2026 Grit and Grace Trail Race

The 2026 Grit and Grace Trail Race will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Camp GuilRock in Reidsville, North Carolina. Reidsville experiences a cold and variable climate in February, with average temperatures ranging from 35°F to 45°F and the potential for light precipitation. The event features two distinct challenges: a 12-hour trail race and a 6-hour ruck. Participants will navigate a 3-mile loop with a mix of grassy trails, gravel roads, single-track, and forest roads. The course is designed with gentle rolling terrain to support high mileage, and runners must reverse direction every 3 hours to maintain engagement. The 6-hour ruck involves carrying a weighted pack over the same course, with scoring based on the product of weight and distance. Both events require a primary light source due to limited daylight in February.

What is the event name and date?

The event is the 2026 Grit and Grace Trail Race, scheduled for Saturday, February 28, 2026.

What is the location and venue for the event?

The event takes place at Camp GuilRock, located at 531 Belville Rd, Reidsville, North Carolina 27320. The venue is approximately 30 minutes north of Greensboro.

What are the event types and formats?

There are two events: a 12-Hour Trail Race, which is a trail/mixed-terrain ultra, and a 6-Hour Ruck, which is a trail/mixed-terrain ruck (weighted carry).

What is the course structure for the 12-Hour Trail Race?

The course consists of a 3-mile loop that runners complete as many times as possible within 12 hours. The terrain includes grassy trails, gravel roads, single-track, and forest roads.

What is the topography of the course?

The course features gentle rolling terrain with significant flat sections, allowing for high mileage accumulation.

What is the directional twist in the 12-Hour Trail Race?

Runners must reverse their direction every 3 hours upon entering the transition area to keep the course dynamic.

What lighting is required for the 12-Hour Trail Race?

A primary light source, such as a headlamp, chest lamp, or flashlight, is mandatory due to limited daylight in February. A backup battery or secondary light is highly encouraged.

What are the race mechanics for the 12-Hour Trail Race?

Runners must check in with staff after every lap and check out before starting the next to track who is on course. Scoring is based on total mileage, with only full loops counting toward the final distance. If the 8:00 PM cutoff occurs before a lap is completed, the partial lap does not count. In the event of a tie, the runner who reached that distance first places higher. Runners may tap out at any time by reporting to staff, and this decision is final.

What awards are given for the 12-Hour Trail Race?

Finisher awards denote the specific distance achieved (e.g., 50k, 100k). Overall awards are given for 1st and 2nd Male and Female.

What is the course structure for the 6-Hour Ruck?

The 6-Hour Ruck uses the same ~3-mile loop as the 12-hour run, with the same terrain and topography.

What is the directional twist in the 6-Hour Ruck?

Like the 12-hour event, ruckers must reverse course every 3 hours.

What lighting is recommended for the 6-Hour Ruck?

While the event ends at 4:00 PM, a light source is highly encouraged due to potential early winter dusk or forest canopy shade.

What is the scoring system for the 6-Hour Ruck?

The scoring formula is Score = Weight Carried (lbs) × Distance Completed (miles). This unit of measure is called a "Kz" (Koz).

What are the weigh-in procedures for the 6-Hour Ruck?

Packs are weighed before the start, upon finishing each lap, and before departing for the next lap. The official weight for a lap is the lesser of the two weigh-ins (start of lap vs. end of lap), accounting for weight loss from consumed water and food.

What is the strategy for the 6-Hour Ruck?

Participants can adjust their weight between laps to maximize their total Kz score. They may add, subtract, or keep the weight unchanged.

What is the "tap out" rule for the 6-Hour Ruck?

Competitors may stop at any time by reporting to staff, and this decision is irreversible.

What awards are given for the 6-Hour Ruck?

Finisher awards list the total Kz achieved. Overall awards for 1st and 2nd Male and Female are based on total Kz.

What facilities are available at the event?

There is a central aid station at the start/finish line stocked with Tailwind, LMNT, and water. No on-course aid stations are available, so runners must carry their own nutrition or stash items at the start line. Camping is available on-site for participants. An indoor pavilion is used for check-in and check-out, and a firepit is active throughout the events for spectators and participants.

What is the registration cost for the 12-Hour Trail Race?

The registration cost is $100.00, with additional fees and taxes bringing the total to approximately $110.00.

What is the registration cost for the 6-Hour Ruck?

The registration cost is $100.00, with additional fees and taxes bringing the total to approximately $110.00.

What is the event schedule?

The 12-Hour Trail Race runs from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and the 6-Hour Ruck runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on the same day.

What is included in the registration?

Registration includes access to the course, aid station, and event facilities. It does not include on-course nutrition, which participants must carry themselves.

What is the expected weather for the event date?

Reidsville experiences cold and variable conditions in February, with average temperatures between 35°F and 45°F and the potential for light precipitation. Runners should prepare for cold weather and possible rain.