Ache Around the Lake

Trailside Brewing at Lennox Station, Hendersonville, NC | June 27, 2026

10k Race Start 8AM | 5k Race Start 8:15AM | Sunshine Kids Sprint 7:45AM

This summer we're kicking off the season at Trailside Brewing at Lennox station with a 10k & 5k! Both courses start in front of Trailside and take runners on the Ecusta Trail! Courses are an out-and-back all on the trail. The Ecusta Trail is a beautiful new greenway that was transformed from a rail line.

We've also added a kids' .25 mile Sunshine Sprint untimed event before the 10k and 5k! The Sunshine Sprint is $10 and includes a finisher medal and race bib. There are not awards for the Sunshine Sprint. Sunshine Sprinters can add on shirts during the check out process for $20.

A portion of race proceeds will be donated to the Mills River Partnership.

Included in 10k/5k Race Registration

Commemorative Race Shirt

Finisher Medal

Trailside Beer (21+) or N/A Beverage

Donation to Mills River Partnership

Can't make it to race day but still want the swag? Virtual options available! We'll mail the race shirt, medal, and bib to you after the event. US shipping only.

2026 Finisher Medal & Race Shirt

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This race proudly supports the Mills River Partnership and their mission to preserve, protect and improve the water quality in the Mills River. A portion of race proceeds from each race registration will be donated to the Mills River Partnership!

Coon Dog Day 2025 will be held in Saluda, NC on July 12th and the 5K will be better than ever!

PACKET PICKUP, Friday July 11: 🌭Free hotdog at packet pickup! Please pick up your race bib and tshirt at the Saluda Inn at 229 Greenville St., Saluda, 5-8 pm. Follow the packet pick-up signs.

SATURDAY MORNING, July 12: New Race Day Checkin Location- Looking Glass Realty at 108 East Main. St, beside the post office.

The start/finish line is on Main Street. Note: All registration will be online through the runsignup.com page. No paper forms for late/ walkup registration, so bring a phone. You can register until the race starts with a phone.

PARKING- 5K parking is available only until 9:30am at the First Baptist Church, the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration and Saluda United Methodist Church for the race only. If you want to stay for Coon Dog Day, please move your car out of those lots by 9:30am (the shuttle will bring you from the festival parking lot at that time). Parking is also available at the Saluda Elementary School back (bus) Parking Lot on Seminary Street (short walk to start line on Main Street) and there's no rush to leave the school lot.

The Coon Dog Day 5K is hosted by and is a fundraiser for Saluda Elementary School. The run begins in McCreery Park beside Main Street at 8am and follows the traditional Coon Dog Day 5k route.

T-shirts guaranteed if registered by Memorial Day, Monday May 26th.

Chip timing is back for the 5K for all participants to track their time for this annual festival run!

And new for 2025- Really Sweet🍯and Locally Made Awards 🐝! Award Categories: 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+.

The KIDS' Fun Run with clock timing and a new route for the kids is back.

Plan to stay for the daylong festival of crafts, food, music and quirky small town fun.

We sure do appreciate our 2025 Sponsors. We couldn't do this without our:

Top Dogs- Sandy Bee Mine Honey Company, Looking Glass Realty and Upland Orchard

Big Dogs- Don Mintz Builders. Saluda Outfitters, Mountain Sky Builders, Stepp Ditching, Adventure Cycles, Solstice Construction, Wakey Monkey, the Orchard Inn and the Saluda Inn.

Porch Pups- Jim Carson Gallery/Studio, Carolina Cottage Guest House and Kevin Burnett

Proceeds from the Coon Dog Day 5K and Kid’s Fun Run support Saluda Elementary School, with a primary focus on literacy and other educational resources that enhance teaching and student success.

🐎 Gallop Through the Trails at the Dark Horse Trail Race! 🌲

Giddy up, runners! The Dark Horse Trail Marathon & Half Marathon at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in beautiful Tryon, North Carolina is the perfect opportunity for you to feel the wind in your hair as you race through stunning trails set against the backdrop of rolling hills and lush forests 🏞️. Whether you're a seasoned trail runner or a newcomer, this race promises an unforgettable adventure through a unique blend of athleticism and the natural beauty that only the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains can offer 🌳.

Imagine galloping through wide dirt paths, winding your way through single-track trails, and trotting across grassy meadows 🌾. Along the way, you'll take in breathtaking views, and if you're lucky, you might spot a fellow horse galloping by as you run through the very grounds that host the world's grandest equestrian events 🏇. This is the place where nature and sport collide, creating a race day experience like no other. Whether you're chasing that marathon glory or just here for the half marathon fun, each step brings you closer to the heart of this magical, four-legged world.

