Catawba Falls 15k
Test your limits on a course that blends speed with rugged mountain adventure. The Catawba Falls 15K is more than a race—it's your chance to experience breathtaking trails and play an active role in conserving the wild spaces we love.
Starting at the newly opened Foothills Watershed property, the course begins with a deceptively smooth 2-mile paved stretch along the scenic Catawba River, lulling you into a sense of ease. But don't be fooled—the heart of the race lies ahead. A challenging 3.5-mile trail loop takes you up to the legendary Catawba Falls, serving up steep staircases, invigorating creek crossings, and technical trails that demand your focus. Along the way, you'll be rewarded with sweeping mountain vistas and two of Western North Carolina's most iconic waterfalls.
ABOUT
Date & Time
Febraury 28th, 2026
Start: 9:00 AM
Location: Foothills Watershed
655 Catawba River Rd, Old Fort, NC 28762
Registration & Entry Fees
Registration is open!
Price: $80
75% refunds granted up to Dec 1st.
50% refund granted up to Feb 1st.
No refunds within 30 days of event.
No Transfers/Deferments at any time.
200 participant limit
Awards
Top three M & F overalls receive hand-made awards and Mountain Running Company Gift Certificates.
All finishers receive a custom finisher ceramic finisher medal from Hannah Thrower Ceramics.
Course Information
The Numbers
Distance: ~8.7 Miles
Elevation Gain: ~ 1,333 feet
Time Limit: 3.5 hours
Miles of Trail: ~ 3.6 miles
Miles of Pavement: ~ 5 miles
Course Description
From the start you will run approximately 2.5 miles of pavement before hitting the Catawba Falls Trail. The first mile or so will be very mellow grade, but after that the climbing and stairs begins after reaching the Lower Falls. You then climb alongside the Lower Falls up stairs and an elevated stair tower offering great views of the mountains to the east. After about ~ 500 ft of climbing in less than a third of a mile, you will reach the gorgeous Upper Falls before hitting the ridge trail. The ridge trail begins with a slight climb before plunging back to the trailhead parking lot. From here, retrace your steps down Catawba River Rd back to Foothills Watershed and the finish!
Aid Stations
Aid 1: 2.6 miles - 9:45 am cutoff
Aid 2: 6.2 miles - 11:00 am cutoff
Aid stations will have at a minimum: Water and Skratch. Foods include: bananas, potato chips, pretzels, M&Ms, and other various salty and sweet items.
Extra Information
Packet Pick Up
Early Packet pick-up will be held from Friday evening from 4:00-7:00pm, at Foothills Watershed. Race Day packet pick up will be held at the Start/Finish from 7:45 - 8:50am at Foothills Watershed. We'd prefer to have you pick up early. All runners must check in before race on race day.
Rules
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Stay on marked trails, DO NOT CUT SWITCHBACKS!
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No spectators along the course except at the start and finish.
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Use proper trail etiquette when passing other runners
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Follow the rules of the road laid out in the pre-race instructions.
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Be courteous to other trails users
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No littering
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Oey any race official's request
Lodging
Looking for more traditional lodging option, look no further than this link from Destination McDowell with the scoop on all the best hotels and Air BnB's in the area.
After Party
Foothills Watershed provides and amazing host location and after party experience with plenty of options for post race meals and beverages for yourself and your friends and family. Enjoy smokey, slow cooked local meats from their food truck! Their bar serves beer from their on-site brewery, CBD + THC drinks, and a wide range of craft sodas and non-alcoholic drinks. Kick back in there expansive shaded river front with lawn chairs, picnic tables and easy access along the meandering Catawba River.
Interested in more adventure of the cycling kind after your run, explore their dynamic network of feature-rich bike trails (e-bikes welcome) that wind through their private forest, complete with an all-ages pump track for skill building and fun, and their dirt jump lines for those who like to fly. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider, their trails are designed to meet every energy level and riding style.
Maps and Sponsors
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