BMUT
About
The Black Mountain Ultra Traverse is as tough as it gets. This event is not for everyone, it was designed for true adventures who don't want to be cheated out of a profound experience by excess support from aid stations that traditional ultra-marathons offer. BMUT is considered a graduate trail race inspired by a winter ultra saying “cowards won’t show and the weak will die” This will be one of the toughest, yet most gratifying races you have ever done. From the time you start you will be immediately challenged with a long grueling climb to the summit of Mt. Mitchell, the tallest peak East of the Mississippi. From there you will continue to climb multiple 6,000' mountains in some of the toughest terrain the Beast Coast has to offer, all this with no aid or support for the entire event. In order to register for the 48 Miler, runners will have to complete a trail event of at least 50K in distance within the last three years or provide documentation of completed qualifier if not on UltraSignup. The 24 Mile event is a qualifier for the 48 Mile event. Please note that the format of this race was inspired of the mentality of a low key, no frills race that requires you to be 100% comfortable being alone and self-sufficient in the remote wilderness. You will be required to filter your water from only a few reliable streams that are along the course. You will have a total of 19 hours to complete this race. This is a generous amount of time given to complete this race, you can power hike the entire course and still finish under the cutoff time. Upon registering you will receive a detailed racers handbook which includes all necessary information (gpx file of the full course, waypoints for water locations along the course, etc...) to successfully complete the race.
Proceeds from this event will go to the NC High Peaks Trail Association
Course Discription
Full course description can be found at the Trail Run Project or by clicking on this link:
Black Mountain Ultra Traverse
Volunteers
Volunteers are always in need, races could not happen without the awesome support of our volunteers. This year we are in a strong need for volunteers. Please click the volunteer tab if you are interested in volunteering for this event. Volunteers will have a free camping spot at the start/finish line if desired. Volunteers who help out for five hours or longer will receive a free entry into next years event or any of our other events.
24 Mile Option
If your not up to the challenge of the full distance, we now have a 24 mile unsupported option! This is a single 24 mile loop that summits Mt. Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi.
All participants will receive a gpx file of the course along with a detailed course description. The run will follow the same path as the 48 Miler to the top of Mt. Mitchell and then will descend Mt. Mitchell via the Mt. Mitchell Trail to continue back to the finish. All participants are required to carry the mandatory gear listed below. Participants will have a total of 15 hours to complete this event. The 24 miler does not require a qualifying run.
Full course description can be found at the Trail Run Project or by clicking on this link:
BMUT 24 Miler
Registration Fee
Why am I paying for an unsupported race? Aside from the cool hoodie, embroidered finishers hat, and all the hot food you can eat at the finish line, rest assure that the remainder of your entry fee will be going towards the NC High Peaks Trail Association, an awesome association that maintains these trails year round, permits through two different forest districts, as well as search and rescue personal for the entire duration of the event.
Please register by September 15th to guarantee a hoodie.
Accommodations and Camping
The host hotel for this event will be Albert's Lodge at Mt. Mitchell located in Burnsville,NC. This will be the start/finish line of the race. Contact them directly at 828-675-4691.
Outdoor camping spots will also be available with WiFi and a hot shower included for a rate of $40.00 per site/night. Option for camping is available during registration.
Refund Policy
The event will go on rain or shine. Refund policy: No refunds, bib transfers or deferrals. No exceptions.
Mandatory Gear List
All runners will be required to carry the following items for the duration of the race and are required to bring items to check-in for inspection PRIOR to receiving their race bib:
Rain Jacket
Hydration storage of at least 2 liters/70oz
Charcoal Water Filter
Minimum of 1,000 calories (can be liquid or solid)
Phone
GPX File of race course on your phone or Printed Map of race course
Ziploc bag
Headlamp WITH extra Batteries
Emergency Blanket
Hat or Beanie
Gloves
Long-Sleeve NON-COTTON shirt.
Please note that ALL of these items are mandatory and we take this very seriously. If you forget to bring one of these items upon check-in you will not be allowed to start the race.
Race Schedule
Friday October 4th 5:00pm-7:00pm Albert's Lodge at Mt. Mitchell, Race Packet Pickup followed by a pre-race meeting at 7:00pm (Note: you must present all mandatory gear items at packet pickup, race bibs will not be issued until all requirements are met, NO Exceptions)
Saturday October 5th 4:00am 48 Mile Race Start
Saturday October 5th 8:00am 24 Mile Race Start
Saturday October 5th 11:00pm Race Ends, Awards, post race food will be served to all competitors at the finish line.
Awards
We will have awards for top male and female finishers as well as top Masters male and female awards (age 40+). All finishers will receive a custom embroidered BMUT finishers beanie. If you are a previous BMUT finisher you will receive even a cooler finishers beanie upon finishing. Top overall male and female finishers of the 48 Mile race will receive a UltrAspire race vest.
Top male and female finishers from both distances will receive a free entry into next years race.
Live Tracking
We will be bringing back live tracking again for the 2024 event so your family and friends can monitor your progress during the race.
Post Race Party!
Previous runners of the event say that the best part about B.M.U.T. is the post-race get together around the firepit! We will have an assortment of both hot and cold foods & drinks. From the time the first finisher arrives and until the last finisher crosses the finish line (and then some) there will be dozens of chairs for racers to stay warm around the fire, eat, drink, and share your stories about your race experience. We strongly encourage you to stay the night on Saturday and relax with the other racers!
Event's current local time: 11:44 AM ET