After crossing the finish line, enjoy the post-race festivities alongside your fellow runners and equestrian fans 🎉. The Tryon International Equestrian Center is always buzzing with energy, and you can celebrate your victory with food 🍔, drinks 🍻, and live music 🎶 while taking in the beautiful atmosphere of this renowned venue. It’s not just about the race—it’s about connecting with the land, nature, and the incredible spirit of adventure 🐾.

Event Details

When: All Races Start at 8:00 AM ⏰

Where: Tryon Equestrian Center

Address: 25 International Blvd, Mill Spring, NC 28756 📍

Packet Pickup: Will be held at the Start/Finish Line starting 1 hour before your event 🏁.

Course Cutoff: For the marathon: Runners have 6 hours to complete but must start last lap before 5 hours

Parking: When you enter the Equestrian Center, stay to the left to enter the main gate 🏇. Let them know you're here for the race, and follow the driveway to the left, which will lead you to participant parking, right by the start/finish line next to the General Store 🚗

Amenities located within eye sight of the start/finish line

• Breakfast Diner 🍳

• Coffee Shop ☕

• Convenient Store 🛒

• Bars/Restaurants 🍽️

• Indoor Bathrooms 🚻

Course Map: Strava Course Map - HERE🗺️

The course consists of a 6.5-mile loop that meanders through the equestrian center with a mixture of wide packed dirt paths, single-track trails, and meadows 🐴. The course has 600 feet of elevation gain per loop, offering you a steady challenge as you gallop through this beautiful terrain 🏞️.

Aid Station

There is one aid station at the start and finish line 🏁.

You'll find pickles 🥒, cookies 🍪, chips 🥨, fig newtons, and pretzels 🥨.

Hydration will include water 💧, coke 🥤, and ginger ale 🥤.

Cup-less Event: Please bring your own hydration vessel for use at the aid station 🏅.

Feel free to donate any homemade snacks or supplies you'd like to see at the aid station 🍪.

Staging Area - Camping & Personal Aid Stations

We offer camping for participants and their crews during registration ⛺. There’s no water or power, but you'll have plenty of space to spread out next to the course and enjoy the serenity of nature 🌲. Drop bags can be placed at the start/finish line area 👜. Please label your drop bag with your name and bib number to ensure it’s waiting for you at the finish line when you’re done 🏁.

Don’t miss the chance to trot, gallop, and race through the scenic beauty of the Tryon Equestrian Center. This is your opportunity to experience the thrill of the Dark Horse Trail Race! 🏇🐴🌿

🏞️ Lake Summit 10 Mile Trail Race

Tuxedo, North Carolina

Where mountain views meet lakeside charm

Join us for a breathtaking 10-mile run around the sparkling shores of Lake Summit, nestled in the heart of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, just south of historic Flat Rock, NC. This scenic course weaves along packed dirt roads through the quiet community of Tuxedo, offering runners a peaceful, nature-filled experience you won’t soon forget.

🌄 What to Expect

As you circle the lake in a counter-clockwise direction, you’ll take in stunning views of clear blue waters, charming lakefront homes, and the rolling backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, dressed in vibrant fall foliage. With 90% of the course on well-maintained gravel roads, it’s the perfect mix of beauty and challenge. A single short hill adds just enough elevation to keep things interesting — total elevation gain is approximately 575 feet.

🍁 Why You'll Love It

Scenic Lakeside Views: Crystal-clear water, changing leaves, and mountain vistas

Peaceful Vibes: Quiet roads, minimal traffic, and a tranquil atmosphere

Wildlife Encounters: Keep your eyes peeled for deer, birds, and the sounds of nature

Gentle Terrain: Mostly flat with a few rolling hills – ideal for new and seasoned runners alike

🏃 Race Details

Start Time: Sunday @ 8:00 AM

Location: Tuxedo Park – 1299 Old US 25 Hwy, Zirconia, NC 28790

Packet Pickup: Begins at 7:00 AM at the shelter near the start/finish line

Course Map & Strava Link: Click HERE for map

Elevation Gain: 575 ft

Surface: 90% packed dirt road

🍴 Post-Race Perks

Free Pancake Breakfast for all finishers 🥞

Complimentary Race Photos 📸

Music & chill vibes to wind down after your run 🎶

Clearly marked course with directional arrows at all intersections

Chip-timed results with live splits and rankings ⏱️

🚗 Parking Info

Runners can park at 1299 Old US 25 Hwy, Zirconia, NC 28790 — right at Tuxedo Park near the start/finish area.

Whether you're chasing a PR or soaking up the mountain air, the Lake Summit 10 Mile offers the perfect blend of nature, community, and celebration. Don’t miss your chance to run one of North Carolina’s most scenic lakeside routes! 🌲🏃‍♀️🍂