5/16/2026
The Quest For The Crest 50K And 25K Trail Race
Burnsville, North Carolina
50K Trail Race
John Fabianich McClay
Finish Time: 11:30:25
Overall Place: 46th Place / 97
Division Place: 6th Place / 12
Josh Keane
Did Not Finish
25K Trail Race
Lisa Keane
Finish Time: 4:41:33
Overall Place: 62nd Place / 100
Division Place: 4th Place / 4
Felicia Neal
Finish Time: 4:41:35
Overall Place: 63rd Place / 100
Division Place: 8th Place / 18
Race Recap By John Fabianich McClay:
On Saturday, May 16th, Lisa Keane, Josh Keane, Felicia Neal, Jody Engstrom, and I participated in the Quest For The Crest 50k and 26k trail race in Burnsville, North Carolina. The 50k event featured a point-to-point course with three major climbs, yielding an elevation gain of 10,374 feet and a loss of 10,194 feet. Each runner was required to carry 2 liters of water and a water filtration system; I utilized the filtration system twice after depleting my water supply. The course was well-marked, and parking arrangements were acceptable. A 25-minute bus ride preceded the start of the 50k event. I was unaware of the challenges that lay ahead. The Quest For The Crest 50k turned out to be the most arduous 50k I have completed to date. Sean Blanton accurately described the trail run as more demanding than the Georgia Death Race. The race was exceptionally challenging. I appreciate Sean Blanton’s efforts in organizing a rigorous race, and I intend to participate again.
Race Recap By Lisa Keane:
Quest for the Crest 2026
“Beauty Comes at a Price”
This is probably the toughest race that I have ever ran! 4,500′ of elevation gain straight up Mount Mitchell for the most spectacular views! Followed by the treacherous descent of rocks and roots back to the finish.
This is a very remote trail race and you are completely self supporting. No aid stations for the 25K and an 11 hour rescue if an emergency arises. I was very nervous heading into race day but sometimes you have to trust the training and follow the plan. Thanks to my partner in crime, Felicia Neal. We kept each other on course and had a great race!
Nice swag includes a short sleeve t-shirt with the option to upgrade to a tech tee or hoodie, trucker hat, stickers, and beer glass as well as a nice finisher’s medal.
Post race lunch and beer for all runners and plenty of space for spectators while waiting for friends to come in.
Overall awards for top 3 male and female.
Race Recap By Felicia Neal:
I climbed 4,500 ft to Mt. Mitchell Saturday during Quest for the Crest 25k in NC! My partner in suffering was the lovely Lisa! Misery loves company and we climbed to the top together! It was such a amazing adventure with breath taking views. Mother nature is mesmerizing and terrifyingly beautiful. I am so happy I got to share this experience with friends and Team ER friends Lisa and Josh Keane and John Mark Fabianich Mcclay ! Overall I was 63rd and placed 8th in my age group