Where Speed Meets Mountain Majesty Test your limits on a course that blends speed with rugged mountain adventure. The Catawba Falls 15K is more than a race—it's your chance to experience breathtaking trails and play an active role in conserving the wild spaces we love. Starting at the newly opened Foothills Watershed property , the course begins with a deceptively smooth 2-mile stretch along the scenic Catawba River , lulling you into a sense of ease. But don't be fooled—the heart of the race lies ahead. A challenging 3.5-mile trail loop takes you up to the legendary Catawba Falls , serving up steep staircases, invigorating creek crossings, and technical trails that demand your focus. Along the way, you'll be rewarded with sweeping mountain vistas and two of Western North Carolina's most iconic waterfalls. Every step you take supports local trail and land conservation efforts . Through our partnership with Foothills Butchery and the Grange of Black Mountain, your participation highlights how sustainable local businesses can thrive while protecting the natural heritage we all cherish. After crossing the finish line, stick around to celebrate with their incredible local fare—some of the best meats and cuisine in the region.
This is your chance to experience one of WNC's most scenic and challenging trail races, all while making a lasting impact. Your participation helps preserve these trails for future generations and supports efforts to inspire others to enjoy and protect our natural spaces. Spots are limited, and this race is expected to sell out quickly. Don’t miss out on a day of incredible trails, camaraderie, and conservation. Sign up and make your stride matter!
At Tanawha Adventures , we aim to Run. Inspire. Conserve . Since 2016, we've been organizing events that showcase the scenic beauty of our trails while supporting conservation and advocacy efforts. Our mission is to create events that not only challenge runners but also inspire them to protect the wild lands they traverse. By participating in our races, you’re directly contributing to preserving trails and public lands, leaving a lasting impact for future generations. Together, we can protect and celebrate the places we love. Join one of our next events
Feb 27, 2027
Distance — 15K
Type — Running
09:00
$70.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for February in Old Fort.
Learn more about the host city, Old Fort.
Old Fort is a town in McDowell County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 811 in the 2020 U.S. census, down from 908 in 2010.
Read more launchAll-time top performances and historical records for Catawba Falls 15k.
| Place | Name | Year | Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Phillip Morgan | '26 | 1:00:28 | |
| 🥈 | Michael Griffith | '26 | 1:01:44 | |
| 🥉 | Eli Card | '26 | 1:03:35 | |
| 4 | Andrew Giniat | '26 | 1:04:34 | |
| 5 | Dominick Laporte | '26 | 1:05:04 | |
| 6 | Dan Stoner | '26 | 1:05:11 | |
| 7 | Brian Jennings | '26 | 1:06:52 | |
| 8 | Chad Motz | '26 | 1:07:11 | |
| 9 | James Glick | '26 | 1:07:30 | |
| 10 | Brendan Gilpatrick | '26 | 1:07:48 |
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