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Dark Horse Marathon
Dark Horse Half Marathon
Dark Horse 10k
The Dark Horse Race Series
Marathon - Half Marathon - 10k
Tryon Equestrian Center
"To Make an Impact...Risk Being a Dark Horse"
Included in Registration
Saddle up for the Dark Horse Trail Series at the Tryon Equestrian Center, where trail running meets big-league venue vibes. You’re not just racing through the woods, you’re getting a behind-the-scenes tour of the equestrian center, stables, and stadium, soaking in that “wait… we get to run here?!” energy from start to finish. 🐴✨
Included with registration, your entry into the park is covered, so you can roll straight in and focus on the miles. You’ll hit the line with a custom race bib, and we’ll be tracking every step with chip timing, splits, and live results, because every section of trail deserves its own little moment of glory. 🎟️📋⏱️💻
Cross the finish and you’ll earn a finisher medal, grab a custom race tattoo to wear your effort loud, and scoop up event-themed giveaways plus a race sticker for your bottle, cooler, or gear bin. We’ll also have a Wildly Charged hydration sample to keep your engine running strong. 🏅🖋️🎁🏷️💧⚡
And once the work is done, the fun keeps going with complimentary race photos to capture the grit, plus music and a post-race hangout where the stories get taller, the laughs get louder, and the “I’m definitely doing this again” starts happening before your legs even cool down. 📸🎶🍻
Volunteer with Us!
🙋🏻♂️🙋🏻♀️ Help with a 3-hour shift (packet pickup, setup, cleanup, or cheer squad) and earn a FREE entry to any Upstate Race Series-owned event. Sign up via the volunteer tab on any race page. We manage 25 events annually, so check which ones are URS-owned before selecting your future race!
🐎 Gallop Through the Trails at the Dark Horse Trail Race! 🌲
Giddy up, runners! The Dark Horse Trail Marathon & Half Marathon at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in beautiful Tryon, North Carolina is the perfect opportunity for you to feel the wind in your hair as you race through stunning trails set against the backdrop of rolling hills and lush forests 🏞️. Whether you're a seasoned trail runner or a newcomer, this race promises an unforgettable adventure through a unique blend of athleticism and the natural beauty that only the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains can offer 🌳.
Imagine galloping through wide dirt paths, winding your way through single-track trails, and trotting across grassy meadows 🌾. Along the way, you'll take in breathtaking views, and if you're lucky, you might spot a fellow horse galloping by as you run through the very grounds that host the world's grandest equestrian events 🏇. This is the place where nature and sport collide, creating a race day experience like no other. Whether you're chasing that marathon glory or just here for the half marathon fun, each step brings you closer to the heart of this magical, four-legged world.
After crossing the finish line, enjoy the post-race festivities alongside your fellow runners and equestrian fans 🎉. The Tryon International Equestrian Center is always buzzing with energy, and you can celebrate your victory with food 🍔, drinks 🍻, and live music 🎶 while taking in the beautiful atmosphere of this renowned venue. It’s not just about the race—it’s about connecting with the land, nature, and the incredible spirit of adventure 🐾.
Event Details
When: All Races Start at 8:00 AM ⏰
Where: Tryon Equestrian Center
Address: 25 International Blvd, Mill Spring, NC 28756 📍
Packet Pickup: Will be held at the Start/Finish Line starting 1 hour before your event 🏁.
Course Cutoff: For the marathon: Runners have 6 hours to complete but must start last lap before 5 hours
Parking: When you enter the Equestrian Center, stay to the left to enter the main gate 🏇. Let them know you're here for the race, and follow the driveway to the left, which will lead you to participant parking, right by the start/finish line next to the General Store 🚗
Amenities located within eye sight of the start/finish line
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Breakfast Diner 🍳
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Coffee Shop ☕
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Convenient Store 🛒
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Bars/Restaurants 🍽️
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Indoor Bathrooms 🚻
Course Map: Strava Course Map - HERE🗺️
The course consists of a 6.5-mile loop that meanders through the equestrian center with a mixture of wide packed dirt paths, single-track trails, and meadows 🐴. The course has 600 feet of elevation gain per loop, offering you a steady challenge as you gallop through this beautiful terrain 🏞️.
Aid Station
There is one aid station at the start and finish line 🏁.
You'll find pickles 🥒, cookies 🍪, chips 🥨, fig newtons, and pretzels 🥨.
Hydration will include water 💧, coke 🥤, and ginger ale 🥤.
Cup-less Event: Please bring your own hydration vessel for use at the aid station 🏅.
Feel free to donate any homemade snacks or supplies you'd like to see at the aid station 🍪.
Staging Area - Camping & Personal Aid Stations
We offer camping for participants and their crews during registration ⛺. There’s no water or power, but you'll have plenty of space to spread out next to the course and enjoy the serenity of nature 🌲. Drop bags can be placed at the start/finish line area 👜. Please label your drop bag with your name and bib number to ensure it’s waiting for you at the finish line when you’re done 🏁.
Don’t miss the chance to trot, gallop, and race through the scenic beauty of the Tryon Equestrian Center. This is your opportunity to experience the thrill of the Dark Horse Trail Race! 🏇🐴🌿
🏆 Race Awards & Age Group Trail Series
🎖️ Top 3 Overall (Male & Female)
The fastest three finishers will each receive a trophy to honor their achievement at the front of the pack!
🥇 Age Group Awards (Male & Female)
The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in each age group will earn an Age Group Series Medal 🏅—a custom piece to add to your finisher’s lanyard at the end of the event.
🌲 Upstate Trail Series Recognition
Our Age Group Trail Series highlights consistency and performance across the season!🏆 The Top 3 Male & Female in each age group will be recognized for total points earned throughout the series at our annual awards ceremony.
Age Group Categories:
- 👶 0–9
- 🧒 10–12
- 🧑🎓 13–16
- 🎓 17–19
- 🧑 20–29
- 👱 30–34
- 🧔 35–39
- 🧑🦰 40–44
- 🧓 45–49
- 👴 50–54
- 👵 55–59
- 🦳 60–64
- 🧙 65–69
- 🧝 70–79
- 🦄 80+
Any questions? Contact us today!
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Tryon Equestrian Center
Tryon Equestrian Center
25 International Blvd
Mill Spring, NC 28756 US
View Location on Map
