A competitor from the 2018 Assault on Blackrock makes their way through the craggy terrain. Photo courtesy of Brian Barwatt.
Every spring, the Blackrock Mountain Trail in Pinnacle Park finds itself in bloom and full of hikers out to enjoy the scenery. However, on March 23 the trail will be full of extreme runners, seeking to conquer the terrain. Since 2010 Assault on Blackrock brings trail runners together in the Plott Balsam Mountains for a charitable cause. This year, all proceeds from the race will benefit the Sylva Police Department’s fund for a new K9 unit.
Sylva’s Pinnacle Park is a 1100-acre stretch of land stretching through the ridges of the Plott Balsam Mountains. These mountains are where Blackrock resides. The trail to Blackrock’s summit is a seven mile trek with over 2700 feet worth of elevation gain. Pinnacle Park has been open to the public as a hiking destination since 1991 and has been home to the Assault on Blackrock since its inception.
The race will feature over 100 runners of expert through amateur ability as they make their way up and then back down Blackrock Mountain; a total of seven miles with more than half a mile of elevation change along the way. Veteran Blackrock racer Matt Kirby says that the challenges of running the race are extreme.
“There are points of the race where running isn’t an option, you’re limited to scrambling up on your hands and feet,” Kirby explains.
Beyond scrambling up rock faces the trail consists of fire roads and winding single-track through the woods.
T-Shirts are guaranteed for the first 100 racers to register. The tradition of the “Blackrock 101” challenge will continue this year, where all racers who complete the race in 101 minutes or less receive a custom belt buckle. Other prizes will be given to the top three racers in the male and female categories.
Pre-registration will be open until the night of March 22 at a cost of $25. Day-of registration will cost $30 and be open from 7 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. The racing starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 23.
