Occoneeche Mountain Challenge
Annually, the last Sunday in January
If you want to a feel for this race, our great friends at Race the Nation produced this video from our 2022 event
Like the video?
For more race videos from different races across the US, and beyond, check out their website
10 mile race. Two thirds paved (ish) and one third trail around Occoneechee Mountain
Full details regarding race day will be emailed to all participants before the race.
Course Highlights
1. Race will start and finish on the Historic Occoneechee Speedway Track
2. Runners will then run on the beautiful Riverwalk (part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail), past the Occaneechi Indian Village, and through Gold Park
3. The middle third of this race will take you around and up to the top of Occoneechee Mountain, the highest point in Orange County. 3.5 miles are paved (from mile 1.3 to 3 heading out, and the same section heading back). The middle 3.5 mile is single track around the mountain (rise to the peak and back is gravel access road).
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In January, this could be a tricky trail (if you are unfamiliar with the trail, please take a look at the pictures below). There will be 700ft of elevation gain, almost all of which is in the middle third, and the trail has rocks, roots, steps, mud, everything you're looking for in a great trail course.
We plan to provide our fabulous beef chili (Hoof Beat Farm, Hillsborough) and veggie chili, bread, and coffee at the finish line.
HRC is a non profit organization, so if there are any proceeds from this event, they will go back to local charities and organizations.
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Time Limit
The route is entirely off the public roads (it crosses one road). Time limit is 2.5 hours (15 min/mile pace). Run/walkers are welcome, or if you want, you can run the flat sections, and walk the trail section. You will not be able to walk the whole course though.
Aid Stations
Two aid stations that you will pass twice. There will be water, Gatorade and gels available at both
Gold Park (miles 2.5 and 7.5), bottom of gravel road at the mountain (miles 4.5, 5.5 ish)
Packet Pick-up
Pick up will be at the Eno River Brewing in Hillsborough from 4pm to 7pm Thursday 23rd January (TBC), and on race morning from 8am to 8.45am, just before race start (9am).
No race day registration
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Parking
Parking will be at OE Enterprises, located just beyond the main Speedway entrance off Elizabeth Brady Road. There will be signs to direct you from Elizabeth Brady Road.