Occoneechee Mountain Challenge 10 Mile Race

Race Information

• Date: 2026-02-22
• Location: Historic Occoneechee Speedway Track, 320 Elizabeth Brady Road, Hillsborough, NC
• Race URL: Occoneechee Mountain Challenge

Race Day Announcement

• Race Date: RACE IS ON FOR SUNDAY 22ND FEBRUARY.
• Email Updates: Email has been sent to all runners today - and another will follow in the next few days.
• Refunds: The temporary option to defer or receive a refund has ended.
• Bib Pick-Up: No pre-race bib pick-up - everything will be provided on race morning.

Course Highlights

• Start/Finish: Race starts and finishes on the Historic Occoneechee Speedway Track.
• Trails: Runners will run on the beautiful Riverwalk, part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, past the Occaneechi Indian Village, and through Gold Park.
• Mountain Climb: The middle third includes a climb around and up to Occoneechee Mountain, the highest point in Orange County.
• Course Surface: 3.5 miles are paved: remaining sections include single track and gravel access roads.

Course Videos

• Race the Nation: Link to Race the Nation video taken during the 2022 event: Watch here
• Relive Course: Link to 'Relive' view of the course with some photos: View here

Trail Conditions

• Elevation Gain: 700ft of elevation gain is almost all in the middle third of the race.
• Trail Features: Expect rocks, roots, steps, and mud for a great trail experience.

Finish Line Amenities

• Food: Award-winning beef chili (Hoof Beat Farm, Hillsborough) and veggie chili will be provided.
• Additional Offerings: Bread and coffee will also be available at the finish line.

Proceeds and Registration

• Non-Profit: HRC is a non-profit organization: all proceeds go back to local charities and organizations.
• Time Limit: Entire route is off public roads with a 2.5 hours time limit (15 min/mile pace).
• Participation: Run/walkers are welcome: flexibility in running and walking sections is encouraged.

Aid Stations

• Locations: Two aid stations that you will pass twice.
• Available Supplies: Water, Gatorade, and gels will be available at both stations.
• Gold Park: Aid available at miles 2.5 and 7.5.
• Bottom of Gravel Road: Supplies available at approximately miles 4.5, 5.5.

Packet Pick-up

• Timing: Packet pick-up on race morning from 8am to 8:45am.
• Location: Top of the bleachers as you come in from the parking lot: signs will direct you.
• Race Start: Official start time is at 9am.

Parking Information

• Location: Parking will be at OE Enterprises, just beyond the main Speedway entrance.
• Directions: Signs will direct you from Elizabeth Brady Road.