The images of devastation throughout western North Carolina and into surrounding regions like southwest Virginia have been unescapable since Hurricane Helene swept through on Sept. 27. As rivers and creeks burst their banks and trees fell across major roads and popular trails, cutting off access and aid, the destruction was so thorough that some communities simply no longer exist.

Not surprisingly, plans for sports and recreation in these hard hit areas are being re-evaluated, with cancellations of ultramarathons being announced throughout the week.

Among the most notable cancellations is Cloudsplitter 100, which takes place in the Cumberland Mountains of Central Appalachia. The group of races — ranging in distances from 25k to 100 miles — were slated for Oct. 12 and 13, but in a Facebook post this week, race director Susan Howell said, “I have had to make the painful decision to cancel the race this year due to trail conditions from hurricane Helene. I have been in touch with local officials in Norton and they tell me that roads are still closed leading up to trail heads. Indications are that it will be months before most of the trails will be cleared. I am so very sorry.”

Cloudsplitter, known for its long climbs, beautiful fall scenery, ankle-biting stretches, and welcoming community, also shared a notice from the U.S. Forest Service, which said that the Clinch Ranger District (encompassing the Cloudsplitter course) has closed due to power outages, impassible roads, severe flooding and downed trees.

The impact of this weather event is far-reaching. The Blue Ridge Parkway is closed indefinitely, and pieces of Interstate 40 in western North Carolina and U.S. 58 across southern Virginia have been erased from the map, crippling vehicle access.

Sean Blanton, owner and director of Run Bum Races, said Thursday that he was in Asheville, North Carolina, helping to chainsaw through trees and doing other volunteer work — while noting that body retrieval and rescues are ongoing in the area. 

He formally announced the cancellation of what was to be the first-ever Virginia Trail Running Festival next week. The event near Fries, Virginia, was to include a 100 miler, 100-mile relay and 50 miler. “I’m not sure that any bridges got lost but it’s covered in mud and lots of trees down on it and some mudslides. They are still assessing. Lots of houses went into the river,” Blanton said.

Even though some of his events, like Grayson Highlands and Quest for the Crest won’t happen until May (the latter being known as one of the hardest 50ks east of the Rockies), he said the extent of the trail damage will likely force them to miss 2025. Grayson Highlands State Park is one of nine Virginia state parks that are currently closed because of storm-related impacts.

Blanton was more optimistic about other upcoming races, saying that Sky to Summit, Wild Florida, Forgotten Florida, Georgia Death Race and others are still on.

North Carolina-based Dirty Wolf Racing said that its flagship Beast of the East 100, slated for the weekend of Dec. 14, is still a go after they confirmed that Crowders Mountain outside Charlotte will be able to handle the runners. However, the organization did have to postpone its 12-hour race called Llama-The Byrd Escape in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, so instead of it being held last weekend as planned, it will now be on March 15.

Elsewhere, the Yeti 100 Mile Endurance Run was canceled the weekend the storm hit, as areas like Damascus, Virginia, expect to need months to recover from flooding and trail damage. The Naturalist 50k/25k, which was to take place this weekend in Franklin, North Carolina, has also been canceled.