The Black Toenail Friday Half Marathon & 7.5 Mile is a must-run trail race in Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area - Pine Hill Trail Head in North Carolina, designed for runners, ruckers, and hikers looking to opt outside on Black Friday instead of fighting shopping crowds. Held at the scenic Cane Creek Mountains area, this late-morning trail event lets you sleep in, enjoy crisp fall air, and run off your Thanksgiving meal on well-marked single-track trails. Choose between a trail half marathon or trail 7.5 mile, with both run and ruck options available—making this race accessible to first-time trail runners and experienced trail athletes alike. This North Carolina trail race has quickly become a favorite Thanksgiving weekend tradition. The course features groomed trails, clear signage at every turn, taped-off incorrect paths, and multiple aid stations to keep you fueled. Expect a mix of smooth single-track, moderate roots and rocks, and rolling climbs that provide challenge without being overly technical. Whether this is your first trail race or your goal event for the season, Black Toenail Friday delivers a fun, supportive, and scenic experience—without the stress of early alarms or crowded roads. Why choose Black Toenail Friday Trail half marathon and trail 7.5 mile options Run, ruck, or hike categories available Late morning start so you can sleep in after Thanksgiving A perfect way to opt outside on Black Friday Ideal race to run off your Thanksgiving meal Clearly marked course with signs, tape, and blocked wrong turns Well-maintained single-track trails in Snow Camp, North Carolina Multiple aid stations throughout the course Suitable for beginners and experienced trail runners Custom race swag Custom finisher medal, part of the North Carolina Trail Mega Medal Series A relaxed, community-focused race atmosphere A smart way to avoid black toenails with thoughtful course design and spacing If you’re searching for a Black Friday trail race in North Carolina, a tr
Both the Half Marathon and 7.5 Mile events will be chip timed by Trivium Racing. Overall awards will be based on gun time and Age Group awards will be based on chip time. Finisher medals to everyone who completes the trail half marathon and 7.5 miler. Awards for top three overall males, females and non-binary in the Half Marathon and 7.5 Mile events. Awards for top three overall males, females and non-binary in the Half Marathon Ruck and 7.5 Mile Ruck Events. Awards for top three males and femal
13.1 Miles: Race Shirts
7.5 Miles: Race Shirts
| Distance | Price | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13.1 Miles | $60.00 | Dec 8 | Feb 28 |
| $65.00 | Mar 1 | Jun 30 | |
| $70.00 | Jul 1 | Oct 31 | |
| $75.00 | Nov 1 | Nov 27 | |
| 7.5 Miles | $45.00 | Dec 8 | Feb 28 |
| $50.00 | Mar 1 | Jun 30 | |
| $55.00 | Jul 1 | Oct 31 |
| Year | Finishers | Median Time | Fastest Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 75 | 1:48:29 | 55:44 |
| Year | Finishers | Median Time | Fastest Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 34 | 2:55:14 | 1:55:31 |
Interested in this race?
| $60.00 | Nov 1 | Nov 27 |
Race Day - Friday, November 27th: 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM - Packet Pickup, Registration & Bag Check 10:45 AM - Pre-race Meeting at the start line 11:00 AM - Half Marathon AND 7.5 Mile Start 12:45 PM - HM Cut Off at Mile 6.7 1:00 PM - 7.5 - Mile awards 2:00 PM - Half Marathon Awards 2:30 PM - Race Cut-off Time (If a half marathon runner has fallen far off-pace, they may be pulled off the course by event staff)