Nestled amidst the rugged terrain of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains lies the Old Fort Fifty, an endurance race that promises to challenge both cyclists and runners. Spanning 30.9 miles with a significant elevation gain of 4874 feet, this event is not for the faint-hearted. The course weaves through established trails like Gateway Trail System, known for its modern flow-heavy routes, before venturing into more raw territory such as Star Gap's infamous Heckle Rock. Racers will face steep climbs that require grit and determination to conquer, only to be rewarded with exhilarating descents down Bernard Mountain and the grin-inducing Kitsuma Trail. Two rest areas are strategically placed at Mile 13 and 23.5, offering essential provisions of water and snacks for those in need. Camp Grier serves as both a starting point and finish line, providing ample opportunities for racers to unwind after their journey. With affordable indoor lodging options like tent camping or bunkhouse stays, participants can extend their stay into a weekend adventure. For those looking to explore further, the Pisgah Enduro race on Sunday adds another thrilling option. The event kicks off with sign-ins from 5:30 am to 7:30 am on Saturday morning, followed by a pre-race meeting at 7:45 am and the race start at 8:00 am. A cut-off time of 8:00 pm ensures that all racers have ample time to navigate the challenging course safely. Camp Grier offers more than just overnight stays; it provides access to a lake, showers, and post-race refreshments, creating an inviting atmosphere for relaxation and celebration. The King of Pisgah Series includes both the Old Fort Fifty and the Pisgah Enduro, making this event part of a larger community racing experience. For safety and enjoyment, racers must adhere to specific rules, including mandatory front lights after 7:00 pm and no outside support during the race. A detailed map and GPX file are available for download, ensuring participants can prepare thoroughly. Camp Grier, located at 985 Camp Grier Rd in Old Fort, NC, offers various lodging options to suit every preference, from tent camping to bunkhouse stays. RVs up to Class B or C are welcome, though Class A motorhomes and trailers over 27 feet are not allowed due to the absence of hookups. With its unique blend of natural beauty and technical challenges, the Old Fort Fifty promises an unforgettable experience for all endurance athletes seeking a true test of skill and perseverance.
Races Offered
Junior Men
Aug 08, 2026
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Distance —
Junior Men
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
35 days remaining
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$105.00
Junior Women
Aug 08, 2026
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Distance —
Junior Women
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
35 days remaining
sell
$105.00
Men 40 to 49
Aug 08, 2026
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Distance —
Men 40 to 49
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
35 days remaining
sell
$105.00
Men 50 to 59
Aug 08, 2026
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Distance —
Men 50 to 59
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
35 days remaining
sell
$105.00
Men 60 plus
Aug 08, 2026
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Distance —
Men 60 plus
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
35 days remaining
sell
$105.00
Men Open
Aug 08, 2026
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Distance —
Men Open
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
35 days remaining
sell
$105.00
Men Open RUN
Aug 08, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Men Open RUN
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
35 days remaining
sell
$105.00
Singlespeed
Aug 08, 2026
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Distance —
Singlespeed
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
35 days remaining
sell
$105.00
Tandem
Aug 08, 2026
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Distance —
Tandem
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
35 days remaining
sell
$105.00
Women 40 to 49
Aug 08, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Women 40 to 49
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
35 days remaining
sell
$105.00
Women 50 to 59
Aug 08, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Women 50 to 59
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
35 days remaining
sell
$105.00
Women 60 plus
Aug 08, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Women 60 plus
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
35 days remaining
sell
$105.00
Women Open
Aug 08, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Women Open
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
35 days remaining
sell
$105.00
Women Open RUN
Aug 08, 2026
straighten
Distance —
Women Open RUN
terrain
Type —
Cycling
timer
35 days remaining
sell
$105.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for August in Old Fort.
thermostatTemperature
17.4° / 27.8°
wb_sunnyFeels like
18.4° / 29.4°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
10h 54m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
4.2 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
5.6 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
High
terrain
Course conditions
Hard and dry surface
sunny
Max UV Index
High (7.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
78.0%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
06:48
nightlight
Sunset
20:15
About 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.
