🌲 Discover the thrill of trail running amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Dark Horse Trail Marathon and Half Marathon, hosted at the prestigious Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina. Set against a backdrop of rolling hills and lush forests, this event offers both seasoned and novice trail runners an unforgettable experience. Traverse scenic paths that wind through the very grounds known for hosting the world's largest and most magnificent horse shows, creating a unique blend of athleticism and natural splendor.

🏃‍♂️🌳 Whether you're tackling the challenge of the full marathon or opting for the half marathon, each step brings you closer to discovering the serene beauty of Tryon Equestrian Park. Picture yourself racing through wooded trails, crossing babbling brooks, and encountering stunning vistas that epitomize the charm of North Carolina's countryside. The Dark Horse Trail races aren't just about competition—they're about forging a connection with nature and experiencing the thrill of running in a world-class setting.

🐎 After conquering the trails, immerse yourself in the post-race festivities at Tryon International Equestrian Center. Celebrate your achievements alongside fellow runners and equestrian enthusiasts, enjoying local food, live music, and the vibrant atmosphere of this renowned venue. Whether you're drawn to the challenge of the marathon or the camaraderie of the half marathon, the Dark Horse Trail races offer an unparalleled blend of athleticism, natural beauty, and community spirit. Lace up your shoes, embrace the adventure, and join us for a race day experience unlike any other!

Introducing our annual Dark Horse Ultra we are excited to bring runners to the amazing facilities that spread out over 200 acres of roaming land, trails, and equestrian activities. Escape your day-to-day life and enjoy a romantic getaway in South Carolina’s beautiful Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Indulge your senses with the natural beauty our lands have to offer while the normal hustle and bustle of your life fades away.

Tryon, North Carolina is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which provides a beautiful and diverse natural setting. The area features rolling hills, forests, and scenic views of the surrounding landscape, which are popular for outdoor recreation. The town is known for its well-developed trail system, which offers a variety of hiking, biking, and horseback riding opportunities. The trails range from easy walks to more challenging hikes, and they provide access to scenic vistas, waterfalls, and other natural wonders.

Tryon Equestrian Center is a premier equestrian facility located in Tryon, North Carolina. It is a world-class venue that features state-of-the-art facilities for equestrian events, including multiple indoor and outdoor arenas, stabling for horses, and a cross-country course. The center is well-known for hosting a variety of equestrian competitions and horse jumping. In addition to competition facilities, Tryon Equestrian Center also offers training and educational opportunities for riders and horses, as well as a range of amenities for competitors and spectators, such as dining and shopping options. The center is a destination for equestrian enthusiasts and competitors from around the world.

Event Details

• When: All Races Start at 8am

• Where: Tryon Equestrian Center

• Address: 25 International Blvd, Mill Spring, NC 28756 

• Parking: When you enter the Equestrian Center stay to the left to enter the main gate. Let them know that you are here for the race and follow the driveway to the left which will lead you to participant parking adjacent to the start/finish line next to the General Store.

• Packet Pickup will be held at the Start/Finish Line starting 1 hour prior to you event (address listed above)

• Amenities include: Breakfast Diner - Coffee Shop - Convenient Store - Bars/Restaurants - Indoor Bathrooms 

• Event Shirts - Our local apparel vendor (Graphic Cow) will be processing all shirt orders. Please follow the link below to pre-order a shirt from the list of races. All race specific shirts will be mailed directly to your home address after the event to commemorate your race experience! The store link will be open until the Monday after each race.

  • SHIRT ORDER FORM HERE

Click for Strava - Course Map

The course consists of a 6.5 Mile loop that rolls through the equestrian center and has a combination of wide packed dirt paths, single track trails, and grassy meadows! The course is very scenic and is constantly changing. The course has 600 feet of elevation gain per loop. 

Aid Station

There is one aid station at the start and finish line. Items may include: pickles, cookies, chips, Little Debbie snacks, assorted candy, chicken/veggie broth, fig newtons, & pretzels. Liquids will include water, Tailwind Nutrition, coke, and ginger ale. If you would like to donate an aid station supply of something that we do not offer or that is homemade feel free! There is also a water spigot at the half way point at the barn where you can fill up fluids. Cup-less Event: Please provide your own hydration vessel for use at our aid stations 

Staging Area - Camping and Personal Aid Station

Camping is available for participants and crew members during registration. No water or power, but plenty of space to spread out along the course and right next to the course! Drop Bags can be placed at the start/finish line area.  Please label your drop bag with your name and BIB number. This ensures that your drop bag is at the finish line ready for you as soon as you finish.