THE BLACK MOUNTAIN MARATHON
and MOUNT MITCHELL CHALLENGE
Black Mountain, North Carolina
New race date - April 3, 2027!
Registration opens August 1, 2026!
Due to Hurricane Helene, the running of the 2025/2026 BMM & MC were cancelled. We’re excited to bring the events back, in a new season, in 2027.
The Challenge is this: Begin at 7AM in Black Mountain, the quaint front porch of Western North Carolina, and follow trails to the rooftop of Western North Carolina, the 6,684' summit of Mount Mitchell - eastern America's highest point - then return to the start/finish area!
The Marathon runners start side-by-side with the Challengers to the Black Mountain Gap overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway (mile 13). Here, at an elevation of 5,340' and with an extraordinary view of Mount Mitchell as a backdrop, Marathoners will turn back and head to the finish line at Lake Tomahawk. Mount Mitchell Challengers will continue to the summit. The Challenge is 36 miles long and has around 4,500 feet of gain. The Black Mountain Marathon has about 3,000 feet of gain.
Included in Race Registration:
- Quarter Zip Technical Long Sleeve
- Wooden Finisher Medal
- Finisher Trucker Hat
- Professional Chip Timing
- Stocked Aid Stations
- Donation to the Swannanoa Valley Museum & Black Mountain Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce
Important Race Info:
Race Start Time: 7:00AM (Both Races)
Race Start Location: 150 Cherry Street, Downtown Black Mountain
Race Finish Location: Lake Tomahawk, Black Mountain
Check Point Cut Offs: For the Challengers only - Blue Ridge Parkway (13 Miles) 10:15AM
Finish Line Cut Off: 10 Hours/5PM
Crew Access: There is no race crew access on the course.
Drop Bags: There are no drop bags.
Race Schedule
Thursday, April 1 4-6PM
Early Packet Pick Up | Mountain Running Company
Friday, April 2 5-8PM
Early Packet Pick Up
Downtown Black Mountain. Location TBD
Saturday, April 3 Race Morning
6AM-7AM Packet Pick Up & Gear Check
7AM Both races start at 150 Cherry Street, Black Mountain
10:15AM Challenge cut off at the Parkway checkpoint
5PM Event finish cut off
7:30PM Post-race award party - location TBD!
Rules & Required Gear
Due to the potential for drastic weather changes on the course, we will be requiring runners to have a vessel that can hold at least 20oz, rain shell, and cellphone. Runners must present this gear at check in on race morning and at aid stations. If runners do not have this gear, they will not be a part of this race and will be disqualified from any race results
-Listen to the Race Officials and obey the event rules at all times.
-Runners must have the required gear on them at all times.
-There is no muling or dropping gear.
-No littering. This event requires runners to leave no trace.
-Do not cut switchbacks or cut the course.
-There are no pacers for either race.
-This is a cupless race. Runners must provide their own reusable bottles to refill at the aid stations. Aid stations WILL NOT have single use cups for runners.
-Check in and out of all the aid stations by telling the volunteers your bib #.
-Inform volunteers at aid stations if you wish to drop from the race..
Emergency personnel on the course will make the final determination of a competitors ability to continue. At checkpoints along the race route these safety personnel trained in wilderness first aid and equipped with radio communications will be ready to take action. We are in debt to the skilled members of the Black Mountain Fire and Rescue, Yancey County EMS, South Toe Volunteer Fire Department, Buncombe County EMS, Black Mountain Police, Montreat Police, USPS - Blue Ridge Parkway, US Forest Service, and Mount Mitchell State Park for all of their support and protection.