Mountains-to-Sea Trail 12M & 50K Challenge
Race date: APRIL 13, 2025
REGISTER HERE! [Registration will open on 12/1/24 at 8:00am EST.]
Join us for the 16th annual MST 12M & 50K Challenge! The race course will follow beautiful single track of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) as it winds through the woods around Falls Lake in Raleigh, NC.
You can expect that we will setup a well-marked course, well-stocked aid stations, accurate results, and a good time! We will do our best to make sure you enjoy your experience!
This is a trail race: very different than a road race. You will be exposed to many obstacles you would not normally see in a road race. The course is a single-track hiking trail, so there are roots, rocks, quick turns, logs, woodland critters, and possibly water to avoid. There are plenty of aid stations and volunteers on the course, but if it’s a hot day or if you think you need more fluids, we highly recommend carrying your own.
We ask that you do not run with your dog, run with an unregistered pacer, run with headphones, run with a jog stroller, and, of course, do not litter on the trail.
Questions?
Register & Volunteer
Race Date: SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2025
Online registration will open 12/1/24 @ 8:00am
Not planning to run?
PLEASE SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER! We need you! Thank you 🙂
Race Logistics
Parking & Start/Finish
Both the 12M and 50K will start and finish at Blue Jay Point County Park.
Both races will start in the large field across from the main “Go Ape” parking lot.
50K participants will park at Blue Jay Point County Park.
12M participants will park here and get shuttled to and from the race start/finish. Shuttle ride will take 6-8 minutes. There is not enough parking at Blue Jay Point County Park for all race participants.
Start Times
50K: 7:00am
12M: 8:30am
Aid Stations
Aid stations and crew access points will be located approximately every 3 miles on the course. Water, ROCTANE (GU electrolyte drink), GU energy gels, snacks, and basic first aid supplies will be available at all aid stations. Plenty of food and refreshments will be available at the finish. 50K aid stations will be stocked with snacks and fruit (i.e. pretzels, trail mix, candy, oranges, bananas).
Restrooms
Restrooms facilities and porta-jons are available at Blue Jay Point County Park (start/finish).
Additional restroom facilities are at the 50K turn-around at Falls Lake Dam.
Drop Bags
Drop bags will be issued to 50K runners only. Bring these to the race start. These bags will be available for 50K runners at the turn-around (@ Falls Lake Dam) and again at the finish area.
12M participants will be able to leave a bag at the finish line in a designated location.
No valuables, please!
Time Limits
The 50K race has an 8-hour time limit.
The 12M race has a 3.5 hour time limit.
Course Maps
Course Notes:
– Both the 12M & 50K events will start and finish at Blue Jay Point County Park in Raleigh.
– 50K runners will park at Blue Jay Point County Park
– 12M participants will park at Barton’s Creek Boat Ramp and get shuttled to the race start and back to their vehicles.
– Both the 12M & 50K events are out-and-back on the Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST)
– The 12M turn-around point is Aid Station B – Possum Track Causeway
– The 50K turn-around is at Falls Lake Dam (lower parking lot)
– The race course is located within Segment 10 between mile markers 59 & 74.
– The majority of the MST is single track trail in the woods with the exception of causeways where the MST intersects or parallels road/pavement
– Follow white blazes the entire way! [50K runners: pay attention to additional flagging/directional signage near the turn-around at Falls Lake Dam]
Packet Pickup Details
Pre-Race Packet Pickup:
Saturday, April 12: 2:30-5:30pm @ Bull City Running – South Durham
**pre-race pickup is highly encouraged!
Race Day Packet Pickup
Sunday, April 13: 6:15am-8:30am @ Blue Jay Point County Park (Race Start)
Parking & Accommodations
Parking Directions for 12M & 50K Participants:
50K participants will park at Blue Jay Point County Park. This is the start area for both races.
12M participants will park nearby at Barton’s Creek Boat Ramp (12900 Six Forks Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587) and be shuttled to the park. Shuttles will run between the parking area and the race start from 7:15-8:15am and from the race finish to the parking area from 10:15am-12:15pm.
PLEASE NOTE: The park opens at 6:00AM. Gates will be locked before this time. Please do not arrive before 6:00AM.
Restrooms are available inside the park.
COURSE MAP details all race locations.
Hotel Accommodations Near Race Start
Hilton Garden Inn
Holiday Inn Express
Camping Options
If you are interested in maximizing your outdoor experience, there are two camping locations in the Falls Lake Recreation Area: Shinleaf and Holly Point campgrounds. Please check the website for details and reservations!
Awards
Results
2022
50K – OVERALL
50K – M/F
12M – OVERALL
12M – M/F
2021
12-MILE OVERALL
12-MILE M/F
50K OVERALL
50K M/F
2020 = COVID-Cancelled 🙁
2019
12-MILE OVERALL
12-MILE M/F
50K OVERALL
50K M/F
2018
12-Mile Overall
12-Mile M/F
50K Overall
50K M/F
2017
12-Mile Overall
12-Mile M/F
50K Overall
50K M/F
2016
12-Mile Overall
12-Mile M/F
50K Overall
50K M/F
2016 Team Results
Some Great 50K Pictures!
2015
12M Overall
12M M/F
50K Overall
50K M/F
2015 Team Results
Some Great 50K Pictures!
2014
12M Overall
12M M/F
50K Overall
50K M/F
Team Results
2013
12M Overall Results
12M M/F Results
50K Overall Results
50K M/F Results
Team Results
2012
50K Results (M/F)
50K Age Group Results
12M Results (Overall)
12M Results (M/F)
12M Age Group Results
Team Results
2011
Overall Results
Age Group Results
Team Competition Results