Take the Mt. Jefferson Challenge

The Mount Jefferson Challenge is a new road running race coordinated by the directors of The New River Marathon and the Blue Ridge Relay.

This 7.2-mile road race will take place in Mount Jefferson State Park on Saturday, Oct. 8, in West Jefferson.

The Mount Jefferson Challenge, or the MOJE as it is known, will bring runners from across the state to experience the challenging run in the middle of North Carolina’s peak leaf season.

The MOJE will follow the paved state park road to the summit and then back down again. Mount Jefferson’s peak rises to 4,480 feet, so there will be a1,450-foot ascent and a 1,450-foot descent with road grade of between 7 and 10 percent.

The MOJE is being organized by Blue Ridge Endurance with sponsors Gum Ridge Mill and Flying Pig Furniture, Ashe Civic Center and West End Wreaths.

Those who would like to participate can go to http://www.newrivermarathon.com and click on the Mount Jefferson Challenge tab. Registration is $35 and there will be race day registration.
The MOJE starts and finishes at the Ashe Civic Center.