South Mountains Marathons
About the race
Brought to you by Tanawha Adventures, the South Mountains Marathons are a collection of trail races held in South Mountains State Park in North Carolina. Expect chilly weather, steep trails, gorgeous views, and a few creek crossings.
The trails are very runnable but challenging, and the course is an excellent entry-level mountain trail race for runners seeking far more climbing than local park trails.
Our mission
The race has three goals. First, to show off this jewel of a park in Western North Carolina and how great its trails are for running. Second, to support the Foothills Conservancy in its mission to protect the South Mountains, the Blue Ridge Escarpment, and other lands in the Western Piedmont.
Through the Foothills Conservancy, the South Mountains are among the most well protected mountain ranges in the country. Third, to provide the best race experience possible.
The course is challenging but doable even for less experienced trail runners, and excellent aid station support throughout the run lets you keep your mind on the trail and the views, not your water bottle.
Weather postponement
If the race must be postponed due to inclement weather (significant ice or snow), it will be held on January 24th. If roads are mostly clear to drive to the course, the race will go ahead as normally scheduled.
If the race is canceled
Due to unforeseen acts of nature or COVID, the race will be run virtually "Tanawha style" (on the actual course, not anywhere) if rescheduled dates of January 25th/26th are not possible. Plan your calendar accordingly.
- No refunds, transfers, or deferrals will be given if the race moves to virtual.
The course
The half marathon is a mountain trail race in South Mountains State Park with substantial climbing. Most of the course is trail, with a short stretch of pavement and two creek crossings. There is one full aid station, and the route includes multiple new overlooks.
Course specifications
- Elevation gain: approximately 2,600 feet
- Trail: approximately 12.4 miles
- Pavement: approximately 0.5 miles
- Creek crossings: 2
- Aid stations: 1 (full)
Trail closures and longer distances
Due to lingering damage to the park, some trails remain closed, but this year's half marathon offers an incredibly scenic mountain course with multiple new overlooks.
The longer distances are on pause this year because access to the backcountry aid station is unavailable for the time being. The organizers hope to bring back the 50k and marathon in 2027.
Location
City insight: Connelly Springs
Connelly Springs is a town in Burke County, North Carolina, with a population of 1,529 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton Metropolitan Statistical Area. The climate is humid subtropical, with hot summers, so spring and autumn are the best seasons to race.
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