Welcome to the fifth running of the Geyser Growl Half Marathon, Presented by Hillman Beer. This fun and scenic race during peak leaf season will take runners from the bucolic Town of Black Mountain to the revitalized Town of Old Fort, passing the historic Andrews Geyser along the way. We will finish at Hillman Beer Old Fort with hot soup and cold beer. This race has grown rapidly, fast becoming one of the most popular fall half marathons in the region. Come join us!
Race Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026 – 8:00 AM
Registration
Registration for the 2026 race will open on Thursday, January 1 and will close on Thursday, October 15 at 9:00 PM or whenever it sells out.
Race Capacity:
The race is limited to 500 participants
Race Information
January 1-March 31, 2026 – $70
April 1-August 31 – $80
September 1 – Race Day – $90
Note: The entry fees shown here do not include service charges and taxes added by the registration platform. Those fees will be visible during the online registration process.
Event Schedule
Friday, October 16
4:00-6:00 PM – Packet Pickup/Late Registration – TBD
Saturday, October 17
6:00-7:30 AM – Packet Pickup/Late Registration – Lake Tomahawk Park Pavilion (401 Laurel Circle Drive, Black Mountain)
6:30 AM – Shuttle leaves from Old Fort (must have purchased a spot)
8:00 AM – Half Marathon Start – Lake Tomahawk
10:30 AM – First shuttle leaves for Black Mountain (must have purchased a spot)
10:30 AM – Awards Ceremony (Approximate time)
11:30 AM – Final shuttle leaves for Black Mountain (must have purchased a spot)
After departing beautiful Lake Tomahawk Park, the first 2 miles of the course takes runners around Black Mountain before heading up Old US 70 to the crest at the Ridgecrest Conference Center. From there it is downhill on a combination of dirt and paved road, pass the Andrews Geyser, before heading into Old Fort where the race will finish at Hillman Beer’s Old Fort location.
There are six aid stations on the course, located approximately every two miles. Supplies are as follows:
Station 1 – Water only
Station 2 – Water and Gatorade
Station 3 – Water only
Station 4 – Water, Gatorade, Cookies
Station 5 – Water, Gatorade, Cookies
Station 6 – Water, Gatorade
This course is USATF Certified (Certification No. NC22020BDS). Click HERE to see the course map and turn-by-turn directions.
Time Limit
All half marathon runners have 3:30 hours to complete the course in order to be provided full police protection and aid station support. Those still on the course at this time will be asked to stay to sidewalks and follow traffic rules. Race officials will stay with all runners on the course to make sure they arrive to the finish line safely.
Swag
All runners registered by October 7 are guaranteed to receive the official race shirt. After October 7, shirts will be provided as available.
Shuttles
Please see below in Parking for information on ticketed shuttle buses to Black Mountain and from Old Fort. You must purchase a ticket to ride either of the shuttles. This can be done during registration or prior to the race (based on availability).
Bag Drop
We will offer a bag drop near the start line (look for Bag Drop flag near the Penske truck) where you can leave a small bag with your bag drop bib stub attached. We will have it for you beyond the finish line once you reach Old Fort.
Photos
Race Photos, Courtesy of Paul King
After your race you will have access to snacks, water, Gatorade and – back by popular demand – hot soup. In addition, all runners over 21 will be able to exchange the ticket on their bib for one Hillman beer .
The parking lot at Hillman will be roped off to allow both runners to gather and cars to park for both Hillman and other businesses. Please stay on the finish line side at all times.
Each finisher will receive a commemorative finisher medal.
Special awards will be presented to the top three male and female finishers for
Overall finishers and the top three male and female Masters (40 & Over).
Age group awards will go to the first, second and third male and female in the following age groups: 19 & Under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-6 and 70 & Over. No double dipping!
The award ceremony will begin at approximately 10:30 AM near the finish line.
The race will utilize chip timing. A timing chip will be on the back of your race bib, which should be worn on your front and visible at all times during the race.
We love dogs but we don’t feel that running 13.1 miles with one is a good idea. For that reason, dogs are not permitted at this race unless the owner can provide a letter from their veterinarian stating the dog is able to run this distance under the prevailing conditions.
Runners have two options for parking for this race: (1) Park in Black Mountain in one of our designated spots and get a ride back after the race or (2) Park in Old Fort near the finish area and get a ride to the start line.
To assist you with these rides we will be offering shuttle rides to the start and from the finish line for $15 each way. You may purchase a shuttle ticket during registration and will be asked if you want to ride the shuttle pre-race or post-race.
If you did not purchase a shuttle ride when you registered, you can add it up until they are sold out. To do this, to to this link: https://raceroster.com/store/99111/listing
Pre-Race Shuttle from Old Fort to Start Line – Departs at 6:30 AM
Post-Race Shuttle from Old Fort to parking areas – Departs at 10:30 and 11:30 AM
We have 2 buses reserved for 2024, which means 88 slots are available for both directions.
Black Mountain Designated Parking Areas
Lake Tomahawk
St. Jame’s Episcopal Church (424 West State Street)
Old Fort Parking Area
Designated parking lots on Commerce Street, behind the Visitor’s Center on Water Street, and at the old mill between Water Street and South Railroad Street.
Glory Hound Events has a NO REFUND/NO DEFERRAL policy for this event.
Transfers
You may transfer your registration to another person. There will be a $2 processing fee per transfer.
To transfer your registration to another person please log into Race Roster and select Transfer where prompted. All transfers must be completed by Thursday, October 16 at 9:00 PM.
This is the only way transfers or the selling of bibs between participants will be allowed. Anyone who is discovered to have purchased or accepted another person’s bib without submitting this form will be disqualified and banned from future races.
Our course volunteers come from two groups in our area: The Black Mountain Greenway & Trails Committee for the Buncombe County side of the race and the McDowell County High School Track and Cross Country teams for the McDowell County side.
If you are interested in volunteering, please email greg@gloryhoundevents.com and he will get you connected with one o these groups.
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