Linville+Madness+Marathon

=Linville Gorge Madness Marathon=

This is a 27-28 mile route up and down and all around Linville Gorge. This run is by all means extreme! But it does have a good mix of dirt/gravel road and plenty of good ole single track. The run descends and ascends into the gorge 3 times! And the ascents and descents are wicked steep. You might find yourself walking down them as well as up them! Be prepared for somewhere between **9000 - 10500 ft of vertical gain!** As far as what you times might be, think of the hardest 50k you have ran and add an hour to that time. I'm expecting people to finish in a range of 6-10 hours. If anyone can run sub 6:15 you might get a prize! Each year the run will be run in counterclockwise or clockwise directions. 2012 will be ran counterclockwise!

Start/Finish will be at the Table Rock Picnic Area where there will be a potluck/cookout after the run! Good times are guaranteed!

Directions to start: [|From Asheville],[| From Boone], [|From Charlotte], [|From Winston-Salem]

Aid: There will be aid and the option to have a drop bag at the Pinch In TH and one at the Babel Tower TH. This will only be possible if we have volunteers to drive the aid/bags out to the trail heads, otherwise you will be on your own. Water is plentiful with a few stream crossings. I wouldn't advise getting water out of the river, but if you feel you must, make sure that you treat it.

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Course: - Start heading down the Mountains-to-Sea trail towards Shortoff Mtn. - Cross the river and continue on the MST to Kistler Memorial Hwy - Turn right onto Kistler Memorial Hwy until junction with the Pinch In TH - Descend Pinch In Trail to Linville Gorge Trail - Turn left onto Linville Gorge Trail - Run LGT to intersection of Conley Cove Trail - Ascend CCT to Kistler Memorial Hwy - Turn right onto Kistler until intersection with Babel Tower TH - Descend Babel Tower till intersection of LGT - Turn right onto LGT, stay on it till Spence Ridge Trail - Cross Spence Ridge Bridge and continue on the trail - Reach intersection with Little Table Rock Trail (after first switchback) and ascend trail to intersection of MST - Take a left and then a right at the MST/tablerock summit trail fork climb to the top of Tablerock Mtn and stop your watch - Hike back down to the start just below Tablerock
 * There will be no course markings!**
 * Written directions and above map will be provided.**
 * Linville Gorge Trail can be a bit confusing at times, but it basically**
 * parallels the river so you shouldn't get too lost. Most trail intersections**
 * are marked with a post, but not entirely sure with the Little Table Rock Trail.**

Camping option: If you want to come out and camp on Friday night that would be cool. Just let me know.

RSVP and volunteer in discussion section or email me at throwerbt@gmail.com