Dark Horse Race Series Marathon - Half Marathon - 10k Tryon Equestrian Center Introducing our annual Dark Horse Ultra we are excited to bring runners to the amazing facilities that spread out over 200 acres of roaming land, trails, and equestrian activities. Escape your day-to-day life and enjoy a romantic getaway in South Carolina’s beautiful Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Indulge your senses with the natural beauty our lands have to offer while the normal hustle and bustle of your life fades away. Tryon, North Carolina is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which provides a beautiful and diverse natural setting. The area features rolling hills, forests, and scenic views of the surrounding landscape, which are popular for outdoor recreation. The town is known for its well-developed trail system, which offers a variety of hiking, biking, and horseback riding opportunities. The trails range from easy walks to more challenging hikes, and they provide access to scenic vistas, waterfalls, and other natural wonders. Tryon Equestrian Center is a premier equestrian facility located in Tryon, North Carolina. It is a world-class venue that features state-of-the-art facilities for equestrian events, including multiple indoor and outdoor arenas, stabling for horses, and a cross-country course. The center is well-known for hosting a variety of equestrian competitions and horse jumping. In addition to competition facilities, Tryon Equestrian Center also offers training and educational opportunities for riders and horses, as well as a range of amenities for competitors and spectators, such as dining and shopping options. The center is a destination for equestrian enthusiasts and competitors from around the world.
Events When: August 19th What: Marathon @ 7:30am Half Marathon @ 7:30am 10k @ 7:30am Where: Tryon Equestrian Center Address: 25 International Blvd, Mill Spring, NC 28756 Parking: When you enter the Equestrian Center stay to the left to enter the main gate. Let them know that you are here for the race and follow the driveway to the left which will lead you to participant parking adjacent to the start/finish line. Packet Pickup will be held at the Start/Finish Line starting 1 hour prior to you event (address listed above) Amenities include: Breakfast Diner Coffee Shop
Convenient Store
Bars/Restaurants
Indoor Bathrooms Overall Awards will be given out at the conclusion of the race Age Group Awards will be recognized in the results tab and our point series. Our Events Are Youth 8 & Under Race for Free Walker Friendly Dog Friendly Volunteer for a FREE Race Entry or a Future Race Entry by Upstate Race Series - HERE Set-Up - Packet Pickup - Course Monitor - Meal/Aid Station Prep - Cleanup - Parking Participants Receive Finisher Medal Custom Race Sticker Upstate Race Series Sticker Complimentary Race Photos Custom Race Bib Upstate Race Series Crew Socks Race Awards, Age Group Point Series, Chip Timing Top 3 Male and Female Overall Top 3 Male & Female Age Group Event Results - HERE Age Group Categories 0-9 10-12 13-16 17-19 20-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70-79 80+ Upstate Trail/Ultra Series - Age Group Point Series Standings - HERE Course Description Elevation Per 6.5 Mile Loop - 600 Feet HERE - Course Map The course consists of a 6.5 Mile loop that rolls through the equestrian center and has a combination of wide packed dirt paths, single track trails, and grassy meadows! The course is very scenic and is constantly changing.

Aid Station There is one aid station at the start and finish line. Items may include: pickles, cookies, chips, Little Debbie snacks, assorted candy, chicken/veggie broth, fig newtons, & pretzels. Liquids will include water, Tailwind Nutrition, coke, and ginger ale. If you would like to donate an aid station supply of something that we do not offer or that is homemade feel free! Cup-less Event: Please provide your own hydration vessel for use at our aid stations Staging Area - Camping and Personal Aid Station Camping is available for participants and crew members during registration. No water or power, but plenty of space to spread out along the course and right next to the course! Drop Bags can be placed at the start/finish line area. Please label your drop bag with your name and BIB number. This ensures that your drop bag is at the finish line ready for you as soon as you finish.