TAYLORSVILLE, N.C. — The 12th Annual Vertical Mile Challenge Trail Race attracted 157 runners from across North Carolina and beyond Saturday at Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area in Alexander County.

Organizers say 144 runners completed the event, including 82 finishers in the full Vertical Mile Challenge, an eight-lap, 16-mile race, and 62 finishers in the half Vertical Mile Challenge, a four-lap, eight-mile race.

Participants traveled from approximately 70 cities to compete in the event, including 17 runners from Alexander County.

Rhett Bolick, 22, of Asheboro captured the overall title in the full Vertical Mile Challenge with a time of 2 hours, 42 minutes and 38 seconds. Hannah McEntire, 37, of Charlotte was the top female finisher with a time of 3 hours, 15 minutes and 24 seconds.

In the half Vertical Mile Challenge, Matt Kearney, 41, of Mount Olive earned top honors with a time of 1 hour, 16 minutes and 8 seconds. Jill Konkol, 41, of Lenoir was the top female finisher with a time of 1 hour, 32 minutes and 29 seconds.

Organizers say the race continues to attract runners from throughout North Carolina and neighboring states while showcasing Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area and Alexander County’s outdoor recreation opportunities.