About
5th Annual Not-A-Sprint Ultra Races
Forest City, NC
Cancer Active proudly presents the 5th Annual Not-A-Sprint Ultra Races, an endurance event that welcomes all — from elite ultra runners chasing 50+ miles to walkers soaking in the spirit of community and purpose. Whether you're pushing for a PR or pacing yourself through your first endurance challenge, this event is Not-A-Sprint.
Held on the scenic and flat Thermal Belt Rail Trail, this 8.34-mile out-and-back paved course starts and finishes at the Pavilion on Park Square (POPS) in Forest City. Aid stations are well-stocked, the course is low on elevation (only 95 ft over the entire loop!), and shade covers about 35% of the route to help with end of Summer heat.
To learn more about Cancer Active or any of these events, please visit www.becanceractive.org.
Who Should Race?
Experienced ultrarunners: Test your endurance with a shot at 50 miles or more. Complete 6 laps (50.1 miles) in 12 hours and earn a custom "Not-A-Sprint" belt buckle.
New or recovering athletes: Walk, jog, or run your race — this course is flat, shaded, well-supported, and welcoming. You choose the pace and the challenge.
Relay teams: Share the journey with friends. Each runner must complete at least one lap — you decide the rest.
Categories
Choose from 3, 6, or 12-hour races:
3-Hour Individual
6-Hour Individual
12-Hour Individual
Start Times:
12-Hour: 6:00 AM
6-Hour: 6:30 AM
3-Hour: 7:00 AM
Not-a-Sprint Ultra Races, September 6
TBD
Individual Race Rules
Individual Race Rules
Pacing:
3-hour and 6-hour runners may not have a pacer.
12-hour runners may have a pacer after 6 hours (noon).
Pacers must be 18 years or older
Pacer Registration:
Pacers must check in at the Forest City timing station and sign a liability waiver before joining their runner.
Support Crews:
Support crews may assist their runner ONLY in the Forest City aid station area.
Crews cannot assist their runner on the course or interfere with other runners and crews.
Runners shall wear their numbers on the front. If you want to run shirtless, you can attach your bib number to your shorts or bib belt.
Awards and Recognition
Mileage Counting:
Total mileage for runners will be counted at the Spindale turnaround (4.17 miles) and the Forest City aid station (8.35 miles).
Awards:
Awards will be given to the top 3 male and top 3 female individual runners.
Awards will be given to the top 3 teams
Every runner completing 50 miles within 12 hours will receive a "Not-A-Sprint" belt buckle.
Drop Bags
Spindale Aid Station Drop Bags:
Drop bags must be properly labeled and ready for transport by 5:30 AM on race day.
After use, place drop bags/boxes in the designated "RETURN TO POPS" area.
Additional Information
Race Officials:
Race officials will monitor the transition area and ensure compliance with the rules.
Medical Support:
Medical personnel will be on-site in Forest City for assistance with injuries or emergencies.
Safety and Conduct
Participants and support crews must respect other runners and crews, ensuring a positive and sportsmanlike atmosphere.
Course Conduct:
Follow all instructions from race officials and volunteers.
Maintain awareness of your surroundings and run safely.
Headphones are allowed
We LOVE dogs, but they are not allowed on the course.
Packet Pickup
TBD
What's Included:
T-shirt, Medal, 50-mile buckle, 50k award, Water, Electrolyte Drinks, Race Fuel, Post-Race Food, and ONE post-race beer
Volunteer
We rely on your kindness and we promise to give it back to you!
Sign up to be a 2026 Volunteer (registration link above), and receive a free race shirt and FREE entry to the 2027 Cancer Active Trail Race or the 2027 Not-A-Sprint 3-6-12!
Event's current local time: 5:58 PM ET
