Occoneechee Mountain Challenge

Description:

1. Race will start and finish on the Historic Occoneechee Speedway Track

2. Runners will then run on the beautiful Riverwalk (part of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail), past the Occaneechi Indian Village, and through Gold Park

3. The middle third of this race will take you around and up to the top of Occoneechee Mountain, the highest point in Orange County. 3.5 miles are paved (from mile 1.3 to 3 heading out, and the same section heading back). The middle 3.5 mile is single track around the mountain (rise to the peak and back is gravel access road).

Link to Race the Nation video taken during the 2022 event: https://www.facebook.com/OMC10miler/videos/1301751927256816
Link to ‘Relive’ view of the course, with some photos: https://www.relive.cc/view/vevW75xZwyv
In January, this could be a tricky trail (if you are unfamiliar with the trail, please take a look at the pictures below). There will be 700ft of elevation gain, almost all of which is in the middle third, and the trail has rocks, roots, steps, mud, everything you’re looking for in a great trail course.
We plan to provide our fabulous beef chili (Hoof Beat Farm, Hillsborough) and veggie chili, bread, and coffee at the finish line.
Proceeds from the event: HRC is a non profit organization, so all proceeds will go back to local charities and organizations
Time Limit: The route is entirely off the public roads (it crosses one road). Time limit is 2.5 hours (15 min/mile pace). Run/walkers are welcome, or if you want, you can run the flat sections, and walk the trail section. You will not be able to walk the whole course though.