Winter is not for hibernation, especially if you love to breathe in crisp air and feel the crunch of frozen ground beneath your feet. Need a little motivation to greet Mother Nature at her finest?

On Saturday, Jan. 26, the Nantahala Outdoor Center will host its 3rd Endurance Run, a 21-mile trail run.

Held on Sections 5 and 6 of the historic and scenic Bartram Trail, the Subaru/NOC Endurance run a will take athletes on single track from the Nantahala River up to Wayah Bald with a detour across the Upper Nantahala River. The course is almost all singletrack with stream crossings, roots, rocks, snow and an elevation gain of nearly 5,000 feet.

During the race, mandatory checkpoints with time cut-offs will be installed for safety. The average finish time is five hours. Racers are expected to be self sufficient for their nutritional and clothing needs. There are only three places where a support person will have access to the runner, and they require a hike into the trail. Carrying your own water, food and extra layers in a running back pack is most practical.

The pre-race meeting will be at River’s End Restaurant at NOC at 6 a.m. on race day. If you are traveling some distance, plan on spending the night. The race begins at 8 a.m. While the Bartram Trail is marked with yellow blazes, it is possible to become confused when in oxygen debt. Maps of the trail will be given out, and NOC will transport runners to the start and shuttle them back to River’s End for the post-race pizza party.

The top three men and women will win $100, $75 and $50 respectively. Entry fees, including a T-shirt and USARA membership, are $38. To register or book lodging, call NOC’s Guest Relations Office at 800.232.7238, ext. 600.