Vertical Mile Challenge
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Vertical Mile Challenge
The 12th Annual Vertical Mile Challenge takes place on June 20, 2026 at Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area, 3451 Rocky Face Church Road in Hiddenite, NC. The event offers two looped race options.
- 16 Miler
- 8 Miler
Registration is $40 plus fees, with no race day registration. The field is limited to the first 175 registrants. Registration closes on Thu, Jun 18 at 11:59 AM ET.
The course uses a nearly 2-mile loop. The Vertical Mile requires eight laps and the Half Vertical Mile requires four laps. After the start/finish area runners follow a paved section where drop bags and small pop-up tents are commonly placed. Trails lead to a segment called Stairway to Heaven, a steep open rock face, followed by about one mile of descent back to the steps and the start/finish area.
An aid station at the base near the start/finish provides water, Gatorade, soft drinks, salty and sweet snacks, and pickles and pickle juice. Bottled water is also placed at the top of the Stairway to Heaven segment and on the trail. Runners are encouraged to carry a water bottle.
Awards recognize overall male and female finishers and overall Alexander County male and female finishers for each distance. Fastest first lap awards and eligibility rules apply only to those who complete all eight loops in the Vertical Mile. Packet pickup occurs on race morning at Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
