FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Be sure to check out the 50K Athlete Guide here and the 50 Mile Athlete Guide here for course details, aid station information, and race weekend information. Updated 2025 Guides coming soon!
1. What is the weather typically like in May at this event? The weather can vary greatly in May in this area. Generally this area can have major swings in conditions simply based on its location and mountains with huge valleys. I would be prepared for hot and humid but expect a bit more mild conditions. It would be wise to be prepared for wet conditions as well as this can be a wet season.
2. Recommendations on lodging: We have some recommended areas for lodging here.
3. Ideas for family waiting for us? Nearby fishing spot or something? As far as things to do, Fayetteville is filled with awesome outdoor activities and lots of opportunities. This area provides a lot of opportunities for fishing, too!
4. Recommendations for local eats? I may be biased because for over a decade I've always gone to Pies and Pints in Fayetteville. There are lots of really good local eateries in the area.
5. Do we get to hug a bear? 14 years ago when I was on a run here I almost ran into a bear on one of the trails our race doesn't traverse. We both sprinted away in opposite directions. I did not ask for a hug.
6. Is there a Bag drop location for the 50K? There will be one bag drop at one of the aid stations. More information will be provided in the 50K Athlete Guide here. 2025 updates coming soon.
7. What kind of trail shoes work best on this trail if there isn’t a lot rocks and sticks to watch out for? If you're doing the 50 miler I would start out with a road shoe and then switch at the 1st aid station to a less aggressive trail shoe. That being said if the conditions are bad leading up to the race then obviously a trail shoe with a little bit more support would be warranted. Generally the best thing you can do is use something that you're comfortable with and have trained with. If you're doing the 50K I would stick with a non-aggressive trail shoe or even a road shoe if conditions are dry. But again, those are based on my own preferences
9. Would trekking poles be helpful? Or not necessary? I always caution people not to use trekking poles unless they know how to use them. They will just be extra work if you've never used them before and something else to carry, but not beneficial. If you have collapsible trekking poles that can be stored away and only used on the tougher sections then they're great. Personally I wouldn't bring them because I don't use them often and wouldn't use them often on this course.
10. Will the course include the difficult downhill that was relatively close to the starting point, I believe, between the Rend Trail and South side trail? If so, is there a place we can drop trekking poles after we’ve gone downhill and pick them back up before we go uphill? No. It will only be at the end of both courses in 2025 and will be a difficult uphill.
11. What kind of food will be at the aid stations? Be sure to checkout the 50K Athlete Guide here and the 50 Mile Athlete Guide here for course details, aid station information, and race weekend information. Updated 2025 guides coming soon!
