South Mountains Trail Half Marathon – February 22, 2014 – South Mountains State Park – Connelly Springs, NC

I’ve heard from runners who have done this race that it is terrific, beautiful and tough.

FROM THE RACE ORGANIZERS

The course starts out on pavement (for spacing). Once on the trail you will begin your ascent on what feels like a never ending road to the sky. And just when you think you have reached the top, this mountain says, “Oh no there’s a little bit more.” The high point on the trail comes at about mile 7. There are many ups and downs of rolling terrain, one serious water crossing and four intense downhill miles that will send you screaming back to the finish. Oh, wait, there’s one surprise uphill just when you think everything is over. Great long distance views, extra wide track, and few obstacles make for a great Race. Just make sure you are in really good shape and plan on doing a lot of elevation here at South Mountain. The park’s other areas include elevations up to 3,000 feet, a waterfall dropping 80 feet and more than 40 miles of trails. From equestrian camping to trout fishing, mountain biking to picnicking, a number of activities are available at South Mountains State Park. Visit one of the state’s most rugged parks. Hike the trail to High Shoals Falls to witness the roar of the waterfall as it pours into a large pool. Backpack through the woodlands for primitive camping. Fish for trout in miles of mountain streams, or bicycle along the 17-mile mountain-bike loop. Don’t forget to register early. The race is limited to the first 120 entrants.

DIRECTION TO SOUTH MOUNTAINS STATE PARK

South Mountains State Park is located in Burke County, 20.5 miles south of Morganton. From I-40, turn south on NC 18, travel 11.1 miles and make a right turn onto SR 1913 (Sugarloaf Road). Take SR 1913 to Old NC 18 4.3 miles and turn left. Travel 2.7 miles and make a right turn onto SR 1901 (Ward’s Gap Road). The park is 1.4 miles off SR 1901 on SR 1904 (South Mountains Park Avenue). Travel one mile from the beginning of South Mountain Park Avenue to the South Mountains State Park.

REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION

Registration is available at Active.com. For more information, visit the race website.