The Payson’s Run 10k is a challenging trail race entirely on NOC property and winds along Flint Ridge and the NOC zipline course! The majority of the route is on our singletrack bike trail, and runners will be able to hear the water rushing from the Nantahala River below. The course starts with over 1,000 feet of elevation gain in the first 3 miles. Once hitting the turnaround point, runners will drop right back down on the Flint Ridge Trail towards the main campus of NOC.
Thank you to Pine Gate Renewables and Brigham & Mattox LLC for supporting this event!
This race is limited to just 200 participants, so register now to join in on the adventure! A beer & chip timing is included in race registration. Race shirts available as an add-on to your registration. The course limit is 2 hours.
Payson’s Run Registration Pricing
Early Bird Registration$55May12th – July 12thRegistration$60July13th – October
COURSE DESCRIPTION
The start and finish for the Payson’s 10k is on the Nantahala Outdoor Campus, next to the Big Wesser. Runners will head out of the NOC parking lot and turn left onto State Road 1180. This road is a combination of packed gravel and pavement.
After .5 miles, runners will turn left onto the Flint Ridge single track trail. At mile 1.5, the trail connects with the road and runners will take a left. Runners will hook back onto the Flint Ridge trail at mile 1.7 for about a quarter mile. The runners will turn left from the Flint Ridge trail and follow the gravel road up to ~mile 3 where they will turn around. The course passes the NOC’s ziplining towers and overlooks the river.
At mile ~4.1 runners will turn left to start descending on the Flint Ridge Trail. After mile ~5.7, runners will take a left to return down the State Road 1180. At mile ~6.1, runners will turn right for a short stint on the Appalachian Trail and finish up next to the Big Wesser.
The course is a combination of trail, packed gravel, and a short section on pavement. There is approximately 1,050ft of elevation gain over the course.
Payson’s Run Schedule
Friday, October 10th
Packet Pick Up @ the Backyard of Big Wesser5PM-7PMSaturday, October 11th
Packet Pick Up 8 AM-9 AM
Race Start9AM
10k Awards11 AM
Course Cut Off 11 AM