Race History

Race History:
Race founders Wendell Begley of Black Mountain Savings and Trent Thomas from Black Dome Mountain Sports saw a need for this kind of event for both the elite athlete and the weekend warrior. Their goal was to design a race that was attainable physically while offering the opportunity to test oneself against the often-uncooperative forces of nature!

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Mount Mitchell is, at 6,684, the highest peak in eastern America nearly 400 higher than New Hampshires Mount Washington.  Once known by its Native American name of Black Dome, its name was changed to honor Dr. Elisha Mitchell through whose efforts the controversy over that lofty distinction was settled. (It is Dr. Mitchell's stone grave which marks the turnaround of the Challenge at the mountain's summit!).     Many visitors (and runners) find it hard to identify Mount Mitchell among the other peaks in the thirteen-mile-long Black Mountain Range...a common problem since six other peaks in the range are greater than 6,500! Due to its elevation, the climate and the ecosystems of Mount Mitchell more closely resemble that of New Hampshire and Maine. The consequence of its elevation provides perhaps the most profound surprise to visitors...especially to those who arrive on foot! Because of the meteorological variability, race organizers have said that there will never be a "course record" for these events as the influences of weather conditions outweighs even the demands of the steep terrain.