8 Hour Race

  • RACE DETAILS
  • SCHEDULE & FEES
  • GEAR
  • RACE DESIGN
  • CAMPING
Race Details

Again we have found a great gem in the NC State Park system to explore and invigorate our outdoor adventure. Hanging Rock is part of the Sauratown Mountains - the mountains away from the mountains. The park boasts the highest point in that system with Moore’s Knob at 2,579 feet elevation. The park has more than 20 miles of hiking trails that climb onto spectacular views and some lead to picturesque waterfalls. The single track bike trails are challenging and enjoyable. This race has No intended water section on the course, so stay dry and come get your race season off to a great start!

The 8 hour race is designed for the beginner racer who wants a taste of the longer races but over a more manageable distance. You get all experience of using a map and the physical and strategic demands that come from the off road disciplines of ADVENTURE RACING.

Teams of 1-4 will trek by foot through the state park and MTB on the trails. The objective of the race is to gather a punch from as many Check Points (unmanned flags in the woods) within the allotted 8 hours. The team with the most points in the least amount of time wins. We expect the winning team to possibly finish the full course within 6 hours. Race pace for an adventure racer is around 4-5 miles an hour.

Waivers: All participants must sign a Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement. Minors must race with an adult.

  • Check Points will be placed on natural features hill tops, stream intersections, coves or at obvious trail intersections.
  • The bike section will be on all different surfaces from pavement, mud hard packed trails, and gravel roads.
  • All bikes need to have a flashing red light visible from behind for safety.
  • A head lamp is required for all racers. We do not expect you to be doing any of this race in the dark however it is best in case you need them.
  • You will need a compass!
Schedule
  • Race Dates: Saturday, March 12th and Sunday, March 13th

    We hope to have two days, however I would like to fill Saturday first so if the Sunday date works better for you please email the race director Matthew Getz and possibly we will open that race sooner. 

  • Bike Drop Opens: 6:00 A.M.
  • Check-in: 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 A.M. - Parking map will be sent to the Team Captain in pre race communication.
  • Race Briefing: 8:00 A.M - 8:15 A.M.
  • Race Starts: 8:30 A.M.
  • Race End (8 hour): 4:30 P.M.

Fees
$120 Per Racer

Refunds are not allowed for this race.

Gear:

Required Individual Gear:

  • You will carry Food and drink to last the duration of the race
  • A pen/ pencil/ sharpie
  • Knife
  • Whistle
  • Individual headlight with extra batteries: we do not expect you to be out past dark however it is required for your safety
  • Mountain Bike
  • Bike helmet
  • Red flashing bike light
Required Team Gear:
  • Compass
  • Watch
  • Cell phone with charged battery
  • Basic first aid kit
Recommended gear:
  • Waterproof map case
  • Water purification method
Race Course Description

Points will be placed on natural features hill tops, stream intersections, coves or at obvious trail intersections. The bike section will be on all different surfaces from pavement, mud hard packed trails, and gravel roads. These are the oldest mountains in the USA so only the hardest rocks and terrain remain. How will you stack up?

The hike section can last till 7:30pm just before sunset so keep your head lamps handy in case you need them. You will need a compass!

This is a typical design however full race details for each race are given at the race start

Distance

You have the full 8 hours to get as many CPs as you can in any race; the distances will be varied as your path choice may not be the straightest line between points. Hiking(6-8 miles), MTB biking(12-16miles) and a second hike(3-6miles) The trek will primarily be on marked trails in the park. Some off trail travel will be allowed. The majority of the Bike will be on single track trails, Back roads will also be used.

You may consider skipping some CPs in order to have enough time to complete other CPs. Some CPs may be mandatory in order to be an official finisher so read all directions on race day. Race pace for adventure racers is around 4-5 miles an hour. You CAN do this!!

Navigation

The maps and directions given at check in are all that are needed to run the race. Maps contain topographic lines, manmade features, and trails. The map will be pre-plotted or you will need to copy the course from a master map located at check-in. Other maps of the area can be used during the race. Maps of Hanging Rock State Park can be found online. No GPS use is allowed.