The Black Mountain Monster roars back for 15th year
Annual six-, 12- and 24-hour endurance race returns to In-the-Oaks
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
May 30, 2023
The Black Mountain Monster 6, 12 & 24 Hour Ultramarathon will return to the In-the-Oaks estate, June 3 and 4, for its 13th year. Photo by Fred McCormick
Most weekends, the Black Mountain campus of Montreat College, also known as the In-the-Oaks estate, is a mostly quiet patch of babbling creeks, winding trails and shadowy forests. Each spring, however, hundreds of runners find themselves racing a menacing foe.
The annual tradition, known to dedicated trail runners as the Black Mountain Monster 6, 12 & 24 Hour Ultramarathon, will return for its 13th year, from 10 a.m., Saturday, June 3, to 10 a.m., Sunday, June 4.
The distance race traverses a dynamic and challenging 3.25-mile course, which begins in the parking lot of Montreat’s Pulliam Stadium and takes runners over varying terrains, past historic landmarks and through a diverse landscape. Hosted by Relentless Running Events, the 2023 Black Mountain Monster will feature 215 participants who will begin early check-in at Mountain Running Co., from 3 - 6 p.m., Friday, June 2, before setting up campsites near the starting and finish line of the race.
Runners participating in the Black Mountain Monster will follow a course that takes them along railroad tracks, through pine forests and over creeks, as they compete in six, 12 and 24 races. Photo by Fred McCormick
A festive environment fills “Tent City,” which features live music and cheering supporters, while an aid station in the middle of the loop offers water, sports energy drinks, soda, coffee and snacks, ranging from peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to pickles, at all times. Organizers will offer runners cheese quesadillas, pierogis, pizza and more for meals.
All races begin at 10 a.m., June 3, as runners are ranked by completed laps within the six-, 12- or 24-hour race in which they are competing. The top three male and female finishers in each race will receive a wooden bear made by local wood carver and race Black Mountain Monster veteran Sam Moore. Runners who complete 100 miles will earn belt buckles commemorating the achievement.
Awards will be presented at the conclusion of each race.
More than 200 runners will descend upon the Black Mountain campus of Montreat College, June 3 and 4, as Relentless Running Events hosts the 15th Annual Black Mountain Monster 6, 12 & 24 Hour Ultramarathon. Photo by Fred McCormick
Eighty-two dedicated trail runners will take on the 24-hour race this year, including four Black Mountain residents and single entry from Swannanoa. Dozens of local runners, including Black Mountain Town Councilmember Doug Hay, will compete in one of the three races, which will host entrants from as far away as California.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the Montreat College Cross Country Summer Youth Program.
The registration period for the Black Mountain Monster is closed, but organizers are currently seeking volunteers for race day. Anyone interested in assisting can sign up at ultrasignup.com.