Quest For The Crest 50K

Race - May 20, 2023

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek · Spring · Views

The race course traverses most of the Black Mountain Crest Trail, and provides some of the best views to be found anywhere on the East Coast. The climbs will challenge even the most seasoned runners, and the downhill sections are steep and technical.

There are two full aid stations and two fluid-only aid stations. There are no crew access points and pacers are not permitted, as the bulk of this course is very remote and not vehicle accessible.

Be prepared for extreme temperature changes, from the early morning start, through the numerous altitude and weather changes, to the afternoon finish in the valley floor.

This race is called Quest for the Crest for one reason, participants will go from the valley floor to the top of the Black Mountain Crest Trail, three separate times. It truly is a quest, to conquer over 20,000 feet of elevation change in 33 miles.

Runners will pass through multiple altitude zones, from lowland layers to treeless alpine. The weather is constantly changing with shifting and swirling winds. Snow has been recorded every month of the year on this mountain range. It is truly one of the most diverse sub-climates found anywhere in the world.

The trail is flanked by rhododendron and mountain laurel and then transitions to alpine evergreens, ferns, and grassy slopes.