Rock the Quarry Four Mile Trail Challenge – October 20, 2012 – Black Mountain, NC

Nobody said it was going to be easy but I’ve heard good things about this race, approaching it’s 5th running. A favorite for all of you “give me a kick my butt uphill slog to make me feel good.” More information from the race organizers:

Rock the Quarry 4-Mile Trail Challenge is a foot race with a mission to bring our community together to celebrate good health in our beautiful surroundings while supporting our neighbors. This year’s proceeds go to Black Mountain Home for Children’s Everyday Fund, LEAF in Schools & Street’s educational outreach program to develop music programs for BMHC’s youth, and the Colburn Earth Science Museum.

The race begins and ends at the Picnic Shelter. The first mile follows a relatively flat haul road, past beaver ponds, and through a wooded trail and over a stream-crossing. Participants come out onto a gravel road and begin the 1 mile ascent to the top of the quarry. IT IS STEEP, but the panoramic view of the Swannanoa Valley and Black Mountain range is rewarding! The trail narrows down the forested mountainside, past neighboring Camp Rockmont and back to the Picnic Shelter.

Online registration is available at Active.com, or you may download a Rock the Quarry Registration Form 2012. For more information, visit the race website.