Slam the Dam 10K Run

Welcome to the Purple Martin Fabulous 4 Miler!

Get ready for a challenging, hilly course that mirrors the terrain of Rutherfordton—perfect for pushing yourself beyond the typical 5K. This out-and-back race on the Purple Martin Greenway winds along scenic woods and Cleghorn Creek, crossing three picturesque bridges, including two covered bridges.

This year, we’re going red, white, and blue in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, so wear your patriotic gear and make it a race to remember!

Not only will you test your endurance, but your participation also helps support the growth and enhancement of the Greenway for the community. Lace up, embrace the challenge, and celebrate both your strength and our nation’s milestone!

UltiMutt Race 2026: Saturday, April 11 @ Tryon Resort, Mill Spring, NC.

Celebrate our ancient friendship with dogs while building a bond with your dog that will last a lifetime!

UltiMutt Race & Noble Dog Fest, (sponsored by Noble Dog Hotel & Lodge, ) is a 5k obstacle race & festival designed by canine agility & fitness pros to challenge a dog & owner team over 17+ obstacles at your pace with our Competitive & Fun Run options!

Running UltiMutt = Saving Lives! 10% race fees & 100% donations are given to Greenville County Animal Care, the largest open intake shelter in the Carolinas!

Start Line Description: Dogs are separated by barriers in 3 lanes, 3 runners start every 30 sec intervals to eliminate crowding/bottlenecking on the course. Event is fully outdoors with ample space to distance.

Noble Dog Fest: Saturday 9am-2pm: (free admission for the whole family, including the family dog!)

-Food & Beverage Trucks

-Noble Nessie's Craft Biergarten

-Music & Champion Awards Ceremony

-Vendor Village 20+ local shops!

-Photo Booths & Pup Caricatures

Pre-Register for Festival Activities: Here

• Paint ur Pet Workshop, led by Jessica Brush

• Try it! Dog Yoga, led by Deb of Sunbelly Cafe

• Try it! SwiftPaws Lure Coursing

• Try it! WCERA Canine Escape Room

• Try it! Canine Conditioning/Agility

• Try it! Herding Instict Tests with On the Lamb

Other Activities:

Dogs & Drinks Mixer: Friday, April 10 @ 6pm @ Silver Spoon Saloon (onsite)

9am-2pm: Mutts & Monsters Disc Dog Demos & Club Intro w/ Lucas Croft

9am-2pm: NACC Canicross Harness/Gear Fittings - Drop-In

LODGING: To make these reservations & receive the discounted rate, must CALL: 828-863-1103.

Make UltiMutt Race your weekend getaway! Tryon Resort features 1,600 acres of nature trails, 6 onsite restaurants, 20+ boutique shops, family entertainment, and more!

The property features a variety of onsite lodging options:

• 50 tent camping spaces-dry - Available NOW until sold out!

• RV park spaces

• UltiMutt Discount: 10% Off, 2 night minimum stay, pet fees waived for: 1-5 bedroom Cabins, Overmountain Lodge, Stablehouse Inn

• To Book Discounted Rates, Must CALL: 828-863-1103 & mention you're an "UltiMutt Guest"

See Nearby Hotels, AirBnBs, Glampgrounds/Campgrounds, etc. --> Link to Google Nearby Hotels:

-4 Paws Kingdom & Dog Campground-15 miles

-Emberglow Outdoor Resort - 7.8 miles

-Town & Country Inn Suites-Spindale - 9 miles

-Hampton Inn & Suites – 15 miles

Event Pricing

*Discounts for children under 15, first responders/military, & for referring 2 friends who register with your code.

• $85 -Currently 25% Off final price

• Increases to $95 when spots run out.

• Increases to $115 on race day.

(Free Parking onsite)

What do I get when I run the UltiMutt Race?

Finishers Receive: Sponsored Race Photos, Commemorative Finisher medal, collectible iron-on patch unique to the year, & access to Noble Dog Fest!

Race Options

• Competitive Wave: (30 squats to skip/fail an obstacle)

• Awarded: Alpha Male & Alpha Female w/ Large Dog (36+ lbs.)

• Awarded: Alpha Male & Alpha Female w/ Small Dog (up to 35lbs.)

• Fun Run Wave: (can skip any obstacle)

• Non-Timed 5k Fun Run/Walk!

Free admission for the whole family... including the family dog!

Noble Dog Fest, sponsored by Noble Dog Hotel & Lodge since 2019, welcomes over 1,000 dog lovers from 25 states! Arrive at Tryon Resort & enjoy music, food, Vendor Village with over 20 local shops, & dog sport workshops for your pup to try! You don't wanna miss this!

