Occoneechee Mountain Challenge 10 Mile Race

🌨️ Race Update

• Date Change: Due to the expected winter storm later this week, and the expectation of significant snow, we will postpone the race.
• Safety First: Naturally, we want to make sure people can get to the race in the event of snow storms. In addition, the Town of Hillsborough will highly likely close the riverwalk if conditions are unsafe.
• Event Postponement: The new date is Sunday, February 22nd.

🏃‍♂️ About the Race

• Distance: 10 mile trail race organized by the Hillsborough Running Club.
• Starting Point: Race will start and finish on the Historic Occoneechee Speedway Track.
• Scenic Route: Runners will then run on the beautiful Riverwalk (part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail), past the Occaneechi Indian Village, and through Gold Park.
• Mountain Challenge: The middle third of this race will take you around and up to the top of Occoneechee Mountain, the highest point in Orange County.

🎥 Course Highlights

• Elevation Gain: There will be 700ft of elevation gain, almost all of which is in the middle third, with a mix of rocks, roots, and steps.
• Trail Conditions: In January, this could be a tricky trail (if you are unfamiliar with the trail, please take a look at the pictures below).
• Videos: Link to Race the Nation video taken during the 2022 event: Watch here.
• Course View: Link to 'Relive' view of the course, with some photos: View course.

🍲 Post-Race Food

• Chili: We plan to provide our fabulous award winning beef chili (Hoof Beat Farm, Hillsborough) and veggie chili.
• Refreshments: Bread and coffee will also be available at the finish line.

🎟️ Event Proceeds

• Non-Profit Support: HRC is a non-profit organization, so all proceeds will go back to local charities and organizations.

⏰ Race Details

• Time Limit: The route is entirely off the public roads (it crosses one road). Time limit is 2.5 hours (15 min/mile pace).
• Running Style: Run/walkers are welcome, or if you want, you can run the flat sections, and walk the trail section.
• Course Walking: You will not be able to walk the whole course.

🧃 Aid Stations

• Locations: Two aid stations that you will pass twice. There will be water, Gatorade, and gels available at both.
• Aid Station 1: Gold Park (miles 2.5 and 7.5).
• Aid Station 2: Bottom of gravel road at the mountain (miles 4.5, 5.5 ish).

📦 Packet Pick-up

• Location: Pick up will be at the Eno River Brewing in Hillsborough.
• Time: From 4pm to 7pm Thursday 22nd January (TBC - we will be out back on the patio).
• Race Morning: On race morning from 8am to 8.45am (top of the bleachers as you come in from the parking lot).
• Start Time: Just before race start (9am).

🚗 Parking Information

• Parking Venue: Parking will be at OE Enterprises, located just beyond the main Speedway entrance off Elizabeth Brady Road.
• Directions: There will be signs to direct you from Elizabeth Brady Road.

🔗 Race Information

• More Details: For additional information and updates, visit the race page: Race Signup.