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Mountain Jefferson Challenge Set for June 12

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The Mount Jefferson Challenge takes place in a serene setting in Ashe County.

What’s new for this year’s Mount Jefferson Challenge?… The date and time.

Rather than the historic October race date that conflicted with another High Country race, the Mountain Jefferson Challenge has been reset to Friday, June 12, at 6:30 p.m.. What’s not new? The same challenging running race, a 3.3-mile ascent, 3.3-mile descent on Mount Jefferson mostly within the state natural area!

The race is a unique hill-climb event because the race involves not only the ascent, but also the descent. It starts and finishes at the Ashe County Civic Center in West Jefferson, which sits at the base of Mount Jefferson.

After the flat 1/10 mile start, the course makes one turn onto Mount Jefferson State Park Rd and the race is on to the summit and back. The mirror image ascent/descent is 3.3 miles up/3.3 miles down, with grades ranging from 5 – 16 percent on the paved roads of Mount Jefferson State Natural Area. The elevation increases 1,342 feet to the turn-around at almost 4,500 ft which is an elevation change of 407 feet per mile.

The MOJE showcases a jewel of the North Carolina mountains. The paved road to the near summit, two paved parking overlooks and summit hiking trails, all of which are accompanied by no park entrance fee, makes Mount Jefferson State Natural Area a must-see destination.

Your drive/hike on Mount Jefferson, when combined with a visit to the revitalized, thriving and pedestrian-friendly West Jefferson, which hosts numerous eateries and shops, makes for a great evening, day or weekend trip.

For additional MOJE information and to register for the race, click to www.NewRiverMarathon.com/moje or call 336-877-8888.