By Kevin Polin · 2012 · 12 min read

The Marathons Of North Carolina

FeatureVol. 16, No. 1 (2012)201211 min read

North Carolina contains some of the most diverse natural environments in America. From the sandy beaches of the Outer Banks in the east to high mountain ranges in the west, there is a plethora of options for marathon runners.

North Carolina has a wide range of elevations, from sea level on the coast to 6,684 feet at Mount Mitchell, the highest point in the eastern United States. Western North Carolina boasts the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains, with over a dozen peaks reaching 6,000 feet. The heartland of North Carolina, often called “the Piedmont,” is composed of gently rolling plains, lakes, and farmland as well as the state’s largest urban areas. The Outer Banks barrier islands along the coast include fishing villages, boutique resorts, and stretches of national seashore. Between 2008 and 2009, North Carolina was the eighthfastest-growing state by population in the United States and the fastest-growing state east of the Mississippi River.

Most of North Carolina’s marathons are run in spring and fall, when temperatures are often ideal for long-distance running. The state offers a large and interesting spectrum of marathons: from running in blizzard conditions on a mountain to running along some of the country’s best beaches, there is a marathon for everyone in the Tar Heel State.

I have selected what I consider the 10 most highly rated marathons (by runners) in North Carolina. • Black Mountain Marathon

Black Mountain, NC

• Umstead Trail Marathon

Raleigh, NC

• Ellerbe Springs Marathon

Ellerbe, NC

Ridge to Bridge Marathon

Outer Banks Marathon

North Carolina Marathon

Grandfather Mountain Marathon

Tobacco Road Marathon Kitty Hawk

Black Mountain Marathon

Cary

Boone Jonas Ridge

Raleigh

High Point

Charlotte Black Mountain

Ellerbe

City of Oaks Marathon Thunder Road Marathon

Ellerbe Springs Marathon

• Tobacco Road Marathon

Cary, NC

• Grandfather Mountain Marathon

Boone, NC

• Ridge to Bridge Marathon

Jonas Ridge, NC

• City of Oaks Marathon

Raleigh, NC

• Outer Banks Marathon

Kitty Hawk, NC

• North Carolina Marathon

High Point, NC

• Thunder Road Marathon

Charlotte, NC

Umstead Trail Marathon

The following is a detailed account of these marathons. This article follows the general format of David Asp’s article “The Marathons of Minnesota,” previously published in the November/December 2010 issue of Marathon & Beyond. I have run many of these marathons and have also supported friends at several of them.

Black Mountain Marathon In some years at the Black Mountain Marathon, snow and ice accumulations on the trails were so bad that the race was cut short. Runners have called this marathon “brutal,” “like Antarctica,” and “so cold it felt like it was going to knock my eyeballs out.” However, these attributes seem to attract many runners rather than discourage them. Only 300 runners are permitted, and there is never a shortage of takers. The marathon is run with its 40-mile partner race, the Mount Mitchell Challenge.

Both races start in the small, quaint town of Black Mountain, the “front porch of western North Carolina,” and follow trails to the famed Blue Ridge Parkway. When the trail reaches an elevation of 5,340 feet, the marathoners turn and return to Black Mountain, while the Mount Mitchell runners continue to the 6,684-foot summit, eastern America’s highest point.

Race founders wanted to design a race that was achievable physically while offering the opportunity to test oneself against the often-treacherous Blue Ridge winter conditions. The organizers are constantly applauded for their exemplary organization and support.

If you’re looking for a challenging and scenic course, the Black Mountain Marathon is an excellent choice. With 3,000 feet of elevation gain before the 15mile mark, an often rocky trail, a risk of snow and ice, and a final descent that includes a one-mile section with a 20 percent grade, the race is tough. The race website states that this marathon is an “extremely demanding run over rugged mountain terrain under potentially life-threatening weather conditions.” For the adventurous runner, this is all a bonus. • • • •

Where: Black Mountain, North Carolina When: February Website: www.blackmountainmarathon.com E-mail: jaycurwen@gmail.com

Umstead Marathon The Umstead Marathon is consistently rated a favorite of those who have been lucky enough to run it. The main reasons are probably the 200-runner limit and the fact that the course is run entirely inside The William B. Umstead State Park, making runner support and general logistics for the organizers less demanding than a marathon run on city roads. This is not to take away from the well-deserved, consistent praise bestowed on the race organizers.

The course is hilly, with areas of small rocks on the extensive bridle networks of Umstead’s dirt trails. Mile markers are present each mile—however, the course is not Boston certified due to the continual maintenance of the paths by park workers. The temperature this time of year in the Raleigh area is usually in the 50s, making for ideal running conditions.

Umstead State Park is a 5,000-acre tract of dense woods, lakes, streams, hills, and trails in the triangle area of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. I am lucky enough to be able to train in the park and have found it a very desirable running course. Since the race is run entirely within the state park, the organizers are limited to 200 runners by park regulation. Signing up early is necessary to avoid disappointment.

