Course Information

Weather / Race Rules / Time Limits

The course is 100% TRAIL, run on the Uwharrie Trail in the Uwharrie National Forest. The 8-mile and 20-mile courses are point to point. The 40-mile course is out and back, with a turnaround at the 20-mile finish.

TRAIL WARNINGS!
Running the Uwharrie Trail is a true adventure that requires intense concentration. The national forest terrain is hilly and the trail is treacherous. Fallen leaves conceal rocks, roots, sticks, and holes. Expect to trip and fall at least once during the day. If you turn an ankle, keep moving. Dutchman's Creek flows along part of the trail and runners will enjoy numerous stream crossings, which may mean wet feet if you aren't careful. The creek water is not safe to drink.

The trail is well marked with white blazes painted on trees at frequent intervals. Two blazes indicate an approaching sharp turn. Disregard yellow and red blazes. IF YOU STOP SEEING WHITE BLAZES YOU ARE OFF THE TRAIL. Retrace your steps to the last white blaze then circle around until you find the trail. If you find yourself in a part of the forest posted with hunting signs YOU ARE OFF THE TRAIL. Don’t follow other runners into unblazed territory. Don’t become discouraged if you get lost. Even experienced trail runners occasionally lose their way.

WEATHER
Sunrise 7:14 am / Sunset 5:55 pm
Average February Temperatures: Low 31.6° / Avg 43.7° / High 55.9° / View local forecast

Most years, the weather on race day has been ideal for trail running. Rain or ice sometimes creates wet and muddy conditions, and in 2000, the race was cancelled following a snow hurricane. Usually, it is chilly in the early morning, warm at mid-day, and cool in the late afternoon. BE PREPARED FOR ANYTHING.

In the event of threatening weather, please check this website for the latest race information.

RACE RULES Anyone who breaks race rules will be disqualified from this race and from future events.

Runners per race limited to: 40=120; 20=180; 8=200
Minimum 5 runners to enter team competition. Top 5 runners per team scored. Winning team has lowest combined finishing place total across all 6 race categories (40m, 20m, 8m: men + women). No team registration on race weekend!
Pacing or companion runners are not allowed.
Unregistered runners are not allowed. Bandits will be disqualified from this and future races.
Runners who pick up bib numbers on Friday night must check in Saturday morning prior to their race.
Numbers must be worn on the front and be clearly visible at all times.
Race officials will determine order of finish if runners cross the finish line together.
Runners must follow the marked trail, proceeding without unauthorized physical or mechanical assistance from others.
Runners must give passing room as soon as reasonably possible to a runner who asks for the trail.
Runners must complete the distance they signed up for to receive an award.
Runners who register for the 40-mile race intending to run only 20 will be disqualified from this and future events.
Please do not run additional training miles on the course on race day. It jeopardizes the safety, security and enjoyment of the race for others.
For safety, runners who withdraw during the race must inform a race official or aid station volunteer!
No littering, smoking or consumption of alcohol permitted on the course or in the National Forest.

Anyone who breaks race rules will be disqualified from this race and from future events.

TIME LIMITS
40-mile runners are not permitted to continue past the 32-mile point after 4:00 pm or past 35 miles after 5:00 pm without a light. After 7:00 pm, runners will be stopped at the 38-mile point. The 40-mile time limit is 12.5 hours. The 20-mile time limit is 8 hours.