The Ridgecrest Conference Center in Black Mountain is the start line for this mostly downhill half marathon that takes runners on a scenic combination of paved and forested gravel roads from Ridgecrest to Old Fort. Starting at 6:01 AM, runners escape the heat of late May and the crowds of city races. Capped at only 600 runners, this race has sold out the past six years and become one of the more popular half marathons in the region. Later that day, the Downhill at Dusk 5K will take runners on a fast course from Ridgecrest to Black Mountain.
Registration:
Online registration for the 2019 race will open on Thursday, November 1 at 9:00 AM EST. Online registration will end on Wednesday, May 22 at 9:00 PM.
Race Cap: 600
Entry Fees:
Half Marathon
November 1-December 31, 2018 – $60
January 1-March 31, 2019 – $70
April 1 – May 22 – $80
Downhill Double (Half Marathon & 5K)
November 1-December 31, 2018 – $72
January 1-April 15, 2019 – $85
Course:
This unique half Marathon will wind it’s way for 13.1 miles around Black Mountain, North Carolina, down the Old Fort Mountain on Old Highway 70 and finish at the First Baptist Church in Old Fort. The first 3 miles, on pavement, will be out and back starting from the LifeWay campus at Ridgecrest. The first 1 ½ miles will be slightly downhill. The return 1 ½ miles will be back uphill to the main campus. Once back at the LifeWay Ridgecrest campus, runners will be turning to go down Old Fort Mountain. The next 10 miles, mostly downhill, will offer the runner three miles on packed dirt and gravel and and seven miles on pavement. There will be a couple of places along the course where there will be some gradual uphill grades, but it is primarily a downhill run beginning at an elevation of 2700’ and ending at an elevation of 1600’. Water stations will be located every two miles down the course. Port-A-Jons will also be provided along the route.
Additional Race Info & Course Maps:
http://bit.ly/DownHillAtDawn
https://www.facebook.com/events/550797322032838/