• Vendor Village 20+ local shops!

• Music by DJ Kels

• Food & Beverage Trucks

• Noble Nessie's Biergarten

Add-on Festival Activities!

Register at the Link provided or simply add on the following activities to your Noble Dog Fest ticket!

• UltiMutt Race-Dog + Human 5k Obstacle Race

• Paint ur Pet Workshop, led by Jessica Brush

• Try it! Dog Yoga, led by Deb of Sunbelly Cafe -add onto your ticket

• Try it! SwiftPaws Lure Coursing - add on to your ticket

• Try it! WCERA Canine Escape Room - add on to your ticket

• Try it! Canine Conditioning/Agility - add on to your ticket

• Try it! Herding Instict Tests with On the Lamb

Other Drop-In Activities:

• Dogs & Drinks Mixer: Friday, April 10 @ 6pm @ Silver Spoon Saloon (onsite)

• 9am-2pm: Palmetto State Disc Dog Demos & Club Intro w/ Lucas Croft

• 9am-2pm: NACC Canicross Harness/Gear Fittings - Drop-In

• 9am-2pm: Pup Caricatures! w/ local artists

LODGING TIPS:

Make UltiMutt Race your weekend getaway! Tryon Resort features 1,600 acres of nature trails, 6 onsite restaurants, 20+ boutique shops, family entertainment, and more! The property features a variety of onsite lodging options:

To make these reservations & receive the discounted rate, must CALL: 828-863-1103.

• RV park spaces

• UltiMutt Discount: 10% Off, 2 night minimum stay, pet fees waived for: 1-5 bedroom Cabins, Overmountain Lodge, Stablehouse Inn

To Book Discounted Rates, Must CALL: 828-863-1103 & mention you're an "UltiMutt Guest"

Offsite Recommendations:

-Our #1 Choice: 4 Paws Kingdom & Dog Campground-15 miles

-Emberglow Outdoor Resort - 7.8 miles

-Town & Country Inn Suites-Spindale - 9 miles

-Hampton Inn & Suites – 15 miles

Bring your friends and family! Join us for a fundraising 5K supporting Charles D. Owen High School Cross Country as well as the Black Mountain Home for Children, Youth, and Families.

The event will kick off with a multi-terrain 5K surrounded by mountain views around the Owen High School campus, beginning and ending in the Owen High School Stadium. Following the 5K will be a 1K Pony Trot Kids Run (ages 10 & under) on the track. T-Shirts will be given to the first 100 registrants (size guaranteed to those who sign up before 5/1)! Additionally, awards will be given to top performers! So come gallop, trot, or just walk and talk - we hope to see you there! Registration ends 5/29 at 11:59pm for both the 5K and Pony Trot!

When: Saturday, May 30, 2026 starting at 9 AM

Where: Gallop 5K and 1K Pony Trot will begin and finish at the Charles D. Owen High School track and stadium

Registration ends 5/29 at 11:59pm for both the 5K and Pony Trot!

Packet Pick Up: Race Day - Saturday May 30, from 8:00 to 8:45 AM at the Charles D. Owen High School track and stadium. Packet will include race bib, as well as a wristband which can be redeemed for T-shirt (if signed up before 5/1).

Parking: Participant parking will be provided in the lower student parking lot, accessible from Lake Eden Rd. Signage will be visible to direct participants to this parking area.

Event Timing: Each participant's race performance time will be posted immediately following the race!

Awards: A medal as well as a gift card from the Mountain Running Store in Black Mountain will be given out to the top three overall male and female finishers.

Additionally, medals will be given to the top overall male and female finishers for the 5K run in the below age categories.

Ages 12 & Under

Ages 13 - 19

Ages 20 - 39

Ages 40 - 54

Ages 55+

BONUS Giveaways: Each participant's bib number will be placed in a drawing for additional prizes to be awarded after the event! Prizes include gift cards from a few of our generous sponsors!

Safety: Due to insurance regulations, roller blades, strollers, bicycles and pets are not allowed on the course.

A Special Thanks to Our Generous Sponsors:

• Three Sheet Design

• AgCare Products

• Mountain Running Company

• Greybeard Realty

The Gold Rush 5K is presented by Glenwood Ruritan Club in conjunction with NC Gold Foundation Gold Festival.

GOLD There will be a drawing for a genuine GOLD nugget worth $200! All registered runners will be entered to win!!!!!!

T-shirts will be given to the 1st 25 registered runners, so register early! Additional t-shirts will be available for purchase on race day.

There will be a FREE kids Fun Run starting at 9am. Race Day registration WILL be available for $25.