13TH ANNUAL GOVERNOR’S CREEK MOUNTAIN BIKE MARATHON
Sunday, January 25, 2026 – Carthage, NC
Presented by Back to Dirt Conservancy
LOCATION:
Governor’s Creek MTB Trail
3392 Underwood Rd, Carthage, NC 28327
REGISTRATION:
Pre-register online:
https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=415577
$50 early (online closes 10 pm Friday, Jan 23)
$55 day-of race
Registration includes a meal after the event.
EVENT OVERVIEW
Kick off your 2026 season with the 13th Annual Governor’s Creek Mountain Bike Marathon at North Carolina’s original trail destination.
This challenging ~40-mile course includes:
• 12 miles of singletrack trail
• 28 miles of lightly traveled mixed-surface roads
This race has no supported feed zones — carry what you need for the duration.
Expect fastest finishing times near 2:30–2:40, with many riders finishing around 3.5–4+ hours. Be prepared for January temperatures and variable weather.
COURSE & NAVIGATION
There is no traffic control and no course marshals. Riders must obey all traffic laws.
• Road markings: Red arrow stakes at every turn
• Approximately 60% dirt / 40% paved
• Very low traffic, but always yield to vehicles
• Riders should download or carry the GPS course file
• Search 3392 Underwood Rd, Carthage on Google Maps to preview the roads
• GPX export available directly from this Ride with GPS event page
TIMING, SCORING & CATEGORIES
This is a racing event. Riders will be timed and placed.
All classes start at the same time; categories will be scored separately.
An unadvertised cash payout will be awarded to the 1–3 overall finishers (depending on turnout), regardless of category.
CUTOFF TIME
Riders will not be allowed to start the final trail loop after 4:15 pm.
Plan your pacing and nutrition accordingly.
PIT / BIKE OPTIONS
• Designated pit area after the XC loop
• You may switch bikes, wheels, or grab supplies there
• No support is provided anywhere else on course
WEATHER
If the forecast is severe, postponement info will be posted on the Back to Dirt Conservancy Facebook page at 3:00 pm on Saturday, Jan 24.
SAFETY & RECOMMENDATIONS
• Carry a cell phone (service may be patchy)
• Dress for the weather and your pacing
• Hydration and nutrition are your responsibility
• This is a long early-season effort — plan accordingly
QUESTIONS / UPDATES
Call Back To Dirt Bikes: 919-776-2453
Follow Back to Dirt Conservancy on Facebook for updates.
You may also like the following events from Back to Dirt Conservancy:
Also check out other
Sports events in Carthage,
Workshops in Carthage,
Trips & Adventurous Activities in Carthage.
