"The Ocho" 8 Hour Adv Race

MARCH 28th 2025

Hanging Rock State Park, North Carolina. Shelter at the lakeside parking lot.

Disciplines: Hiking(6-8 miles), MTB biking(12-16miles) and a second hike(3-6miles)

Hanging Rock is part of the Sauratown Mountains - the mountains away from the mountains. The park boasts the highest point in that system with Moore’s Knob at 2,579 feet elevation. The park has more than 20 miles of hiking trails that climb onto spectacular views and some lead to picturesque waterfalls. The single-track bike trails are challenging and enjoyable. This race has No intended water section on the course, so stay dry and come get your race season off to a great start!

The 8 hour race is designed for the beginner racer who wants a taste of the longer races but over a more manageable distance. You get all experience of using a map and the physical and strategic demands that come from the off road disciplines of ADVENTURE RACING.

Teams of 1-4 will trek by foot through the state park and MTB on the trails. The objective of the race is to gather a punch from as many Check Points (unmanned flags in the woods) within the allotted 8 hours. The team with the most points in the least amount of time wins. We expect the winning team to possibly finish the full course within 7 hours.

Race pace for an adventure racer is around 4-5 miles an hour.

Waivers: All participants must sign a Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement

Minors must race with an adult.

• Check Points will be placed on natural features hill tops, stream intersections, coves or at obvious trail intersections.

• The bike section will be on all different surfaces from pavement, mud hard packed trails, and gravel roads.

• All bikes need to have a rear facing flashing red light visible from behind for safety.

• A head lamp is required for all racers. We do not expect you to be doing any of this race in the dark however it is best in case you need them.

• You will need a compass!

ALL racers that complete three events will get a series prize (T-shirt, cup,buff, TBD)
Confirmed registration for 3 races by end of January and receive an additional swag item to show off.

 Welcome to the SC-NC Adventure Racing Series!

 This race series is designed for endurance enthusiasts and thrill-seekers looking to challenge their skills in hiking, biking, paddling, and orienteering across some of the most scenic and diverse terrains in the Carolinas. Each race in the series offers a blend of adrenaline-pumping activities and immersive outdoor experiences, giving racers the chance to explore rugged trails, serene waters, and breathtaking landscapes, all while pushing their limits.

Race Formats

Duration: Races vary in length from 5- 24 hours, each format has its own are 12 hours or more, with some extending up to 24 hours for added challenges.
Activities: Each race may features sections of hiking or trail running, mountain biking, and paddling. The exact breakdown and sequence will vary for each event, ensuring a unique adventure every time.
Teams: Participants can compete solo or in teams of 2-4 members, depending on the event rules. Teamwork is a crucial aspect of the race, especially for navigation and decision-making.
Navigation: Map and compass are required; GPS devices are not allowed. Participants will rely on their navigation skills to reach checkpoints.

Point Accumulation System

Participants accumulate points by reaching as many checkpoints as possible within the time limit at each race. 

The series will reward the individual that has accumulated the most points through any 3 associated events.

Overall Standings: Points from each race will contribute to the series leaderboard. Racers are encouraged to participate in multiple events to maximize their scores and improve standings.

A racers score will be the percent of CPs obtained during a race plus the percent of time remaining when they finished.

Racer can use the top three races, if they compete in more than three events.

Examples: 12 hour race with 27 total CPs

27cps in 10 hours = 100 + 16.7 = Total 116.7 for that race

25cps in 10.5 hours = 92.6 + 12.5 = Total 105.1 for the race

27cps in 11.5 hours = 100 + 4.2 = Total 104.2 for the race

Awards: Cumulative points throughout the series will determine overall champions.

Individual standings split it by age. 5 year increments. The high end 60 and over and low end age grouping under 20. That gives us 10 category winners

Start of the year age will be used for the race categories.

Events

March 15th

Swamp Fox - 12 hour - Francis Marion National Forest - KanDo

March 29th

The OCHO - 8 hour - Hanging Rock State Park - NCARS

June 7th and 8th

Uwharrie Boat and Hike - 5 hour- Morrow Mountain State Park - NCARS

Uwharrie Bike and Hike - 5 hour- Morrow Mountain State Park - NCARS

Uwharrie - 18 hour- Morrow Mountain State Park - NCARS

August (TBD)

The Inferno - 12 hour - Myrtle Beach - Apex

October 17th and 18th

Pisgah - 10 hour - Lake James State Park - NCARS

Pisgah - 12 hour - Lake James State Park - NCARS

Required individual gear:
A functional MOUNTAIN bike; no road or cycle cross bikes
CPSC marked bicycling helmet to be worn on all bike sections

Food and fluids to last the duration of the race
A pen/ pencil/ sharpie
Knife
Whistle
Individual headlight with extra batteries
rear Bike light with extra batteries on the bike legs (Red tail light on while on public roads)

Required Team gear:
UTM plotter with 1:24,000 scale (you may have to plot points)
Compass
Watch
Cell phone in a waterproof case to be carried the entire race
Basic first aid kit (Adventure Medical Kit 7 Ultralight/Watertight First Aid Kit or equivalent)

Recommended Gear:
Appropriate clothing for all weather conditions
Waterproof map case/ large ziplock bag will work
Water purification method
Spare bike tube, method of tire/tube inflation and bike repair kit

• 6:00am - Bike drop opens - Link provided closer to race day-

• 6:30am Park gate opens  Parking at lake parking lot

• 7:00am-8:00am Check-in at the picnic shelter

• 8:00-8:15    Race Briefing

• 8:30am Race Starts

• 4:30pm (8 hours)Race Ends 

MAY 30th - choose your adventure

Uwharrie 5 Hour Hike and Bike - Morrow Mountain State Park

Uwharrie 5 Hour Boat and Hike - Morrow Mountain State Park

Uwharrie 12 Hour - Morrow Mountain State Park

SEPTEMBER 19th -  

Pisgah 12 Hour - Lake James State Park

Just register and race any three races in the series and be in contention for season prize and bragging rights. more info here

March 21st - Swamp Fox Adventure Race 

May 31st - South Fork Sampler 8 hour