This is a not a big-name race, and runners need to be aware of some of the details. Participants should enter the park only between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.; there is no finisher’s medal (however, a pint glass has been offered in recent years); there is no official race hotel, expo, or prerace dinner; and spectator parking can be difficult. However, the high percentage of entrants who count this marathon as their favorite speaks for itself. • • • •

Where: Raleigh, North Carolina When: March Website: www.umsteadmarathon.com E-mail: umsteadmarathon@earthlink.net

Ellerbe Springs Marathon One of the less well-known marathons of North Carolina is the Ellerbe Springs Marathon. With a population of just over 1,000 people and a location on the South Carolina border far from any major highway, Ellerbe is not a hot destination. However, for these very reasons, the Ellerbe Springs Marathon is attractive to many runners.

Run mostly on rural roads and remote trails, this marathon is deceptively difficult because of its long, rolling hills. Although the roads are not heavily driven, the course is not closed, and runners must be aware of motorists in this rural area— especially at intersections. The course is a loop and is Boston certified. This is a low-key event with finishers receiving a medallion and T-shirt. Just 109 runners ran and finished the race in 2011. A running friend of mine was especially surprised at the high quality of the local art prizes for runners who received awards at this race. • • • •

Where: Ellerbe, North Carolina When: March Website: http://www.etinternet.net/~runrbike/ E-mail: runrbike@etinternet.net

Tobacco Road Marathon The Tobacco Road Marathon is North Carolina’s newest. The event is run almost entirely along the American Tobacco Trail—a fast, flat, and densely wooded trail that is a favorite training location for many locals (including me).

The marathon’s first year, 2010, saw 4,000 participants quickly fill the allotted field size, 1,500 in the full marathon and 2,500 in the accompanying half-marathon. Much of the course is shared between the two races; however, the direction and

timing of both races are designed to keep both sets of racers separated. The Tobacco Trail could be considered almost the perfect course to try for a personal best or Boston qualifier. The trails are almost flat, with soft gravel and

leaves covering the length of the course aside from a short stretch of road at the start and end of the race. I have run the trails hundreds of times, and they are straight, flat, and well marked and have plenty of cover from the surrounding woods to protect against the elements.

Before the first race, some runners were concerned about the logistics of running the two races side by side. I can tell you firsthand that apart from the half-marathon turnaround, where some marathoners were unsure whether to turn and where congestion was a problem, the race had few other problems. Parking and start-line logistics were also prerace concerns that didn’t prove to be problems. All in all, the first running of this marathon was an all-out success. I’ve heard nothing but praise from the marathon runners at this race, and it is almost certain that it will improve. For those looking for a fast, well-organized event—look no further! • • • •

Where: Cary, North Carolina When: March Website: www.tobaccoroadmarathon.com E-mail: info@tobaccoroadmarathon.com

Grandfather Mountain Marathon Held during the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games, this marathon has been run continually since 1969 and continues to be extremely popular. The marathon came in 22nd in 1998 on Marathon & Beyond’s list of top North American marathons.

The race begins on the track at Appalachian State University and proceeds up through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, over the Blue Ridge Parkway, and up long, steep climbs to McRae Meadows, where runners meet 15,000 of

their closest friends at the Highland Games (the second-largest Highland Games in the world). Local hotels fill up fast, so race organizers have arranged university lodgings for the runners. They also provide transportation from the top of the mountain back

to the campus. The 475 available slots fill up about two months before the race.

The course begins at 3,333 feet and finishes at 4,279 feet at McRae Meadows at the site of the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. As mentioned, the scenery is well worth the run, and the satisfaction of not only running a marathon but also conquering the mountain makes for an ideal challenge for many runners. This race gets high praise for its spectacular scenery and the bagpipe finish line accompaniment. However, in recent years questions have been raised about inadequate support, including water and food stations and transportation. Still, runners keep coming back for the challenge and the fantastic scenery. • • • •

Where: Boone, North Carolina When: July Website: www.hopeformarrow.org/gmminfo.htm E-mail: weaverjt@appstate.edu

Ridge to Bridge Marathon With almost 3,000 feet of elevation drop and hardly any gain, the Ridge to Bridge course has been designed with speed in mind. On top of that, runners are treated to a course that winds its way through unpaved roads boasting views of the Pisgah National Forest. And with a field of just 300 runners, this marathon could be ideal for a runner looking to find a personal-best time. Starting at the small Jonas Ridge Post Office, the course meanders through the town past small country churches before descending into Pisgah National Forest. The first six miles are rolling hills, and from mile six there is a continuous,

steep descent until mile 17, where the downhills continue to the finish, albeit at a less steep grade. The course is open to traffic, but it’s usually light. The course’s surface is not a trail, but it is unpaved. The course is certified, and it counts as a Boston qualifier. ChampionChip timing is used. The race is on a point-to-point course, so runners are asked to park at the finish line at the Brown Mountain Beach Resort. From there, buses take the runners to the start line. All in all, this is a highly desirable marathon, and there is no surprise that it fills quickly each year. • • • •

Where: Jonas Ridge, North Carolina When: October Website: www.my-bmrc.org E-mail: contact@leetiming.com

City of Oaks Marathon The City of Oaks Marathon is a midsized race designed to showcase the diversity of Raleigh’s landscape and display the state capital’s rich, southern history. The race has a companion half-marathon, with limits of 2,000 runners for the marathon and 4,000 for the half.

