Steep Canyon 50K Ultramarathon & Relay Hullabaloo
September 7 (Thursday) // Black Mountain, NC
Charles R. Humphrey, III, bass player of Steep Canyon Rangers and ultra runner, is a co-director and sponsor of Steep Canyon 50K Ultramarathon & Relay Hullabaloo, which kicks off the Mountain Song Festival Weekend. The Mountain Song Festival is a Friday to Sunday music festival in Brevard, NC, hosted by Steep Canyon Rangers that benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Transylvania County. The Steep Canyon race starts at the Oskar Blues Reeb Ranch and take on the challenge of a roughly 10.4 mile trail loop with single track and over 1,600 feet of elevation gain per loop. The beautiful trail route goes up into Dupont forest and returns the Reeb Ranch. There will be three full aid stations, plenty to eat and drink, and WNC’s finest volunteers! All distances are approximate because the measuring wheel does not do well on mountain terrain. Come for the race or just for the music festival and camping! Not a runner? Sign up for our exclusive 0.0 club via ultrasignup.com as well for VIP treatment! Humphrey and his co-director and fellow ultra runner Pete Ripmaster dig ultra, beer, music, food and family and are rallying around what they love to raise money for things that matter. All proceeds raise money for the CAN’D AID FOUNDATION. CAN’d Aid’s areas of “do-goodery” include: Towns, Treads + Trails, Tunes, Love Yur Mama and Total CANarchy.
For more information and to register, please visit http://steepcanyon50k.com
WC-50 Ultra Trail Marathon
October 14 // Charlotte
The 5th annual WC-50 is a multi-lap ultramarathon spanning throughout the USNWC trail system featuring both a 50k and 50-mile option. For the first time ultra-competitor or those hoping to sharpen their skills at a distance beyond the standard marathon, the 50k offers three 10ish mile loops. The 50k course provides a mix of challenging single-track climbs and rolling riverside trails, offering something for runners of all levels. For the more seasoned ultra-runner or those looking to challenge themselves on a more challenging course, the 50 mile route focuses on increased elevation technical difficulty resulting in three 17-ish mile loops. Both distances feature loops that will start and finish at the friendly confines of the Pump House Biergarten centrally located within the USNWC. New in 2017: In their continued effort to reduce the environmental impact of their events, organizers have partnered with NoDa Brewing Co. to provide each finisher their own steel pint cup. This cup will replace the need for single use cups throughout the post-race festivities at this and other select Whitewater Race Series events.
For more information and to register, please visit http://usnwc.org/play/whitewater-race-series/upcoming/wc-50-ultra-trail-marathon/
Goose Creek Trail Races
November 18 // Washington, NC
The 7th annual Goose Creek Trail Races features a 10-mile race and a 5-mile option that is about a 60/40 trail/road mix. For the experienced trail runner it offers speed and challenges, and for the new trail runner, it offers the perfect experience to get you hooked on trails! The races begin at 8:30 am. and will take runners on a tour of one of Eastern North Carolina’s most scenic state parks. You will run through woods, view a magnificent waterway, run on sand, and finish along one of the most stunning boardwalks available. If you are new to trail races or experienced and want fast, then this trail race is for you! Both the 5-mile route and 10-mile races share the same route for the first 2 miles. They begin on the primary park road near the park entrance gate and run approximately two miles down the main paved park road taking in views of marshland, trees draped in Spanish moss, and a variety of wild life. Runners will also get to enjoy a sand beach trail that overlooks the Pamlico River and is easily the most scenic portion of the course. If you have not visited Goose Creek State Park, this race is a great reason to check it out! Proceeds from this community race will help fund the Friends of Goose Creek and will enhance education and recreation opportunities within the park.
For more information and to register, please visit https://www.goosecreektrailrace.com
