Umstead Trail Marathon
March 7, 2026
Umstead State Park Raleigh, NC
FAQs
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Race Day & Logistics
How do I get to the race site?
Directions to the Start (Camp Lapihio)
- Enter the Park: Follow the main road past the Visitor Center.
- First Turn: Take the 1st Left onto Maintenance Road. (Watch for the Umstead Marathon sign pointing left).
- Onto the Gravel: In 0.1 miles, turn Right onto Group Camp Road. The pavement ends here. (Look for the directional sign pointing right).
- The Final Stretch: Continue on the gravel road for 1.5 miles toward Camp Lapihio.
- Parking: At the 1.5-mile mark, a Parking Coordinator will greet you and guide you to your assigned lot.
Pro Tip: The gravel drive takes about 10 minutes. Please arrive at the Hwy 70 entrance by 8:20 AM at the latest!
When and where is Packet Pick-up?
- Friday March 6 4pm to 7pm at Great Outdoor Provision Company (Raleigh)
- Saturday March 7th, 7:40am to 8:40am at Camp Lapihio in the lodge.
Where is Race Check-in on the day of race?
race
When should I arrive on race morning?
Where can I drop my pre-post race clothes?
A designated "Drop Bag" area is located near the start/finish line shelters.
Is there a lost and found?
Yes, check with the timing tent or race HQ at the shelters on race day.
Course & Competition
How would you describe the course?
The course is all on trails, single track/hiking and bike/bridle trails.
The single track portion totals approximately five miles and is early in the race. The single track section is full of roots and rocks and can be difficult footing. We cannot have more single track in the race because most of the single track is too remote to rapidly get an injured person to safety.
The bridle trails are wide and covered with a pea-gravel type of rock. The surface is very nice for running.
Is this a Boston Qualifier race?
No, the course is not certified. The course is accurately measured for a trail race
Are there mile markers on the course?
Yes, markers are placed at every mile along the course
What are the race cutoff times?
The course limit is 6 hours. Specific cutoffs are enforced for safety.
- 9.5 miles at Sycamore Camp Aid Station Cut off = 11:25am
- 12 mile Gralyn Aid Station Cut off = 12pm
- 18 mile Trenton and Reedy Creek cut off = 1:10pm
- 21.5 miles Cedar Ridge Aid Station Cut off = 2:00pm
Are iPODS, headphones, etc permitted?
They are permitted but discouraged. You must be able to hear volunteers and other runners at all times.
What if I need to drop out in the middle?
You MUST notify the nearest Aid Station captain or the finish line timer so we don't send a search party.
Aid Stations & Safety
Where are Aid Stations located and what is provided?
Aid stations are spaced roughly 2.0 to 3.8 miles apart. Because we are a cupless race, please bring a reusable bottle or vest.
Is this a cupless race?
Yes. We are trying to reduce our carbon footprint. Please bring a water bottle, hydration pack, or some other means to provide yourself with hydration
What if I get injured and need first aid?
Medical personnel are stationed at the finish and can be sent out on the course in an emergency. Alert any volunteer for help.
Registration & Policies
Is there a waiting list? Why is the maximum so low?
Capacity is limited by State Park permits. We do not maintain a waiting list once we are full.
What are the refund/transfer/injury policies?
No refunds or transfers are permitted. As a 501(c)(3) event, fees are considered donations.
What is the refund policy for inclement weather?
Race goes on rain or shine. In extreme safety cases, we follow park directives; no refunds are issued.
To what charity do the race profits go?
Proceeds benefit the Umstead State Park and Carolina Godiva Track Club.
Spectators & Post-Race
When/where can spectators show up? Are they on course?
Spectators are allowed to ride with you to your assigned parking lot, but if they take the vehicle out of the lot, then upon their return to get you, they must park at Camp Crabtree, meaning you will have to walk up to a mile (or more) to get to your car after the race.
If your spectators come at a later time, they are to park at Camp Crabtree and walk the mile (or more) to get to the finish line. They must be able to walk that mile (or more) again (up hill) to get back to their car
Spectators may park at any of the official Umstead parking areas and run, walk, or ride in the park to see the marathon. (Remember there are no bikes allowed on the single track/hiking trails. They are only allowed on the wide bike/bridle trails)
What do I get for finishing? What if I place?
Each finisher receives a custom pint glass. Medals are not provided. The top 15 finishers (both male and female) will receive a custom, handmade wooden plaque in order of finish
What food is offered post-race? Can family eat?
The food offered after the race will be Guasaca arepas. Family members and crew can purchase food in advance during the registration process.
Is beer served after the race?
Alcohol is prohibited inside State Park boundaries. Many runners gather at local breweries afterward!
Can I buy an extra race shirt?
Limited extras may be available for purchase at the finish line after the race starts.
Travel & Local Info
Where are the nearest hotel accommodations?
Aid stations are spaced roughly 2.0 to 3.8 miles apart. Because we are a cupless race, please bring a reusable bottle or vest.
What is the typical early March weather in Raleigh?
Average lows in the 30s, highs in the 50s. Be prepared for anything from frost to rain.
Who do I contact for more questions?
Please use the contact form on the website or email the race director directly.
