2025 Comment-
The course is modified (due to Hurricane Helene damage). Runners will not pass Straight Branch. Also, the course is ~ 2 miles shorter. I will not adjust the cut off times. Therefore, due to the shorter start, the initial cut off times are more generous. If you are cutting close to the cut off times early in the race (FSR 90, mile '9') you will probably be over time for the cutoffs later in the race. Plan (and pace) accordingly.
Historical information-
Each distance event will have different time limits for each aid station. The cut offs are based on your having enough time to complete the remaining distance and in some cases due to logistical reasons. If the cut off time is in red, that means it is a hard cut off and you will be pulled from the race (you don't have sufficient time to complete the race). If the time is in black, it is just a suggestion (soft cutoff). However, if you are several minutes over the black cut off times, you may be pulled from the race because you are way behind the needed pace and your delayed arrival may cause problems for future aid stations.
If you are over a 'soft' cut off a volunteer may suggest you drop to a shorter distance. Basically, you're already slower than the needed pace and you're unlikely to speed up enough. You will probably be over a hard cut off at a subsequent aid station and be forced to drop then. If you drop to a shorter distance as advised you will likely be able to still finish the race (but a shorter distance).
If a volunteer tells you to stop (DNF) or drop to a shorter distance (because you're over a hard cut off, significantly over a soft cut off, or the volunteer does not feel it is safe for you to continue) and you don't follow the volunteer's directions, you will be disqualified and barred from future events.
16 Mile Route
16 milers- you should have no trouble completing your distance. The cut offs are extremely generous for this distance; however, we do get worried when a runner is on the course for a long time, so don't stop to smell too many roses!
Aid Station Total Distance Cut off time
Start 0 8:00 AM
Straight Branch 5 9:15 AM
FSR 90 9 12:00 PM
Finish/Gazebo 16 4:00 PM
30 Mile Route
30 milers- You need to average a 15 minute mile up through Skulls Gap (that aid station has to be repositioned during the race). To average a 15 minute pace, you will need to run faster initially (on the flat Creeper Trail) so you have more time on the hills. After Skulls Gap, you should have plenty of time.
Aid Station Total Distance Cut off time
Start 0 7:30 AM
Straight Branch 5 8:30 AM
FSR 90 9 9:55 AM
Skulls Gap 16 11:45 AM
The Skulls Gap aid station will start shutting down early to move, slower runners will find very limited selections.
FSR 90 22 2:30 PM
Finish/Gazebo 29 5:30 PM
40 Mile Route
Aid Station Total Distance Cut off time
Start 0 7:00 AM
Straight Branch 5 8:00 AM
FSR 90 9 9:25 AM
Skulls Gap 1 16 11:15 AM
Hurricane Gap 22 1:00 PM
Skulls Gap 2 27 2:35 PM
The second Skulls Gap aid station will have limited supplies initially, so faster runners will have fewer options.
FSR 90 33 4:35 PM
Finish/Gazebo 40 7:00 PM
50 Mile Route
50 milers- You need to average a 14:24 pace for the entire distance. You will need to take advantage of the flatter sections so you have extra time on the hills. The times in black are estimates only, some are probably too generous. This is a tough course to complete in 12 hours!
Aid Station Total Distance Cut off time
Start 0 7:00 AM
Straight Branch 5 8:00 AM
FSR 90 9 9:25 AM
Skulls Gap 1 16 11:00 AM
Hurricane Gap 1 22 12:20 PM
Rowland Creek 29 2:00 PM
Hurricane Gap 2 32 2:40 PM
Skulls Gap 2 37 3:45 PM
FSR 90 43 5:15 PM
Finish/Gazebo 50 7:00 PM