Rock the Quarry returns with free registration

Annual trail run announces new concept

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
October 31, 2022

Rock the Quarry, and annual trail run that raises money for the Asheville Museum of Science and the Black Mountain Home for Children, is returning to Grove Stone & Sand Co. for its 14th year, Nov. 5, with a new concept. Registration for the event is free. Photo courtesy of Grove Stone

An annual trail run that takes participants through an active quarry is returning with a new concept in its 14th year.

The Rock the Quarry Trail Experience and Kids Fun Run, which raises money for two nonprofit organizations, will get underway in Grove Stone & Sand Co. beginning at 9 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 5. The event is free to the public.

Formerly a challenging 5K, Rock the Quarry is unveiling a new trail experience that will include a one-and-a-half-mile untimed run or walk and a rolling start from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Competitive runners are encouraged to arrive at the start line at 9:30 a.m. for a group start, while those who choose to walk or simply experience the trail can begin any time before 10:30 a.m. The Kids Fun Run will get underway at 9 a.m. Entry to the event is located at Grove Stone’s back gate, off Lake Eden Road.

The new course travels mostly downhill, with participants exiting the quarry and winding down the mountain through the wooded property on a single-track trail. Rock the Quarry shirts are available for purchase on Bonfire.com.

The Rock the Quarry Trail Experience & Kids Fun Run is returning to Grove Stand & Sand Co. in Black Mountain for its 14th year, on Nov. 5. Photo courtesy of Grove Stone

Funds raised by Rock the Quarry, which is sponsored by dozens of businesses, will support the Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) and the Black Mountain Home for Children, the longtime neighbor of locally owned and operated Grove Stone.

The event has collected more than $400,000 for the two nonprofit organizations since 2013.

While there is no cost to participate, runners and walkers can register at raceroster.com.