
GRAND-FURTHER
MOUNTAIN RUN
Run. Inspire. Conserve.
ABOUT
Grandfather Mountain, sitting at 5,945 feet tall is the most iconic mountain in all the Southern Appalachians. It is rich in scenery and bio-diversity and home to some of the most gnarliest trails you can find on the east coast. So what better place to hold a pure mountain race?!?!
The Grand-Further Mountain Run is the premiere mountain race in North Carolina. The 25 kilometer course will climb Grandfather Mountain a total of two times from both sides of the mountain. The terrain is unforgiving, extremely technical, but most of all, astounding! Fixed ropes and ladders are even placed in certain sections of the trails to assist in climbing the tallest mountain in the Blue Ridge Mountain Range. This race is not for the faint of heart or the weak of knees. It demands your best and your utmost respect.
Prior trail running experience required to participate.
Date & Time
August 19th, 2023
Start: 8:00 AM
Location: Profile Trail Head
Grandfather Mountain State Park
Registration & Entry Fees
Registration opens March 2nd at 8am.
Price: $85
Refunds granted minus $20 up to 60 days before event. Refund minus $40 granted up to 30 days before the event. No refunds within 30 days of event.
No Transfers/Deferments at any time.
Awards
Top three M & F overalls receive hand-made awards and Vertical Runners Black Mountain Gift Certificates.
All finishers receive custom finisher socks from Fitsok and race t-shirt.
Course Information
The Numbers
Distance: ~15 Miles
Elevation Gain: ~ 4,200 feet
Time Limit: 6 hours
Miles of Single Track Trail: ~ 14.5 miles
Miles of Pavement: ~ 0.5 miles
Course Discription
From the start you will run approximately a half mile of pavement to thin out runners before hitting the singletrack of Grandfather Mountain's Trail system. The first mile or so will be mellow, but after that the climbing and extremely technical terrain begins. Ladders and fixed ropes are placed on near vertical slopes to help aid in climbing the mountain near the summit. Expect roots, rocks, and boulders almost every step of the race.
Aid Stations
Aid 1: 3.1 miles - 9:15 am cutoff
Aid 2: 7.5 miles - 11:00 am cutoff
Aid 3: 11.9 miles - no cutoff
Aid stations will have at a minimum: Water and Gatorade. Foods include: bananas, potato chips, pretzels, and M&Ms.


Maps and Sponsors



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Extra Information
Packet Pick Up
Early Packet pick-up will be held from 4:00-7:00pm, at Mountain Running Company in downtown Boone.
Race Day packet pick up will be held at the Start/Finish from 6:45 - 7:50am. We'd prefer to have you pick up early.
All runners must check in before race on race day. Please have your required gear ready to show when checking in to streamline the process.
Need to Know
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Weather conditions can change drastically on the mountain. If race needs to be cancelled due to extreme weather, the race will be reschedule to the next day August 20th, 2023. No refunds will be given if you cannot attend the rescheduled date
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You are required to carry mandatory gear. This includes a rain shell, at least a 20oz water carrying device, and an emergency blanket.
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No parking at the Profile Trail Head, you'll be parking at designated sites close by.
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The finish area is a half mile walk from the start and your car. Please walk the trail back and not the road.
Rules
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Stay on marked trails, DO NOT CUT SWITCHBACKS!
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Must carry mandatory gear at all times.
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Use proper trail etiquette when passing other runners
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No alcohol allowed within park boundaries
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Be courteous to other trails users
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No littering
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Obey any race official's request