HAROC (aka Hanging Rock Challenge)

The Pilot Mountain to Hanging Rock Ultra is one of North Carolina’s most iconic point-to-point trail races. Held each September, this epic endurance challenge connects Pilot Mountain State Park to Hanging Rock State Park, offering a truly unforgettable ultra-marathon experience. With race options including the 50 Mile Ultra, the 50K Ultra, and the 50 Mile Relay, athletes of all levels can take on the rugged beauty of the Sauratown Mountains. Known for its tough climbs, technical trails, and stunning scenery, PM2HR is a bucket-list race for trail runners and ultra-distance athletes.

The 50 Mile course features over 7,500 feet of elevation gain, while the 50K course delivers more than 4,000 feet of climbing—making this race as challenging as it is rewarding. The 50 Mile Relay allows teams to split the distance and share in the adventure together. Whether you’re racing solo or with friends, PM2HR will test your grit, your endurance, and your love for the trails.

Why Run the Pilot Mountain to Hanging Rock Ultra?

• Scenic point-to-point course: Travel from the iconic knob of Pilot Mountain to the rocky cliffs and waterfalls of Hanging Rock State Park.

• Elevation that tests you: With over 7,500 feet of climbing in the 50 Mile and 4,000+ feet in the 50K, this ultra delivers a challenge worthy of your training.

• Relay option: Not ready for the full ultra? Grab your teammates and split the miles in the 50 Mile Relay.

• Ultra experience: A mix of singletrack, fire roads, and tough mountain terrain gives you everything an ultra should.

• Community spirit: Preview runs, virtual clinics, and on-course support create a welcoming environment for both first-time ultrarunners and seasoned veterans.

• Epic finish line: Celebrate with your hard-earned medal, memories, and trail glory.

Race Details

• Distances: 50 Mile Ultra, 50K Ultra, 50 Mile Relay

• Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025

• Location: Pilot Mountain State Park to Hanging Rock State Park, North Carolina

• Elevation: 50 Mile – 7,500+ ft gain | 50K – 4,000+ ft gain

• Course terrain: Technical singletrack, rugged climbs, steep descents, and fire roads

Who Should Run PM2HR?

This race is ideal for:

• Trail runners seeking a challenging and scenic ultra in North Carolina

• Athletes looking for a point-to-point ultra with significant elevation gain

• Relay teams who want to share in a mountain adventure together

• Runners training for longer ultras who want a demanding 50K or 50M test

• Anyone who wants to experience both Pilot Mountain State Park and Hanging Rock State Park in one epic race

Be part of the adventure

The Pilot Mountain to Hanging Rock Ultra & Relay is more than a race—it’s a journey through two of North Carolina’s most beautiful state parks, a test of endurance, and a celebration of trail running community. Whether you’re in it for the challenge, the camaraderie, or the breathtaking scenery, PM2HR delivers an experience you’ll never forget.

Race Info

7 Mile starts at 10:00. 3 Mile starts at 10:15.Climb your way up the mountain like a nimble mountain goat! 3 mile and 7 mile options for all levels of goats and goat-like creatures.3 mile course: start at the Pilot Mountain State Park campground. Run out the wide gravel trail, turn right onto Grindstone Trail. Climb up the mountain to the upper parking lot. Run out the Pilot Knob trail and around the knob. Return back to the finish line on the sidewalk above the bathrooms. 7 Mile Course: Start in the Pilot Mountain State Park campground. Run out the wide gravel trail and stay straight to go onto Grindstone trail. Turn onto Mountain trail to run around the back of the mountain. Mountain trail connects back to Grindstone trail. Run up Grindstone trail, around the pinnacle on Pilot Knob trail and finish the same place as the 3 mile race. NOTE: Both races START in the campground and END at the top of the mountain. You will have to run/walk back down the mountain to your car (2.25 miles back down the trail) or get a ride back down from friends or family. You CANNOT ask a park ranger for a ride back down after the race. Race Capacity Limit of 150 runners total - Register Early to ensure you get a spot! The first 49 cars will park at the campground, any additional cars will be parked in overflow parking lots. Plan to carpool to the race if possible.What you get for your registration:The opportunity to test yourself against the mountain and other like-minded mountain goat-like creaturesLong sleeve technical shirtsAwards for top finishers (top 3 men and women) and in each age group (top 3 in age group in 7 mile and 1st in age group for 3 mile) for both distancesPost-race breakfast

Packet Pick-up

Early packet pick-up will be available outside the Pilot Mountain Visitor Center on Friday December 18 from 4:00-5:30 pmPacket pick-up will be available race day at the starting area from 8:15 am until 9:50 am. Please do not arrive at the park before 8:00 am, the park does not open until 8:00 am.

Cancellation Policy

No refunds will be given for registered runners unable to attend on race day. Runners can change distance registered for or transfer their registration to another person by December 16, 2026 through Ultrasignup. Registration can not be transferred to another race or to the next year.The Pilot Mountain Goat will take place rain or shine, unless Pilot Mountain State Park is closed due to weather conditions. If the state park does close for weather conditions, we will make every effort to reschedule the race for a later date.

Event's current local time: 4:57 AM ET

Race the Belews Lake Olympic at the scenic Belews Lake Carolina Marina, a late-summer / early-fall multisport classic featuring crystal clear waters, rolling hills, and a well-organized time trial start. This Olympic-distance event offers triathlon, duathlon, and aquabike options and is part of the Trivium Multisport Series

Race Options

• Olympic-Distance Triathlon: 1500m swim, 27-mile bike, 10K run

• Olympic-Distance Duathlon: 5K run, 27-mile bike, 10K run

• Olympic-Distance Aquabike: 1500m swim, 27-mile bike

• Individual and Relay options available for all events

Why race the Belews Lake Olympic?

• Scenic racing venue at Belews Lake Carolina Marina

• Calm, clear swim conditions ideal for Olympic-distance racing

• Rolling bike terrain that rewards smart pacing

• Time trial start for a smooth, uncrowded swim experience

• Late summer / early fall race timing

• Multiple race formats: triathlon, duathlon, and aquabike

• Relay options for racing with friends and teams

• Part of the Trivium Multisport Series — collect race medals across the series to complete the Trivium Mega Medal

• Professionally organized event with a strong multisport community atmosphere

Whether you’re chasing a personal best, racing with friends, or collecting medals as part of the Trivium Multisport Series, the Belews Lake Olympic is a must-race event on the North Carolina multisport calendar.