Lake Summit 10 Mile Run/Hike 2026 — Zirconia, NC

Upstate Race Series Lake Summit 10 Mile Run/Hike Tuxedo Park · Zirconia, NC Where mountain views meet lakeside charm 🏞️ “ Ten miles counter-clockwise around the sparkling shores of Lake Summit, 90% of it on packed dirt road. Mostly flat with a few rolling hills, about 575 feet of gain, and a single short hill that reminds you where you are. This is the one on the list that feels less like a race and more like the best ten-mile run you have ever been handed. Packed dirt road is an underrated running surface — softer than asphalt, faster and more predictable than trail — and ten miles of it around a mountain lake in September is close to ideal conditions for a strong, even effort. The route is simple: one loop, counter-clockwise, water in the middle. There is nothing technical to think about, which leaves you free to think about the lake. Afterward there are fresh post-race pancakes for every runner, music, and a relaxed hangout. Every finisher receives a medal, a custom race tattoo, event-themed giveaways, a race sticker, and complimentary professional race photos. Your entry supports local nonprofits through the Giving Series. Race Day Details What Lake Summit 10 Mile Run/Hike When Sunday, September 13, 2026 — 8:00 AM start Where Tuxedo Park, Zirconia, NC Address 1299 Old US 25 Hwy, Zirconia, NC 28790 Packet Pickup Begins at 7:00 AM at the shelter near the start/finish line. Packets cannot be picked up by anyone but you. Time Limit 3 hours. Course A ten-mile loop around Lake Summit, run counter-clockwise, 90% packed dirt road. Mostly flat with a few rolling hills and one short climb, totaling roughly 575 feet of elevation gain. View Course Map → Parking Right at Tuxedo Park near the start/finish area, and free. Your car will be within 100 meters of the staging area. Aid Stations Water at the halfway point, plus two portable toilets on course. Available snacks: Fresh post-race pancakes for every runner Hydration: Water at the halfway point Water at the finish What's Included Free Parking 100 Meters Out Your car sits within 100 meters of the staging area. Custom Race Bib Your badge of the journey. Chip Timing & Live Results Track your effort, splits included. Custom Finisher Medal To commemorate the triumph. Custom Race Tattoo Wear the moment proudly. Event-Themed Giveaways A little extra swag for finishing strong. Race Sticker Keep the memory riding shotgun on your bottle, cooler, or laptop. Wildly Charged Hydration Sample A little extra refresh after you've conquered the trail. Post-Race Vibes Complimentary professional race photos capture the grit and the glory — hang around at the finish line and celebrate. Race Awards Top 3 Overall (Male & Female) The fastest three finishers will each receive a trophy to honor their achievement at the front of the pack. Age Group Awards (Male & Female) The 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in each of 15 age categories will earn an age group medal — a custom piece to add to your finisher's lanyard at the end of the event. Series Recognition This race counts toward season-long age group recognition in this series: Upstate Road Series Giving Back Every Upstate Race Series event is part of the Upstate Giving Series, which connects our 30 races with 30 nonprofit organizations serving communities across the Upstate. Your registration and any donation you add at checkout go to work close to home — you are not just running a race, you are funding the work of a neighbor. Upstate Giving Series Age Group Categories 0–9 10–12 13–16 17–19 20–29 30–34 35–39 40–44 45–49 50–54 55–59 60–64 65–69 70–79 80+ Groups & Teams $5 Discount & Refund for Groups with 5+ Members The Upstate Running Club welcomes all local and regional running clubs to our events — the more the merrier. Calling all running clubs and social run groups: Upstate Race Series welcomes crews of all kinds to join the fun. Whether your squad is full of weekend warriors, sunrise chasers, or runners motivated by the promise of a cold drink at the finish, we've got an event for you. Sign up, share with friends and local running clubs, and cash in on race discounts and refunds when your team, run club, or band of misfits hits 5 runners or more. Good to Know Are dogs allowed on the course? Yes. Are headphones or earbuds allowed? Yes, jam out — but be mindful, this is an open road course and cars do drive around the lake. The speed limit is 15 mph. Can someone else pick up my packet for me? Negative, Ghost Rider. Is there race-day registration? Yes, you can register using your mobile device up until the gun goes off. Where are the start and finish lines? At Tuxedo Park, adjacent to the parking lot and bathrooms. Is there gear check or somewhere to leave personal items? No, but your car will be within 100 meters of the staging area. Are there restrooms near the start/finish or on course? There are bathrooms at the start and finish line, and two portables out on course. Will I get a medal or a shirt? All finishers receive a medal. Y