Rocky Branch Trail Race (fka Rivermen Ultra)
Belmont, NC
- 50K, 50K Relay, 25K, 10K, 5K
- Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
The only ultra in Belmont, NC Welcome to the most fun-filled ultra trail race in the heart of Belmont, NC. Fun awaits you with this Carolina Thread Trail as well as the challenges of rolling mountain bike trails. Twists, turns, and switchbacks galore!! The elevation for this race is around … MORE
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Small, local gem
Gosh, I love a random little indy ultra! I added this race to my calendar as a training run. Emailed the RD the week of the race (and after he … MORE
Gosh, I love a random little indy ultra!
I added this race to my calendar as a training run. Emailed the RD the week of the race (and after he vetted me a bit on ultrasignup), he let me in!
Course: The 50k runs 10 x 5k loops on some mountain biking trails in Belmont, NC. The trail system is really well maintained, and the course is mostly runnable. My one complaint is that running 10 x over some flow trails with humps and jumps and burms is a little annoying. but I get it, IMBA built the trails for mountain bikes. Because it’s only a 5k loop – the only aid station is at the start/finish, which is adequate. I liked the loops because you’re never along on the trails, even if it got a little redundant.
Verdict: This is a great little race, good vibe, friendly, I think a great training run if you’re going for a fall longer race (Which I was). I would add this in again.
SWAG: runners got a knit cap, a medal, and included race photos (which is a nice perk).
Vibe: The RD makes this really fun. He’s got a ridiculous amount of energy, and I love it. I think this is one of his ‘easiest’ runs on his calendar – and he has much more technical ultras that he directs.