Race: Ridge to Rails 50K Trail Race
Runner: TRR Coach Tanner Amrhien
Race Date: 06/07/2025
Location: Old Fort, North Carolina
Result: 5 hours and 57 minutes, 25th out of 112 runners
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- Views: Enjoy incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains throughout the Ridge to Rails 50K.
- Aid stations: Well stocked, and really helpful, friendly volunteers!
- People: The trail running community is awesome! I met a plethora of great people, and we had great, far-reaching conversations along the way.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Not within anyone’s control, but the humidity from the start was high and hanging in the air!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I made sure to stay hydrated. This helped me avoid cramping and kept my body as cool as possible despite the hot temperatures and humidity.
Another highlight was setting a new 50K PR!! Sections of the course are on gravel and pavement, which makes for a fast race. The Ridge to Rails 50K course is one big loop: a true adventure through the Blue Ridge Mountains!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Don’t linger at aid stations longer than necessary—get in and out quickly. Try to carry as much nutrition with you as possible. I was aiming for a sub 6-hour race and hit my goal with just three minutes to spare. Staying efficient at aid stations was key to making that happen.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
As mentioned above, the Ridge to Rails 50K course is one big loop on varied terrain. Expect a mix of smooth and technical trails, as well as sections on gravel and pavement. For example, roughly five miles of this race were uphill climbing on pavement, so you might want to reconsider your shoe choice if it’s not road-suitable.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Such a beautiful course! The climbs were steep, but rewarded runners with amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
With over 5700 ft of elevation gain and loss, it’s not the toughest course, but not the easiest either. The climbs were challenging, but are more gradual. Whereas the downhills tend to be relatively steep and fast: perfect for runners who excel at downhill trail running.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
The Ridge to Rails 50K race was very well organized. The event company, Tanawha Adventures, puts on many races in Western NC throughout the year, so know how to do a great job!
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Yes, very strong. Many of the competitors live and breathe trail running throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains for everyday training.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
The aid stations were a highlight of this race! For the Ridge to Rails 50K, there were 5 aid stations throughout, well stocked with everything you would’ve wanted while running an ultra. Alongside the standard fare offerings, there was cola, pickle juice, Snickers bars, candy, and more. The greatest thing about the aid stations during this race were the volunteers. They were quick to help you in and out of the aid stations, offering to refill your bottles and then send you off with a smile!
Weather and typical race conditions
The weather was partly cloudy and the humidity was intense! At the start, my watch caught an 89% humidity reading! It was warm too! The temperature reached about 85 degrees by the time I finished the race.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
I ran with collapsible poles, but ditched them at the mile 28 aid station. They worked great for the road climbing sections of the race. However, they were not a necessity for this race, and you may be better off without them.
How’s the Swag?
Great! Everyone receives a high quality race t-shirt, race sticker, and a unique, locally crafted finisher tile in place of a standard medal. The race organizers clearly care about their swag: it’s all really good quality and personalized for the event.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
8/10 rating for the Ridge to Rails 50K. I would recommend others to run it who are moderately experienced with trail running.
Tanner Amrhien is a coach with Team RunRun based in Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes improve performance through thoughtful training, science-based nutrition guidance, and injury prevention strategies.