Quest for the Crest returns on May 16–17, 2026, offering extremely technical trail races through the rugged Black Mountains in western North Carolina. The flagship 50K features approximately 12,000 ft (3,657 m) of elevation gain over three major climbs—including the first climb alone gaining 3,300 ft in 2.5 miles—and finishes atop Mount Mitchell at 6,400 ft. The 25K, running the latter half of the 50K course, climbs around 4,500 ft, while the new 11K hill climb gains 3,300 ft straight to the summit. Runners tackle rocky, rooty trails, steep rope-assisted sections, and shifting alpine weather. The race is known as one of the hardest ultra events in North America and attracts experienced trail athletes. Cutoffs are strict (15-hour for the 50K), and participants must be self-reliant—with no pacers or crew access allowed. The event includes free shuttle to the start, finisher medals (50K), pint glass and beanie for all, live race tracking, and epic mountain views rewarded with equal parts awe and effort.
Races
50 km
25 km
11 km
Race Date:
16 May, 2026
The 50 km race is threaded over the rugged Black Mountain Crest Trail, summiting Mt. Mitchell and featuring a staggering ~12,000 ft (~3,658 m) of elevation gain, with technical trails that require ropes and scrambling on all fours. Organized by Run Bum Tours, it takes place on Saturday, 16 May 2026, in Burnsville, NC.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the Quest for the Crest 50K?
How long is the Quest for the Crest 50K?
Where does the Quest for the Crest 50K take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Quest for the Crest 50K?
How can I prepare for the Quest for the Crest 50K?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Quest for the Crest 50K?
The 50 km race is threaded over the rugged Black Mountain Crest Trail, summiting Mt. Mitchell and featuring a staggering ~12,000 ft (~3,658 m) of elevation gain, with technical trails that require ropes and scrambling on all fours. Organized by Run Bum Tours, it takes place on Saturday, 16 May 2026, in Burnsville, NC.
The Quest for the Crest 50K is 50km long.
The Quest for the Crest 50K takes place in Burnsville, NC, USA.
The Quest for the Crest 50K elevation gain is 3658 metres, which Runna classifies as a Hilly race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Quest for the Crest 50K?
The 50 km race is threaded over the rugged Black Mountain Crest Trail, summiting Mt. Mitchell and featuring a staggering ~12,000 ft (~3,658 m) of elevation gain, with technical trails that require ropes and scrambling on all fours. Organized by Run Bum Tours, it takes place on Saturday, 16 May 2026, in Burnsville, NC.
How long is the Quest for the Crest 50K?
The Quest for the Crest 50K is 50km long.
Where does the Quest for the Crest 50K take place?
The Quest for the Crest 50K takes place in Burnsville, NC, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Quest for the Crest 50K?
The Quest for the Crest 50K elevation gain is 3658 metres, which Runna classifies as a Hilly race.
How can I prepare for the Quest for the Crest 50K?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Quest for the Crest 50K?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
More
Sport:
Running
Tags:
Nature
This event listing is for informational purposes only. Runna is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Quest for the Crest 2026 or Run Bum Tours. All event details are based on publicly available information and are provided solely to help users discover running events. Runna does not use any official logos, images, or proprietary content from this event or its organiser. Any trademarks or names mentioned are used descriptively to identify the event in a factual manner. For the most accurate and up to date information (including to register or purchase an entry to the event), please visit the Quest for the Crest 2026 website.
