HAROC (aka Hanging Rock Challenge)

HAROC, or Hanging Rock Challenge, is a winter trail race held at Hanging Rock State Park near Danbury, North Carolina. A backup day is scheduled in case ice or snow makes the trails unsafe. Participants can select either a 50K or a 25K race, both conducted on park trails. The courses include significant elevation gain, with the 50K covering approximately 30.6 miles and 5,100 feet of ascent, and the 25K covering about 15.8 miles with 2,800 feet of gain. The routes combine smoother singletrack with challenging sections of rocky, root-filled terrain, winding through a park with large boulders, cliffs, waterfalls, and a fire tower. The 50K course is supported by four aid stations, while the 25K course has two. These stations provide water, electrolyte drinks, fruit, salty snacks, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, pickles, and candy. Tanawha Adventures is the organizer, and participants receive a race shirt and a custom finisher award.