“Where the mountain tests the soul.”
It begins at the Green Heron Ale House, where the Dan River bends beneath the Sauratown Mountains. The morning mist clings to the valley, and the climb starts before the legs are ready — a sign of what’s to come.
Bike – 26 Miles | 3,200 ft Gain
Athletes depart the Green Heron Ale House and follow Highway 268 West to NC-66, turning onto Taylor Road and Rock House Road for the long climb to the top of Sauratown Mountain. The halfway point includes an aid station before a fast descent via Moores Springs Road and Hanging Rock Park Road, returning to the valley through Main Street and back to Green Heron Ale House for transition.
At transition you will need your swim gear and run gear. So you will be running with your swim gear and swimming with your run gear. There are a couple different ways to go. Treat this like swim/run race and wear a swim/run wetsuit possible pull bouy and leave your sneakers on. Or go light on the run and transition at the swims taking your sneakers off for the swims. Stuffing them in your trip kit is a good way to go.
Run 1 – 4.7 Miles | 1,200 ft Gain
The first run begins on River Bluffs Trail, connecting to Indian Creek Trail through forest, waterfalls, and the park welcome center before arriving at Lake Hanging Rock. Aid station and restroom are available at the lake.
Swim 1 – 500 Yards Across Lake Hanging Rock
Athletes swim across the lake to the far shore.
Run 2 – 0.5 Miles
Exit the water, turn left past the aid station, run behind the dam and around the back side of the lake to the swim start.
Swim 2 – 500 Yards Across the Lake
Return swim back to the opposite shore.
Run 3 – 5.5 Miles | 1,200 ft Gain
From the swim exit, turn right past the bathhouse and onto the Moores Wall Loop. The route climbs past campsites and up the long staircase to the Moores Wall Tower, where an aid station awaits at the summit. Runners then turn to follow the ridge before descending back past the bathhouse to the lake aid station.
Swim 3 – 500 Yards Across the Lake
Final lake crossing.
Run 4 – 5 Miles | 260 ft Gain
Turn left onto the park road toward the Upper Cascades Falls. Descend and climb back from the falls, continue past the welcome center, then follow Indian Creek Trail and reconnect with Bluffs Trail toward the lake.
Swim 5 – 500 Yards Down the Dan River
From the lake outlet, swim with the current 500 yards down the Dan River to the State Park parking lot.
Run 5 – 0.5 Miles
Exit the river and run from the State Park lot back to the Green Heron Ale House to finish.
The Hanging Man Triathlon is a rugged multi-element challenge linking steep mountain climbs, technical trail running, and open-water swimming. Athletes should be prepared for self-sufficiency between aid stations and variable April conditions.
Qualifications
To ensure athlete saftey and mantain the demanding spirit of the event, participaints must meet at least one of the following within the past 12 months.
Completion of a 70.3 Half triathlon distance under 6 hours
Completion of a 140.6 Full distance triathlon under 14 hours
Offical results will be required during registration or before packet pick up.
Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis for athletes with comparable endurance experience.
