Do you have what it takes?
Does your idea of a fun Saturday include getting up at the crack of dawn and running up and down the highest mountain in the eastern United States…in the cold rain? OK, you won’t see me at the starting line either. However, for the hundreds of trail runners who have signed up for the 2009 Mount Mitchell Challenge and Black Mountain Marathon this Saturday, the early hours, wet weather, and craggy terrain are all part of the appeal.
This year marks the 12th annual 40-mile Mount Mitchell Challenge, along with the 26.2-mile Black Mountain Marathon, considered to be two of the most strenuous trail runs in the country. The races, presented by founding sponsors Black Mountain Savings Bank and Black Dome Mountain Sports, offer the opportunity for athletes to pit themselves against the ultimate challenge: Mother Nature. With obstacles such as snow, ice, and even black bear it is obvious this is no run in the park.
While both races are full this year, you can still get in on the action and cheer on the competitors! The Mount Mitchell Challenge and Black Mountain Marathon both begin at 7a.m. on Cherry Street in Black Mountain and both end up at Lake Tomahawk, also in Black Mountain. If you want to be there when the top finishers arrive, plan to be at the lake around 10 a.m. for marathon runners and around noon for ultramarathon runners.
For more information on the races visit www.blackmountainmarathon.com