Babbling brooks, horse farms, tomatoes await competitors at the foot of Warrior Mountain

Historic Harmon Field is one of the most pristine and scenic parks in the Carolina Foothills. Situated snugly at the foot of Warrior Mountain and bordered by the Pacolet River, it has served as home to the Blue Ridge BBQ Festival for many years. Springtime brings flowers, green grass, and warm temperatures to this idyllic locale.

Starting at beautiful Harmon Field, the course quickly makes its way onto Warrior Drive, a scenic and shaded 3-mile asphalt road that winds along the foot of the mountain. You’ll pass babbling brooks, old Tryon homes and a horse farm or two.

Mile 2 will take you up a very gradual incline to the course’s highest elevation, which is about 200 feet above the Start line. At the end of Warrior Drive, you’ll turn right on Howard Gap Road for about two-tenths of a mile before re-entering Harmon Field via a back road which runs alongside a twenty-acre tomato field (please don’t stop to pick tomatoes!).

You’ll cross a bridge, then take a tour of Harmon Field’s paved walking trails. The final half-mile is flat as a pancake.

As you approach the finish line, you’ll run alongside the cooling Pacolet River before finishing up with a partial lap on the running track.

(Harmon Field photo courtesy Polk County Travel & Tourism)

Sponsors