Wilson Creek Half Marathon (fka The Scream!)
Lenoir, NC
- Half Marathon
- Road (Paved), Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
The Scream Half Marathon is now the Wilson Creek Half Marathon, honoring the river that spans the entire course. What hasn’t changed is the same incredible scenery, post-race experience, and expert management. We will keep the same course we unveiled in 2022 to great reviews by both our runners and … MORE
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
small town race
Small race in a small town. Race was capped at 350 runners and the day of the race had 140 runners. The course takes place at Brown Mountain beach resort … MORE
Small race in a small town. Race was capped at 350 runners and the day of the race had 140 runners. The course takes place at Brown Mountain beach resort which features lovely mountain views, running along the river, and lots of forest. Very limited cell and internet service.
The course is out and back on packed gravel/ dirt road. The course was an active road and not closed for the race. Some cars were careful and others were not.
Course had water stops along the course and the finish line had a BBQ lunch and beer from the catawbe brewery. Swag is minimal: Medal is the only thing included with registration. Race tee available for an additional cost.
With the race location being more rural there’s limits on stay options. For lodging I recommend staying at Brown mountain resort’s yurts or in near by Morganton which is 20 minute drive away.
Beautiful mountain run
This was a new route for Scream but since it was my first time, I had nothing to compare it to. It was an out and back along Wilson Creek … MORE
This was a new route for Scream but since it was my first time, I had nothing to compare it to.
It was an out and back along Wilson Creek (I think) and is so beautiful. It is along a dirt/gravel road so be sure to prepare.
It was a hard day for me for a couple of reasons… 1. Not properly training the past month or so. 2. I had some serious tummy issues and the restrooms were few and far between.
The hills were not bad at all but I try to train on hills as much as possible (very few in Louisiana).
I was sad they only offered a shirt at an extra cost… with a registration fee of $89, paying for a shirt was a bit much.
Race officials were constantly monitoring the route but there was a little traffic along the road so be aware of your surroundings.
Challenge in the Mountains.
This was an incredible experience and I am glad that I participated in this running event. I was not quite prepared for what was ahead of me which in retrospect … MORE
This was an incredible experience and I am glad that I participated in this running event.
I was not quite prepared for what was ahead of me which in retrospect is probably a good thing. The route went from Jonas Ridge down to the ghost town of Mortimer, NC. While the altitude somewhat bothered me at the top of the mountain, eventually things got better as I was descending. The route was gorgeous with forest and rocks and mountains all around. There were lengthy sections when I was all alone on the steep downhill path and it felt great. I had this exhilarating sensation of flying as I was sprinting as fast as I could down the mountain. The path itself was bumpy, sometimes it was dirt, sometimes gravel and there were rocks and roots sticking out, so you really had to pay close attention in order not to go flying too high and colliding with the path. Unfortunately good things tend not to last and this joyful downhill flight turned into an uphill battle and a steep one at that. It went on and on in the second part of the course and to make things even more challenging it got hot and muggy. I struggled through that part right to the finish line. The organizers did a great job though. They bused us to Jonas Ridge where the start line was and then from Mortimer back to the campsite at the Brown Mountain Beach Resort for the after race party. There were aid stations on the course with friendly volunteers and we all got water at the finish. I am also grateful for the nice lunch at the campsite. Normally at a lot of running events you have pepperoni pizza and beer. That does not cut it for me because I’m vegetarian and a teetotaler. They had vegetarian burritos, tomatoes, chips, watermelons and delicious cookies, and yes beer too for those who drink. There were no long wait lines for the buses, nor for the food. It was all in all a very well organized event. That being said, this race is definitely not for everyone because of the difficult terrain. Lots of people struggled and quite a few did not finish. I loved the beautiful nature all around us and I am happy to have been part of this, but I will probably not be signing up for next year’s edition.
Tougher than it sounds!
Race is advertised as "all down hill." Should be first half is downhill, second half is steadily uphill. Beautiful run on dirt roads through the dense forest of Pisgah National … MORE
Race is advertised as “all down hill.” Should be first half is downhill, second half is steadily uphill. Beautiful run on dirt roads through the dense forest of Pisgah National forest. Support along the course is light but adequate. Runners are bused to the start at Jonas Ridge, and then bused from the finish at Mortimer. Pre-race meet and post race party at Brown Mountain Beach Resort. Not a race for beginners or walkers. Many experienced runners struggled with this run, especially because it got quite warm. Must be sure-footed. Any misstep could send you screaming down the steep dropoffs along the dirt road, or crashing on the many rocks in the road. There were no emergency vehicles visible along the route, and with no cellphone signal, if you got into trouble, it might be a while before help arrived. There were aid stations every 2 to 3 miles, with water and Gatorade, with some snacks available at later stations. Water and bananas were available at the finish. There was a little store where we could buy sodas and candy bars etc. The post race lunch was very nice with chicken or bean burritos, chips and salsa, watermelon, and assorted drinks. One ice cold beer was provided. All in all a nice, well organized event, but for me, once is enough.
Meltdown at mile 12
Running downhill is a challenge unto itself. Your adventure in going downstairs for the next couple of days afterwards will be a treat. I did not appreciate the point to … MORE
Running downhill is a challenge unto itself. Your adventure in going downstairs for the next couple of days afterwards will be a treat.
I did not appreciate the point to point aspect of the route but that cannot be helped.
The support staff (bus drivers, check bags, management) were top notch and friendly.
This is a race you want to run to say you have done it because it is unique but due to its location and some of the constraints I doubt I would return.