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Dark Horse Marathon
Dark Horse Half Marathon
Dark Horse 10k
The Dark Horse Race Series
Marathon - Half Marathon - 10k
Tryon Equestrian Center
"To Make an Impact...Risk Being a Dark Horse"
$5 Discount & Refund for groups with 5+ Members
Calling all running clubs and social run groups! Upstate Race Series welcomes crews of all kinds to join the fun. Whether your squad is full of weekend warriors, sunrise chasers, or runners motivated by the promise of a cold drink at the finish, we’ve got an event for you.
Sign Up, share with friends and local running clubs, and cash in on race discounts and refunds when your team, run club, or band of misfits hits 5 runners or more!
Saddle up for the Dark Horse Trail Series at the Tryon Equestrian Center, where trail running meets big-league venue vibes. You’re not just racing through the woods, you’re getting a behind-the-scenes tour of the equestrian center, stables, and stadium, soaking in that “wait… we get to run here?!” energy from start to finish. 🐴
Included with registration, your entry into the park is covered, so you can roll straight in and focus on the miles. You’ll hit the line with a custom race bib, and we’ll be tracking every step with chip timing, splits, and live results, because every section of trail deserves its own little moment of glory. ⏱️
Cross the finish and you’ll earn a finisher medal, grab a custom race tattoo to wear your effort loud, and scoop up event-themed giveaways plus a race sticker for your bottle, cooler, or gear bin. We’ll also have a Wildly Charged hydration sample to keep your engine running strong. 🏅💧⚡
And once the work is done, the fun keeps going with complimentary race photos to capture the grit, plus music and a post-race hangout where the stories get taller, the laughs get louder, and the “I’m definitely doing this again” starts happening before your legs even cool down. 📸🎶
🐎 Gallop Through the Trails at the Dark Horse Trail Race! 🌲
Giddy up, runners! The Dark Horse Trail Marathon & Half Marathon at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in beautiful Tryon, North Carolina is the perfect opportunity for you to feel the wind in your hair as you race through stunning trails set against the backdrop of rolling hills and lush forests 🏞️. Whether you're a seasoned trail runner or a newcomer, this race promises an unforgettable adventure through a unique blend of athleticism and the natural beauty that only the Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains can offer 🌳.
Imagine galloping through wide dirt paths, winding your way through single-track trails, and trotting across grassy meadows 🌾. Along the way, you'll take in breathtaking views, and if you're lucky, you might spot a fellow horse galloping by as you run through the very grounds that host the world's grandest equestrian events 🏇. This is the place where nature and sport collide, creating a race day experience like no other. Whether you're chasing that marathon glory or just here for the half marathon fun, each step brings you closer to the heart of this magical, four-legged world.
After crossing the finish line, enjoy the post-race festivities alongside your fellow runners and equestrian fans 🎉. The Tryon International Equestrian Center is always buzzing with energy, and you can celebrate your victory with food 🍔, drinks 🍻, and live music 🎶 while taking in the beautiful atmosphere of this renowned venue. It’s not just about the race—it’s about connecting with the land, nature, and the incredible spirit of adventure 🐾.
Event Details
When: All Races Start at 8:00 AM ⏰
Where: Tryon Equestrian Center
Address: 25 International Blvd, Mill Spring, NC 28756 📍
Packet Pickup: Will be held at the Start/Finish Line starting 1 hour before your event 🏁.
Course Cutoff: For the marathon: Runners have 6 hours to complete but must start last lap before 5 hours
Parking: When you enter the Equestrian Center, stay to the left to enter the main gate 🏇. Let them know you're here for the race, and follow the driveway to the left, which will lead you to participant parking, right by the start/finish line next to the General Store 🚗
Amenities located within eye sight of the start/finish line
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Breakfast Diner 🍳
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Coffee Shop ☕
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Convenient Store 🛒
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Bars/Restaurants 🍽️
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Indoor Bathrooms 🚻
Course Map: Strava Course Map - HERE🗺️
The course consists of a 6.5-mile loop that meanders through the equestrian center with a mixture of wide packed dirt paths, single-track trails, and meadows 🐴. The course has 600 feet of elevation gain per loop, offering you a steady challenge as you gallop through this beautiful terrain 🏞️.
Aid Station
There is one aid station at the start and finish line 🏁.
You'll find pickles 🥒, cookies 🍪, chips 🥨, fig newtons, and pretzels 🥨.
Hydration will include water 💧, coke 🥤, and ginger ale 🥤.
Cup-less Event: Please bring your own hydration vessel for use at the aid station 🏅.
Feel free to donate any homemade snacks or supplies you'd like to see at the aid station 🍪.
Staging Area - Camping & Personal Aid Stations
Tryon Equestrian Center offers camping (Tent, Car & RV) for participants and their crews along with cabin rentals. Please contact the Equestrian Center Directly. ⛺.
Don’t miss the chance to trot, gallop, and race through the scenic beauty of the Tryon Equestrian Center. This is your opportunity to experience the thrill of the Dark Horse Trail Race! 🏇🐴🌿
🏆 Race Awards & Age Group Trail & Ultra Series
🎖️ Top 3 Overall (Male & Female)
The fastest three finishers will each receive a trophy to honor their achievement at the front of the pack!
🥇 Age Group Awards (Male & Female)
The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in each age group will earn an Age Group Series Medal 🏅—a custom piece to add to your finisher’s lanyard at the end of the event.
🌲 Upstate Trail Series Recognition
Our Age Group Trail Series highlights consistency and performance across the season!🏆 The Top 3 Male & Female in each age group will be recognized for total points earned throughout the series at our annual awards ceremony.
Age Group Categories:
- 👶 0–9
- 🧒 10–12
- 🧑🎓 13–16
- 🎓 17–19
- 🧑 20–29
- 👱 30–34
- 🧔 35–39
- 🧑🦰 40–44
- 🧓 45–49
- 👴 50–54
- 👵 55–59
- 🦳 60–64
- 🧙 65–69
- 🧝 70–79
- 🦄 80+
Marathon Finishers (Yes I know it isn't an "Ultra")
Any questions? Contact us today!
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Tryon Equestrian Center
Tryon Equestrian Center
25 International Blvd
Mill Spring, NC 28756 US
View Location on Map
Yes absolutely. Just keep them maintained on a leash!
Yes all distances have a 6 Hour Cutoff
Yes Jam away, just do not miss an arrow/turn when you are rocking out.
Negative Ghost Rider
When you arrive on site at the address listed in registration you will following event parking signs to park adjacent to the "General Store" where you will see our arch and Green Timing/Check in tent.
Yes you can register with your mobile device on race day.
Locating the address listed in the event details once you arrive you will follow the event parking signs to the "General Store"
$5.00 was chared during registration that covers your event entrance for the day.
Yes there will be a long open grass field (uncovered) where runners can stache thier belongings between laps. This is located right at the start/finish line of the 10k race loop.
Yes there is one water stop around mile 2.5 of the race and again at the start/finish line of the race. As a reminder we are a cupless event so all runners will need to have thier own personal hydration carrying bottle or vest.
Shirts can be ordered through our apparel now site or our registration store that will be ready on race day.
All participants will receieve a medal. If you are unable to complete the distance you signed up for we will drop you down to the next available distance.
There are portajohns at the start finish line and a couple on the course along with plenty of woods... yeah we said it.
