What is the event classification for the 2026 Catawba Falls 15K?

• →Mixed-Terrain (Hybrid Road/Trail)

What is the race distance for the 2026 Catawba Falls 15K?

• →Approximately 8.7 miles (~14 km) – Note: Despite the "15K" name, the actual distance is slightly shorter than a standard 15K.

What is the elevation gain for the race course?

• →Approximately 1,333 feet

What is the time limit for completing the race?

• →3.5 hours

How many participants are allowed in the event?

• →150 runners

What is the terrain split for the course?

• →Approximately 5 miles on pavement
• →Approximately 3.6 miles on single-track/trail

What are the key sections of the race course?

• →The Warm-Up (Paved): A 2.5-mile stretch on pavement along Catawba River Rd, with a mellow grade for the first mile.
• →The Climb (Technical Trail): A steep section featuring staircases and an elevated stair tower, with roughly 500 feet of elevation gain in less than a third of a mile.
• →The Summit & Vistas: A section leading to the Upper Falls and a ridge trail with mountain views.
• →The Return: A descent back to the trailhead parking lot, followed by a retracing of the paved Catawba River Rd back to the start/finish line.

What are the aid stations and their locations?

• →Aid Station 1: Mile 2.6 (Cutoff: 9:45 AM)
• →Aid Station 2: Mile 6.2 (Cutoff: 11:00 AM)

What provisions are available at the aid stations?

• →Water
• →Skratch electrolyte mix
• →Bananas
• →Potato chips
• →Pretzels
• →M&Ms
• →Various salty and sweet snacks

What is the registration fee for the event?

• →$80

What is the refund policy for registration?

• →75% refund until December 1st
• →50% refund until February 1st
• →No refunds within 30 days of the event
• →No transfers or deferments allowed at any time

Where can participants pick up their race packets?

• →Early: Friday evening, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Foothills Watershed
• →Race Day: 7:45 AM – 8:50 AM at Start/Finish

What do finishers receive?

• →A custom ceramic finisher medal made by Hannah Thrower Ceramics

What awards are given to the top finishers?

• →Top 3 Male and Female overall winners receive hand-made awards and gift certificates from Mountain Running Company

What is included in the post-race experience?

• →An on-site after party featuring a shaded riverfront area with lawn chairs and picnic tables
• →Local food truck serving slow-cooked meats
• →On-site brewery offering beer, CBD/THC drinks, craft sodas, and non-alcoholic options
• →Access to private forest bike trails, an all-ages pump track, and dirt jump lines for cycling adventures