LAUREL SPRINGS, N.C. -- The runners at the USATF 10 km Trail Championships enjoyed beautiful weather and views as they tackled the challenging course. The race took place at Laurel Ridge Camp and Conference Center in Laurel Springs, NC, right on the Eastern Continental Divide. The course provides runners with a mixture of challenges as the terrain is constantly changing. From the start on top of the mountain, runners are continually descending then climbing all the way to the final ¼ mile climb at 22% up to the finish. Fast times on the course require both speed on the smoother trails as well as technical ability on the singletrack sections. The soft conditions from recent rains added to the challenge for 2014 version. This year an even 100 runners took on the mountain with many excellent performances.