Join us Saturday, October 17, 2026 for the 4th Annual TreeTops 8.5 Mile Trail Race in DuPont State Recreational Forest near Brevard, North Carolina!
This event is limited to 300 participants.
This race offers a unique opportunity to explore the spectacular 10,000 acres of rolling hills and towering trees that make up this beautiful forest. Take on the 8.5 mile challenging trail race - but beware! With nearly 1,000 feet of elevation gain it’s no walk in the park!
Join us at the Dupont Forest Festival afterwards from 10am - 3pm to visit with vendors, hike, yoga, bike, hunt waterfalls and learn outdoor recreation tips to last you a lifetime. Admission to the festival is FREE!
The TreeTops Trail Race is not just any ordinary event - it's an exclusive experience only available within Dupont State Forest! So don't miss out on this tree-mendous event and join us for an unforgettable journey through DuPont State Forest - roots down, branches up!
Event Swag
Register before September 20th at midnight and receive a TreeTops Trail Race long sleeve shirt FREE with your registration!
Beginning September 21st, shirts will only be available for purchase in limited sizes and quantities for $30.
 |
All finishers will receive a custom wooden finisher medal on a genuine leather cord!
 |
Packet Pickup
Packet Pickup will be held on race day, Saturday, October 17th, at the Picnic Shelter from 7:30am - 8:30am.
NOTE: Pickup will end promptly at 8:30am.
Have questions? We've got answers!
Q: Is the course suitable for a jogging stroller?
A: The course is not suitable for strollers due to its terrain and route features.
Q: Can I bring my dog to the race?
A: Due to the nature of the course and for the safety of all participants, dogs will not be permitted at this event.
Q: Are there any amenities or facilities provided at the race?
A: Yes! There are various amenities and facilities provided at TreeTops Trail Race. This includes hydration stations along the way to provide water, medical aid such as first aid kits, should you need them, porta-potties in case of emergency, and a refreshment area with snacks and refreshments after you finish your race.
Q: Is there an age limit to participate in the race?
A: No! Everyone is welcome to participate in the race regardless of age. Children under 18 must have a parent or guardian’s signature on the registration form.
Q: Can I register on the day of the race?
A: Due to limited internet & wi-fi connectivity, there will be no race day registration.
Q: Do I need to stay for the awards ceremony if I win an award?
A: No! You do not have to be present at the awards ceremony in order to receive your award. You may reach out to support@idaph.net for a payment link to have yours shipped.
Q: Will there be things for me and my family to do after the race?
A: Yes! We encourage everyone attending to plan to spend the entire day at beautiful Dupont State Forest! There will be plenty of activities, freebies, vendors and food for you and your family to explore and take part in.
Q: Is camping allowed at Dupont State Forest?
A: No! Camping is NOT permitted at Dupont State Forest.
Q: What happens if it rains on race day?
A: In the event of rain, watch for updates via the TreeTops event page on Facebook, the iDaph Events IG & FB pages, email and text, if you opted in to receive text messages. If the DuPont Forest Festival is canceled due to rain, the TreeTops Trail Race will still take place rain or shine! However, in cases of lightning or thunder, we may delay the start time until it passes.
Did you register to participate in person but can't make it on race day? You have options!
We understand that plans can change! If you're unable to participate in your registered event, we offer several options to help, including switching to the virtual event, deferring your entry, or requesting a change in race distance. These options provide flexibility while helping offset the administrative time and costs associated with registration changes.
#1 VIRTUAL EVENT: You can transfer your registration to the virtual event at any point before the start of the race. The virtual event gives you the flexibility to train and race from wherever you call home, on your schedule. Plus, you still get the awesome race swag! Complete your race at a time and place that works best for you—whether that's your neighborhood streets, favorite trail, or a destination run. Submit your results online and celebrate your accomplishment with runners from across the country. Virtual swag will be shipped after the event. Email support@idaph.net to request the transfer.
NOTE: Transfers to the virtual event within two weeks prior to the event will incur a $12 charge to cover packaging and shipping.
#2 DEFERRAL: If you're unable to participate, you may request a deferral up to 15 days before race day. Requests received after this deadline cannot be accommodated.
Deferral Fees
Half Marathon & Marathon: $25
5K, 8K & 10K: $15
To request a deferral, simply purchase the Deferral option from the Race Store on the registration platform.
