The hilly (both up and down) nature of the course makes the Black Mountain Marathon one of the most challenging marathons in the U.S.
The course starts at an altitude of 2,360' and travels to the Black Mountain Gap overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Here, at an elevation of 5,340' and with an extraordinary view of Mount Mitchell as a backdrop, Marathoners will turn and retrace their course to the Start/Finish area in Black Mountain.
The Black Mountain Marathon was the 219th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 259th largest in 2023.
Its Course Score of 90.66 ranks it as the 436th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 15th fastest course in North Carolina.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Black Mountain Marathon a PR Score of 90.66. This PR Score ranks it as the 433rd fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 15th fastest in North Carolina.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Black Mountain Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 5229 feet (1594m) Min Elevation: 2382 feet (726m)
