until December 17, or until the capacity limit is reached. Packet pick-up is scheduled for the afternoon prior to the race at the Visitor Center and on the morning of the event at the starting area. The event operates under a rain or shine policy, contingent on the state park remaining open. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
