2027 Black Mountain Marathon and Mount Mitchell Challenge
To the highest point in eastern America…and back!
Saturday April 3rd 2027
After being sidelined by Hurricane Helene in 2025 and 2026, the Black Mountain Marathon & Mount Mitchell Challenge is back for 2027! Starting from the quaint front porch of Western North Carolina, runners will tackle rugged mountain trails with two epic distance options. The Marathon (26.2 miles, ~3,000′ gain) climbs to the Black Mountain Gap overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway before turning back toward the finish at Lake Tomahawk. The Mount Mitchell Challenge (36 miles, ~4,500′ gain) pushes further, continuing on to the 6,684′ summit of Mount Mitchell — the highest point in eastern America — before descending to that same finish line.
Both races share the first 13 miles together, climbing to 5,340′ with jaw-dropping views of Mount Mitchell as a backdrop. Weather here is famously unpredictable, which is exactly why race organizers say there’s never been — and never will be — a “course record” for these events. Whether you’re an elite athlete chasing a new personal challenge or a weekend warrior looking to test your limits against the mountains, this course delivers an unforgettable, hard-earned finish.
