Mount Mitchell is, at 6,684’, the highest peak in eastern America – nearly 400’ higher than New Hampshire’s Mount Washington.  Once known by its indian name of Black Dome, its name was changed to honor Dr. Elisha Mitchell through whose efforts the controversy over that lofty distinction was settled. (It is Dr. Mitchell’s stone grave which marks the turnaround of the Challenge at the mountain’s summit!).

Many visitors (and runners…) find it hard to identify Mount Mitchell among the other peaks in the thirteen-mile-long Black Mountain Range… a common problem since six other peaks in the range are greater than 6,500’! Due to its elevation, the climate and the ecosystems of Mount Mitchell more closely resemble that of New Hampshire and Maine. This consequence of its elevation provides perhaps the most profound surprise to visitors… especially to those who arrive on foot!   Because of the meteorological variability, race organizers have said that there will never be a "course record" for these events as the influences of weather conditions outweighs even the demands of the steep terrain.

Injuries... The rough terrain of this course coupled with the forces of nature make it quite likely that a competitor will suffer some sort of injury during this event...ranging from abrasions, contusions, or sprains as a result of falls... to hypothermia... to animal encounters, as this is still the natural habitat of the wildcat and the black bear.  Be prepared to cope with whatever Mother Nature may see fit to send your way.  Please note that firearms are not permitted within North Carolina’s State Parks.

Safety... Emergency personnel on the course will make the final determination of a competitor’s ability to continue. At checkpoints along the race route these safety personnel trained in wilderness first aid and equipped with radio communications will be ready to take action. 

Your ability to prepare for and to properly cope with these and other challenges will be a major part of the event!

Your safety is our primary concern...  Local search and rescue organizations (as well as the NC National Guard) volunteer their efforts to ensure the safety of the race course with many of the personnel on station in tents the night before! This race provides one way for these local agencies to hone their skills for saving lives throughout the year in this unforgiving terrain.   We are in debt to the skilled members of the Black Mountain Fire and Rescue, Yancey County EMS, South Toe Volunteer Fire Department, Buncombe County EMS, Black Mountain Police, Montreat Police, USPS - Blue Ridge Parkway, US Forest Service, and Mount Mitchell State Park for all of their support and protection.

A complete listing of all Black Mountain Marathon and Mount Mitchell Challenge finishers is here!  Just click...
Last updated: 03/14/2002