2026 Catawba Falls 15K

The 2026 Catawba Falls 15K will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Foothills Watershed located at 655 Catawba River Rd in Old Fort, North Carolina. The event is expected to experience mostly cloudy conditions with a high temperature of around 40°F (4°C) and a light breeze. Participants can expect a challenging and scenic course that combines paved roads with technical trail running, offering a unique mix of terrain that tests both endurance and agility. The race covers approximately 8.7 miles, with a total elevation gain of roughly 1,333 feet, and includes a time limit of 3.5 hours.

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