Race Day 2027
Mountain Fork Half Marathon Race Day Information
Packet Pick-Up & Race Day Registration will be held from 7:30-8:45 a.m. on Sunday, September 19, 2027 at the High Knob Observation Tower (Driving Directions). This is also the start/finish line for the race.
IMPORTANT INFO: Please carpool to the High Knob Observation Tower. There is limited parking at this site. If you know folks planning to run the race, please try to carpool. Two sites you can meet and carpool from include the High Knob Destination Center (1147 Laurel Ave. SW) and the Norton Reservoir Trailhead Parking Area (Driving Directions).
Restroom Facilities: We will have 2 portable toilets at the race start/finish line.
Race Start: The race begins at 9 a.m. and will start and finish in the High Knob Observation Tower parking area. Race day announcements will be held at 8:55 a.m. Total elevation gain for the Mountain Fork Half is 2,000+ feet.
Course Directions:
• Runners head down the High Knob Observation Tower approach road and then turn left onto the paved Forest Road 238.
• Travel a half mile on FR 238 before turning left again onto State Route 619.
• Travel State Route 619 almost 1.7 miles before turning left onto Forest Road 704.
• Travel Forest Road 704 for 5.5 miles before transitioning onto State Route 706.
• Travel State Route 706 for just under 0.4 miles and turn left at junction for Forest Road 238/Robin Road/Robinson Road.
• Travel Forest Road 238 for 5.2 miles back to High Knob Observation Tower approach road.
• Make a slight left onto approach road and climb .15 miles to the finish line.
We will have course marshals at most road intersections. Directional arrows and pink survey flags will also be posted on signs at junctions and critical sites along the course.
The race route is an OPEN course. Please be aware that vehicles will be on the road throughout the race. Please make sure you are as visible as possible — this race includes sharp and blind curves. Avoid running in the middle of the road or into blind curves. We also cannot close the parking lot at the summit for the race, so be aware there might be vehicles coming and going from that area as you finish. The finish line will be located in the parking area.
Timing/Finish Line: We will be hand timing this race. We ask that all runners have their bibs on display as they cross the finish line. If your bib is not visible to race timers, your time might not be recorded.
Awards will be presented to the top three men and women overall winners and the overall masters man and woman (age 40 and up). We will also have age group awards for the top three men and women in the following categories: 29 and under; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; and 60 and over. We will also have finisher medals for all runners that cross the finish line. Race results will be posted online.
Aid Stations: We will have aid stations located at approximately the 2.3-, 5-, 7.8-, and 11.5-mile markers. The middle two aid stations (5 miles and 7.8 miles) will also have fruit. We also ask that you try to dispose of your water cups near the road's edge to avoid volunteers having to hunt for cups or tackle steep hillsides to collect them.
Time limit: All runners must complete the course by 12:30 p.m.
Spectators/Parking: The parking area where the race will start and finish is small. There will be volunteer vehicles and rescue vehicles using some of these spaces, so parking will be limited for spectators. Again, please plan to carpool if at all possible!
Weather Outlook: We will post a weather outlook the week of the race.
