Blue Ridge Relay

This page is current for BRRuck 2026!

Bear Safety

The Black Bear may be seen / encountered in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains.  Although infrequent sightings occur, it's not uncommon for 1-2 sightings during the Blue Ridge Relay, ranging from the Start in Grayson Highlands State Park, VA to the Finish in Asheville, NC.  According to the National Park Service, most bears will avoid humans if they hear them coming.  With the increased van and runner traffic on the roads, and volume of BRR runners on the Mountains to Sea Trail (MST), bear sightings may remain infrequent.  However, it's best to be prepared.  Please review Staying Safe Around Bears provided by the National Park Service.

Alerts:

1. GPS: Please use our maps and written directions - do not rely on GPS.  GPS may be incorrect in our mountains.  It is very useful to print the individual leg directions/cue sheets and laminate them for each leg.

2. Course Signage: The course will not be signed for BRRuck.  Teams must self-navigate.  The course may be signed over the final 6-12 Legs.

3. BRRuck will primarily follow the BRRun course.  However, because BRRuck will start a day early, BRRuck may have some subtle differences in Leg directions and Exchange Zones.

Leg-by-Leg Description (2026)

To view a printable leg-by-leg description, including map, elevation, and cue sheet, please click the links below:

LEGS 1-36

EXCHANGE ZONE MAPS

Cue Sheet (2026 Permitted EZ Times are listed on Cue Sheet.)

To view a printable turn-by-turn cue sheet for the full course (3 pages), please CLICK HERE. (pdf)

Map Links (2026)

When viewing the interactive maps (the full course and individual legs from the table below), you can highlight a section of the course to view a more detailed elevation chart of that section.  To view a more detailed section:

1. Move your cursor along the x-axis (mileage) of the elevation graph.  Mileage, elevation, and % grade will be displayed.

2. Click and hold a beginning point on the elevation graph.  Drag your cursor and highlight the segment/distance that you wish to view in greater detail.  When you release your mouse, the highlighted segment will be displayed.

3. To return to the full graph, single click "De-Select".

Full Course (NOT accurate for Ruck.)

To view an interactive map of the full course CLICK HERE.  This map is for a full course overview only and should not be used by the runners to navigate the course.  For leg details, please reference the other information on this Map Page.

Leg Maps (2026)

To view an interactive map of a specific leg, click on the leg below and you will be taken to ridewithgps.com.  These interactive maps are fantastic for runners to look at landmarks, road intersections, elevation changes, etc...  DO NOT use the cue sheets that are associated with these maps.  USE the "printable turn-by-turn cue sheet" that is available at the top of this page.

Leg Summary Chart: (2026)

To view a pdf of the Leg Summary Chart CLICK HERE. (pdf)