02/14/2026
Roses are red, violets are blue, the woods are calling... and we want you.❤
Happy Valentine’s Day! While others are focused on fancy dinners and jewelry, we know your heart is actually at home on the winding single-track and the relentless rolling hills of Umstead.
If you’ve been flirting with the idea of registering but haven't made it official yet, consider this your invitation to commit.
Why Fall in Love with Umstead (Again)?
Love the Woods: It’s about that deep, quiet connection to nature that you only find deep in the pines. It’s the smell of the morning air and the steady rhythm of your feet on the earth.
Love the Running: We celebrate the pure, unvarnished challenge of the event. It’s the shared grit of the grind—making new friends while you work through the miles and seeing familiar faces who know exactly what you’re feeling.
Love the Community: It’s the energy of the aid stations where a handful of salty snacks and a laugh with a volunteer can change your entire day. It’s that amazing finish line experience where everyone gathers to cheer you in, sharing the victory of the miles you just conquered together.
Don't let "the one that got away" be your 2026 race bib. FOMO is a heartbreak that’s easily avoided, but the window is closing. To our returning runners: the trail is waiting for you to add another chapter to your story. Don't be the one watching the highlights from your couch when you could be out there living it.
There are no limitations to success when you run with heart. Make it a date today at umsteadmarathon.com.❤