Dark Horse Trail Series (26.2 - 13.1 - 10k)

Event Overview

• Race Name: Dark Horse Trail Series
• Date: August 14, 2027
• Location: 25 International Blvd, Mill Spring, NC 28756
• Race Link: Dark Horse Ultra

Participant Feedback

The Dark Horse Trail Series is a loop course with a simple promise: the same 6.5-mile stretch of dirt and single-track, run as many times as your distance demands. Pick your fight — 10K, half, or full marathon — and let the meadows of a working equestrian center test how many loops you've got in you. This is a race built around a motto, not just a mileage: to make an impact, you have to be willing to risk being the dark horse — the runner nobody saw coming.

Course or Race Highlight

• Distances: Dark Horse Marathon (26.2 miles), Half Marathon (13.1 miles), 10K
• Location: Tryon Equestrian Center, Mill Spring, NC
• Terrain: A 6.5-mile loop with a mixture of paths, trails, and meadows
• Elevation: Gaining 600 feet of elevation per loop

Race Day Details

• What: Dark Horse Marathon (26.2mi), Half Marathon (13.1mi), 10K
• When: August 14, 2027, at 8:00 AM
• Where: Tryon Equestrian Center
• Packet Pickup: 1 hour before your event at the Green Timing & Check-In tent

Course

The course consists of a 6.5-mile loop that meanders through the equestrian center with a mixture of wide packed dirt paths, single-track trails, and meadows, offering 600 feet of elevation gain per loop. Marathon, half, and 10K runners all share the same terrain — just a different number of trips around it.

View Strava Course Map →

Parking

Parking costs $5.00, charged as part of registration, and covers your event entrance for the day. Follow the posted parking signs to the General Store area, adjacent to the start/finish line.

Aid Stations

• Number: One aid station located at the start and finish line
• Available Snacks: Pickles, Cookies, Chips, Fig Newtons, Pretzels
• Hydration: Water, Coke, Ginger Ale
• Note: Cup-less event — please bring your own hydration vessel.

What's Included

• Park Entry: Roll in ready to run — no gate fee to worry about.
• Custom Race Bib: Your badge of the journey.
• Chip Timing: Splits and live results, loop by loop.
• Custom Finisher Medal: To commemorate the triumph.

Race Awards

• Top 3 Overall: Fastest finishers receive a trophy.
• Age Group Awards: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers receive a custom medal.
• Series Recognition: Counts toward consistency and performance recognition.
• Categories: 15 age categories from 0-79 and 80+

Giving Back

Every Upstate Race Series event is part of the Upstate Giving Series, connecting community races with nonprofit organizations. Your registration and any add-ons help fund local work.

Learn more about the Upstate Giving Series →

Groups & Teams

$5 Discount & Refund for Groups with 5+ Members. Upstate Race Series welcomes local and regional running clubs.

Good to Know

• Dogs: Allowed on a leash.
• Headphones: Allowed, but stay aware of your surroundings.
• Packet Pickup: No one else can pick up your packet.
• Registration: Available on race day with mobile devices.

Managing Your Registration

You can manage your entry through your RunSignUp profile, including transferring entries and updating personal details. All entries are final.

Manage My Registration →

Let’s Stay Connected

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• Website: UpstateRaceSeries.com