This marathon covers very diverse territory, from the city’s downtown area to the forestlike trails of Umstead State Park. The course is deceptively difficult with no flat areas, just continuous hills. Nearly 30 roads are closed during the

race, assuring safe passage for all runners. The half-marathon and full marathon start together and stay on the same course for the first eight miles. There is plenty of room for both races, with congestion

never a problem. Postrace activities are plentiful and enjoyable and make for a pleasant way to spend some time before returning home. Access and parking are well organized and ample. Temperatures and conditions this time of year in Raleigh are close to ideal,

and this relatively new race—2012 will be its sixth running—has quickly garnered respect for its organization, logistics, and interesting course. • • • •

Where: Raleigh, North Carolina When: November Website: www.cityofoaksmarathon.com E-mail: committee@cityofoaksmarathon.com

Outer Banks Marathon Run on a course close to some of North America’s most attractive coastline, the Outer Banks Marathon is certainly one of the most scenic races on the national calendar. The races starts in historic Kitty Hawk, the birthplace of aviation, and continues south through Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head and then over Washington Baum Bridge onto Roanoke Island.

Last year, nearly 1,500 runners participated in the marathon along with more than 2,700 half-marathoners. The course is almost completely flat except for the 35-foot-high Washington Baum Bridge at mile 23.

The race is a Boston qualifier; however, you will find many twists and turns as the course winds through several neighborhoods, which many will find a limiting factor in trying for a personal-best time. Also, the full exposure to the sun for much of the second half of the race can be challenging.

Crowd support for this race is good, and finishers’ comments are always positive regarding local support for the entire event weekend. The finish area provides adequate food and refreshments, and the skull-and-crossbones finisher’s medal is always well received.

The Outer Bank Marathon has a high percentage of repeat runners and provides the opportunity for an outstanding vacation with an array of activities for the whole family. • • • •

Where: Kitty Hawk, North Carolina When: November Website: www.obxmarathon.com E-mail: info@obxse.org

North Carolina Marathon A true hometown marathon, the North Carolina Marathon is run in the city of High Point—known as the “furniture capital of the world.” With 333 finishers in 2011, the North Carolina Marathon is relatively small.

The course is on rolling hills and runs entirely in the High Point area with the start and finish in the city’s downtown. One problem with this marathon is the instability of the race organization: 2011

was its fourth year, its second location, and its third time slot, moving from March 2010 to November 2011. To the race’s credit, when road construction threatened to cause a course change, race officials got the city to postpone the work until after

the 2011 race so the course has remained the same for the past three years. Interviews with the race organizers suggest that they are trying extremely hard to put on the best race they can. Fund-raising for Foster Friends of North Carolina is also a worthwhile effort. • • • •

Where: High Point, North Carolina When: November Website: http://www.ncmarathon.org E-mail: melissa@fosterfriendsnc.org

Thunder Road Marathon With nearly 1,000 finishers in 2011, it is one of North Carolina’s larger marathons. The marathon takes the runner on a tour of the various sections of Charlotte from the oak-lined Foxcroft community, to the Uptown area, to the Dilworth community, and then to the South End where the National Football League’s Carolina Panthers play at Bank of America Stadium. The course then traverses the North Davidson area, where art, music, and night life can be found. Finally, the marathon

surveys the older part of town and its restaurants and antique shops. The race then concludes close to the start area at East Martin Luther King Boulevard. At almost every mile there is a “Fanzone” on the course, which usually con

sists of a musical act, a cheerleading group, or other entertainment to motivate the runners. For a marathon of about 1,000 competitors, the support is outstanding. Many roads are left open, but a large police presence protects the runners.

The course is hilly, and many runners describe this race as “extremely hilly.” However, in my experience, there are no real killer hills—just constant hills that may wear you down eventually. Most runners are pleasantly surprised at this race’s organization, police support, and amenities. • • • •

Where: Charlotte, North Carolina When: November Website: www.runcharlotte.com E-mail: marathoninfo@runforyourlife.com

Where will your next marathon be? I hope that this survey of some of North Carolina’s marathons has generated interest for you. I also hope my descriptions have done justice to the hard work that race directors put into organizing these events. From mountain ranges to flatlands and coastal plains, from country roads to big cities, there is a marathon in North Carolina to suit every taste.