Mountain Masochist Trail Run

The Blue Ridge Mountains are a physiographic province of the larger Appalachian Mountains range. This province consists of northern and southern physiographic regions, which divide near the Roanoke River gap. The mountain range is located in the eastern United States, starting at its southernmost portion in Georgia, then ending northward in Pennsylvania. To the west of the Blue Ridge, between it and the bulk of the Appalachians, lies the Great Appalachian Valley, bordered on the west by the Ridge and Valley province of the Appalachian range.The Blue Ridge Mountains are noted for having a bluish color when seen from a distance. Trees put the "blue" in Blue Ridge, from the isoprene released into the atmosphere, thereby contributing to the characteristic haze on the mountains and their distinctive color. Within the Blue Ridge province are two major national parks: the Shenandoah National Park, in the northern section, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in the southern section. The Blue Ridge also contains the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile (755 km) long scenic highway that connects the two parks and is located along the ridge crestlines with the Appalachian Trail.Started in 1983, the MMTR has earned its reputation for being one of the “best trail races in the east”. The Mountain Masochist Trail Run (MMTR50) is a 50-mile (80 km) ultramarathon that winds its way through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Runners cover a short out-n-back section on the Blue Ridge Parkway before completing a few short miles of road. The course then meanders northward over various dirt and gravel roads in the National Forest before runners have to negotiate the second half of the course. Leaving Long Mountain aid station, the second half includes dirt & old logging roads as well as several miles of beautiful single track trail. Many say the race is just beginning when you leave Long Mtn. Upon reaching the last aid station at Porters Ridge, runners course downhill for 2.9 miles toward the finish in Montebello. The entire MMTR course traverses some of the most beautiful areas in the Blue Ridge right around peak fall foliage.

The MMTR is a point-to-point race. Starting at Blue Ridge Parkway KOA Campground and Finishing at Montebello Camping & Fishing Resort. Runners loop the camp lake and cover a short road section (approx. 1.5 miles) before entering National Forest land. The course then meanders northward over various dirt and gravel roads in the National Forest before runners have to negotiate the second half of the course. Leaving Long Mountain aid station, the second half includes dirt & old logging roads as well as several miles of beautiful single track trail. Many say the race is just beginning when you leave Long Mtn. Upon reaching the last aid station at Porters Ridge, runners course downhill for 2.9 miles toward the finish in Montebello. The entire MMTR course traverses some of the most beautiful areas in the Blue Ridge right around peak fall foliage.

Blue Ridge Mountains Shenandoah National Park

If you ride the bus, drop bags will be available at Long Mountain aid station (mile 26.49) and at the finish line. Runners are responsible for reclaiming their own drop bag(s) during and/or after the event.

Fourteen (14) fully-stocked aid stations are at 1 to 7 mile intervals throughout the race.

There will be a post-race awards dinner at the Kirkley Hotel (same place as the pre-race meal) beginning at 7:00 PM & awards beginning at approx. 8pm. This will be a very nice full-course catered meal and is discounted to RUNNERS ONLY for $10.00 (a meal ticket will be attached to your number). The cost of this meal for non-entrants is $15.00 per person in advance; NO TICKETS sold at the door (Kids meal prices: Age 5 & under FREE; Ages 6-12, $7.50).

The Kirkley Hotel is the official ‘host hotel’ of the MMTR and is holding a special room block for MMTR entrants.

All sub-12 hour finishers will receive a special finisher’s award. The overall male and female winners will receive the Mountain Masochist Trophy. The top 10 male and female finishers will receive special awards. Also, special awards will be presented to the first place male and female masters (40-49), grand masters (50-59) and male super masters (60 and over), Fastest Fat Boy and Best Blood.

12 hrs

Because this is a point to point race, bus transportation is provided for the runners from Lynchburg to the start and back to Lynchburg for the awards dinner. The buses will also meet you at Long Mtn. Aid Station (#8, 26.49 miles) and at the finish (Montebello).

At the Kirkley Hotel, on Friday night from 6:00-7:30 PM, a Full-course Pasta Buffet will be served. This will be a great pre-race meal discounted to RUNNERS ONLY for $5.00 (a meal ticket will be attached to your number). The cost of this meal for non-entrants is $9.00 per person in advance; NO TICKETS sold at the door (Kids meal prices: Age 5 & under FREE; Ages 6-12, $5.00).