Ridge to Rails
Half & 10k
ABOUT
The Ridge to Rails Half & 10k presents a unique net downhill point-to-point half marathon from the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the emerging town of Old Fort, NC. Using a combo of classic and new trails in the Old Fort area, you will bomb down the incredible and infamous Kitsuma Trail, enjoy long range views on Copper Ridge Trail, run through the picturesque Camp Grier, and finish down the brand new Old Fort Gateway Trails!
The 10k route is all contained in the new 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. This course uses a mix of the new trails and the gravel Jarrett Creek Road to form an extremely runnable and fast trail 10k that is sure to become a classic route for runners to test their fitness!
This race is run in conjuntion with the Old Fort Trails and Trains Festival. Bring the whole family for a weekend of fun in the emerging town of Old Fort, NC!
Registration
Registration opens March 2nd!
Half: $85 to April 30th/ $95 to June 1st/ $105 race weekend
10k: $60 to April 30th/ $70 to June 1st/ $80 race weekend
MUST REGISTER BY MAY 24th TO GUARANTEE A T-SHIRT.
Refunds minus $20 granted up to 30 days before event
No Transfers/Deferments at any time.
Register Here!
Date & Time
June 4th, 2023
Half Start: 8:00 AM
10K Start: 8:45 AM
Location: Old Fort Gateway Trailhead, Old Fort, NC
Half Shuttles depart at 7:30am
Course description
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 pavement to the start of Kitsuma Trail. Kitsuma climbs two small knobs before it starts losing elevation fast as it makes its way down the Mill Creek Valley. Cross the road and the railroad tracks and then make your way up the new Copper Ridge Trail 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
Start:
Half - 8:00 AM / 10K - 8:30 AM
Elevation Gain:
Half ~ 1,700 ft / 10k ~ 750 ft
Elevation Loss:
Half ~ 2,900 ft / 10k ~ 750 ft
Time Limit:
Half - 4 hours / 10K - 2.5 hours
Swag and Awards
All racers in both distances receive high quality race t-shirt, race sticker, pair of socks from Fitsok, 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 local runnning store. Groups (under 20, 21-39, & 40 and up)
Packet Pick Up
You can pre-pickup your packet race weekend on Saturday during the Trails and Trains Festival in downtown Old Fort. Look for the G5 Trail Collective Tent to pick up.
If you cannot make it on Saturday, you can pickup your packet race morning starting at 6:30am.
Rules
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Stay on marked trails, DO NOT CUT SWITCHBACKS!
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Must check into all aid stations.
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Spectators are not allowed at the start of the half marathon
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Use proper trail etiquette when passing other runners
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Be courteous to other trails users (bikes)
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No littering
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Obey any race official's request
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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
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No pacers
Need to Know
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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.
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Parking for the event will be held at the Old Fort Gateway Trailhead off of Curtis Creek Road.
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Aid Stations
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2 on half course at miles 5.6 & 9.5
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1 on the 10k course at mile 3
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Please listen to course marshalls at road crossings to be informed of when it is safe to cross the road.
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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. Spectators are not allowed at any other point along the route.
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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.
Course Maps
Half-marathon
Map
10 Kilometer
Map
