Pilot Mountain to Hanging Rock Ultra logo
Running

Pilot Mountain to Hanging Rock Ultra

Date
September 19, 2026
Distance
50 Miler · 50K · 50K Ruck & more
Register →

From the Organizer

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.

Events

50 Miler6 AMRegister →
50K7:45 AMRegister →
50K Ruck7:45 AMRegister →
50 Mile Relay6 AMRegister →
Virtual 50 Mile6 AMRegister →
Virtual 50K6 AMRegister →
Pacer6 AMRegister →

Weather

Typical Conditions

It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.

Typical High

79°

Typical Low

59°

Chance of Rain

28%

Based on US Climate Normals data from Danbury, 3 mi from the venue.

Sunrise 7:07 AMSunset 7:24 PMDaylight 12h 17m

Host City

About Danbury, NC

Elevation

934 ft

Nearest Airport

GSO

Piedmont Triad International Airport · 29 mi

Time Zone

Eastern Time

From Endurance Grid

Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.

Race Location

Your Next Start Line

What Are You
Waiting For?

Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Pilot Mountain to Hanging Rock Ultra, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.

103

Days to train

Race
Pilot Mountain to Hanging Rock Ultra
Date
September 19, 2026

From Endurance Grid

About This Sport

Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.

With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.

Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.

Read the Guide

Running

From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Pilot Mountain to Hanging Rock Ultra?
Pilot Mountain to Hanging Rock Ultra is a running race held in Danbury, North Carolina on September 19, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
When and where is the Pilot Mountain to Hanging Rock Ultra?
Saturday, September 19, 2026 in Danbury, North Carolina at 1110 Flinchum Rd, Danbury, NC. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
How do I register for the Pilot Mountain to Hanging Rock Ultra?
Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.

Pilot Mountain to Hanging Rock Ultra

Sep 19, 2026

Register →