Ridge to Rails
Trail races

ABOUT

The Ridge to Rails 50k, Half & 10k presents a unique set of races in the emerging town of Old Fort, NC. Using a combo of classic and new trails in the Old Fort area, the Ridge to Rails races take you on some of the best runs in the area. The 50k is one big loop highlighting some of the best trails in the area. You'll get the chance to bomb down Star Gap, Bernard Mtn, and Kitsuma Trails during the event. The Half is a super unique net downhill point-to-point half marathon from the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains back down the Old Fort Gateway Trail system. Using the Bernard Mtn Trail as the main line down the crest of the Blue Ridge, you get multiple incredible views throughout and a race that loses 2500 ft in 13 miles, with less than half the gain. Finally, the 10k takes you on a challenging, yet very beginner-friendly figure 8 loop through the Old Fort Gateway Trail system. These scenic and beginner-friendly trails offer a great experience for all runners to test out their trail running abilities. Each course offers a few stretches of gravel to allow you stretch your legs as well and search out that PR in each distance.

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Registration

Registration opens January 12th!

MUST REGISTER BY MAY 21st TO GUARANTEE A T-SHIRT.

Refunds - 75% refund granted up until March 1st. 50% Refund granted up until April 24th. After April 24th, no refunds will be given. Transfers/Deferments are not allowed at any time for any reason.

Register Here!

Date & Time

June 7th, 2025

50k Start: 7:00 AM

Half Start: 8:20 AM

10K Start: 9:00 AM

Location: Old Fort Gateway Trailhead,

Old Fort, NC

Half Shuttles depart at 7:30am

COURSE INFORMATION

Course description

50k Course: The 50k makes an amazing loop of the Mill Creek Valley of Old Fort. Using a combo of new and old trails in the area. Expect plenty of views, a mix of smooth and technical terrain, and lots of fast downhills.....and some ups! The official map of this route is still in review with the USFS. We will reveal as soon as we get final go ahead from the USFS (hopefully in early spring). The course however will use the following trails and FS roads: Jarrett Creek Rd, Star Gap Trail, Mill Creek Rd, Bernard Mtn Rd, Bernard Mtn Trail, Point Lookout Trail, Kitsuma trail, Copper Ridge Trail, Rostan Trail, Salt Gap Trail.

Half course: The half marathon is a point-to-point net downhill trail race with a little pavement and gravel thrown in. Runners will start at the Point Lookout TH along Mill Creek Rd and run a short stretch of gravel downhill to the start of Bernard Mtn Road. Bernard Mtn Rd is a double track trail/dirt road with great views as it slowly climbs up to Bernarnd Mtn Trail. Bernard Mtn Trail is a new downhill trail created by the the G5 Trail Collective. This trail is gorgeous with multiple scenic vistas! Come out onto Point Lookout Trail and follow this paved path to main road and follow for a short bit and then make your way up the new Copper Ridge Trail across as it winds its way across the ridge with some excellent views. After a flowy fast downhill, you'll reach Camp Grier's gravel road and run through their picturesque property past the lake with mountains towering around you. Soon you will reach the top of the Old Fort Gateway Trail system and begin your final descent through some brand new smooth trails to the finish. Race map can be found below.

10k Course: The 10k course links up almost all of the new trails in the Old Fort Gateway system with a couple of short stretches of gravel road to link them all up. This course offers a great first trail running race experience that will still challenge even the most seasoned of runners. The trails are smooth and gradually graded, making even the uphills extremely runnable. This trail system is simply a joy to run and an incredible asset to the town of Old Fort, NC.

Numbers

Elevation Gain:
50k ~ 5700 ft
Half ~ 1,200 ft
10k ~ 750 ft

Elevation Loss:
50k ~ 5700 ft
Half ~ 2,600 ft
10k ~ 750 ft

Time Limit:
50k ~ 11 hours
Half - 4 hours
10K - 2.5 hours

Swag and Awards

All racers in both distances receive high quality race t-shirt, race sticker, and locally crafted finisher medal.

Top 3 M/F in both races recieve locally crafted award and gift certs

Age group winners receive gift certs to Mountain Running Company. Groups (under 20, 21-39, & 40 and up)

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EXTRA INFORMATION

Packet Pick Up

You can pre-pickup your packet on Friday from 4-7pm. Location is TBD.

If you cannot make it on Friday, you can pickup your packet race morning starting at 6:00am.

Rules

Stay on marked trails, DO NOT CUT SWITCHBACKS!
Must check into all aid stations.
Spectators are not allowed at the start of the half marathon
Specators for half and 10k are allowed to view their runners along Jarrett Creek Road during the event and at the finish line. This requires a hike in from the finish line/parking area of about a mile. Half spectators cannot view their runner at any other area along the course.
Use proper trail etiquette when passing other runners
Be courteous to other trails users (bikes)
No littering
Obey any race official's request
If dropping from race, you must inform a race official that you are dropping from the race and turn in your race bib to the nearest aid station
No pacers

Need to Know

Half-marathon runners are required to ride the shuttle to the start. Free shuttles depart at 7:30am. There is no parking at the start line of the half.
Parking for the event will be held at the Old Fort Gateway Trailhead off of Curtis Creek Road.
Aid Stations
- 5 full, one water only on the 50k course at miles 5.8, 10.3, 15.1, 19.6, 24.1, 28.1* (*water only)
- 2 on half course at miles 5.6 & 10.1
- 1 on the 10k course at mile 3
Please listen to course marshalls at road crossings to be informed of when it is safe to cross the road.
Spectators are allowed to view their runners along Jarrett Creek Road during the event and at the finish line. This requires a hike in from the finish line/parking area of about a mile. Half spectators cannon view their runner at Point Lookout aid due to limited parking.
Crews are only allowed for the 50k. Crews can meet their runners at Point Lookout Aid (mile 15.1) and Old Fort Picnic Area Aid (mile 24.1). Both of these aid stations are near to each other and can be walked to from either parking area, so once you park, do not move your car, walk to the aid area.
There are multiple lodging options near the race. You can find multiple AirBnB's in the area and hotels in nearby in Marion, NC and Black Mountain, NC.