Once your request is processed, you'll receive a digital iDaph Events gift card equal to your registration fee (less processing and service fees.) The gift card may be used to register for any iDaph-owned Signature Event or given to a friend or family member for use toward their registration. Gift Cards are not redeemable for client/partner events.
Participants who purchased the pre-event shipping option are not eligible for a deferral once their race packet has been shipped. Packets are typically packed for shipment three weeks prior to race day.
Any eligible additional products or add-ons purchased with your registration will be refunded when your transfer or deferral is processed.
#3 RACE DISTANCE CHANGE: You may switch from one distance to another within the same event. There will be no refunds for any price difference when dropping down. When moving up, you will be required to pay the price difference before the transfer is made. Participants who purchased the pre-event shipping option and had their race bibs mailed in advance will be required to attend packet pickup to swap their bib. Email support@idaph.net to request the change in distance.
TRANSFERS BETWEEN PARTICIPANTS: Transfers between participants are prohibited. Running with another participant's bib creates serious safety and timing issues. Emergency responders and race officials rely on the registration information associated with each bib, including emergency contacts and medical information. If someone is wearing another person's bib, medical care could be delayed or based on incorrect information, and the wrong emergency contact could be notified.
Bib swapping also compromises the integrity of race results and awards. If the registered participant and the person wearing the bib are different ages or genders, overall and age group results can be incorrect, affecting multiple participants.
Participants found running with another person's bib will be automatically disqualified. Individuals participating without registering ("bandits") or wearing another participant's bib will be banned from future iDaph Events.
We suggest that if you want to ‘give’ your entry to a friend/family member that you use the ‘DEFERRAL’ option. You will receive an iDaph Gift card and you can gift this to your friend or family member to get signed up.
REFUNDS: Our team begins planning and investing in your race experience months before race day. Expenses such as permits, insurance, medals, shirts, timing, supplies, and staffing are incurred well in advance of the event. For this reason, all registrations are non-refundable.
In the event the race is canceled, postponed, modified, or impacted by severe weather, natural disasters, public safety concerns, government actions, or other circumstances beyond our control, refunds will not be issued.
We understand that plans can change and injuries happen. While refunds are not available, participants have options such as moving to a different race distance, switching to the virtual event, or deferring their registration in accordance with the event's registration policies and deadlines.
CANCELLATION & EVENT MODIFICATION: The safety of our participants, volunteers, spectators, and community is our highest priority. If circumstances beyond our control—including, but not limited to, severe weather, natural disasters, public safety concerns, government actions, emergency situations, course conditions, or the inability to obtain or maintain required permits—affect the event, iDaph Events reserves the right to modify, delay, shorten, postpone, cancel, or convert the event to a virtual experience.
Should the event be converted to a virtual event, all in-person registrations will automatically be transferred to the virtual option, and participant swag will be mailed at no additional charge.
Event schedule
- Sat, October 17, 2026 7:30 AM - Registration & Packet Pickup at Picnic Shelter (7:30am - 8:30am)
- Sat, October 17, 2026 9:00 AM - 8.5 Mile Race Start
- Sat, October 17, 2026 11:00 AM - Award Ceremony
- Sat, October 17, 2026 11:15 AM - Course Cutoff
Registration fees
Where pricing applies, shown amounts include mandatory charges, items, and fees.
In-Person 8.5 Mile
Price changes in 15 hours 58 minutes-
Includes finisher medal, race number with chip-timing, free long sleeve shirt (until deadline), complimentary race photos and goody bag!
-
$82.63
Super Early Registration
Apr 9 – May 24 -
Register for In-Person 8.5 Mile$88.00
Early Registration
Now registering May 25 – Jul 5 -
$93.38
Registration
Jul 6 – Aug 23 -
$98.75
Late Registration
Aug 24 – Oct 16
-
Virtual 8.5 Mile (NOT PARTICIPATING IN-PERSON)
Run on your own at a time and location of your choosing! Includes finisher medal and free long sleeve shirt (until deadline.)
-
Register for Virtual 8.5 Mile (NOT PARTICIPATING IN-PERSON)$82.63Apr 9 - Oct 16
Contact information
- Event contact
- The iDaph Support Team
- Phone
- 828.684.0812
- Website
- Visit website
Countdown to event
Sponsors
-
Corporate Sponsor
-
-
Race Partners
-
