Pilot Mountain Goat

Event overview

Pilot Mountain Goat is a road/trail event at Pilot Mountain State Park in Pinnacle, NC (1792 Pilot Knob Park Road). The event offers two distance options:

• 7 Mile
• 3 Mile

Race capacity is limited to 150 runners total. Registration closes on December 17, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET. The event is scheduled to take place rain or shine unless the state park is closed for weather, in which case organizers will attempt to reschedule. No refunds are given for registered runners who do not attend. Runners may change distance or transfer their registration to another person through Ultrasignup by December 17, 2025. Transfers to another race or to the next year are not allowed.

Course and logistics

Both races start at the Pilot Mountain State Park campground and finish at the top of the mountain. The 3 mile course uses the wide gravel trail, Grindstone Trail and Pilot Knob Trail to run around the knob and return to the finish above the park bathrooms. The 7 mile course follows gravel and Grindstone Trail, connects to Mountain Trail to circle the back of the mountain, then returns via Grindstone and Pilot Knob Trail to the same finish. Runners must descend back to their vehicles - about 2.25 miles down trail - or arrange a ride; park rangers cannot provide a ride. First 49 cars park in the campground, remaining cars use overflow parking.

Packet pickup, awards and extras

Early packet pickup is outside the Visitor Center on December 19 from 4:00-5:30 PM. Packet pickup on race day is at the starting area; the park opens at 8:00 AM. Registration includes a beanie embroidered with the race logo. Awards are given to top finishers (top 3 men and women) and by age group (top 3 in each age group for the 7 mile, first in age group for the 3 mile). A post-race breakfast is provided. Long sleeve shirts from previous years are available for purchase at packet pickup and after the race for $10 each. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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