The Mount Yonah Vertical Race

“Without mountains, we might find ourselves relieved that we can avoid the pain of the ascent, but we will forever miss the thrill of the summit. And in such a terribly scandalous trade-off, it is the absence of pain that becomes the thief of life.” —Craig D. Lounsbrough

Details

Join Team Summit for the second annual Mount Yonah Vertical Race.

Participants will have TWO options upon registration.

-5,000ft of climbing over 3 summits of Yonah, totaling roughly 25km.
-10,000ft of climbing over 6 summits of Yonah, totaling roughly 50km.

The trail is technical and steep for the majority of the climb, with few sections of scrambling required. As you get closer to the summit, the path becomes double-track and some participants may even be able to run this section.

After-party hosted at NoFo Brew Co - 2 miles from the trailhead!

***NEW FOR 2025!***This will become a two day race over Saturday and Sunday to allow more participants to register and mitigate congestion on the trail and at the trailhead. The 10k’ will be held on Saturday and the 5k’ on Sunday.

BONUS: Yes you may register for both events for a special 15k’ challenge award!!! We are also adding a King and Queen of the mountain race to the top to be held Sunday morning before the 5k’ event! You won’t want to miss it.




Video Review from Wolf Life Running

Course Preview Video from Tom Grennan

The Course

The race course follows the Yonah Mountain hiking trail up to the summit of the mountain. From there you will pass the overlook before returning down the mountain. The trail is runnable in some sections, rocky and rooty in others, and a few spots require scrambling over boulders. The race will start with a quick out and back on the gravel road leading to the trail-head, this is so runners will thin out before hitting the trail. Each time you return from your summit, you will repeat the same out and back, this is necessary to achieve the distance and vert advertised. You may encounter hikers on the course, so use caution and be courteous.

Schedule

Saturday February 15

630 AM - Packet Pickup available
8 AM - 10k’ Race Start
4 PM - Must have started final lap!
6 PM - Course closed
630 PM - After-party at NoFo Brew Co (2 miles away)

Sunday February 16

630 AM - Packet Pickup available
8 AM - 5k’ Race Start
2 PM - Must have started final lap!
4 PM - Course closed
5 PM - After-party at NoFo Brew Co (2 miles away)

Location

Location
Yonah Mountain TrailheadGA-75, Cleveland, GA 3052834.63721066176569, -83.72498145886013
Start/Finish will be in the main parking lot for Mt Yonah. This is a gravel lot with limited space, volunteers will direct participants on where to park. Please consider carpooling.

This event takes place on the traditional lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee.

FAQ

Cutoffs.
10 Hours - You must be on your final summit attempt by 4PM!

Hiking Poles.
Allowed!

Required Gear.
-All Summit events are cup-less. All participants should carry a bottle, bladder, or collapsible cup at all times.

-All participants should have a waterproof shell or jacket with them at all times.

Aid Stations.
A full aid station will be provided at the main trailhead by Team Summit. You will pass this after every repeat, so roughly every five miles.

A partial aid station will be provided near the summit as well. *This may only be a water stop/safety check.

Crewing.
Due to limited space at the trailhead, personal pop-up tents/tables are not allowed. If needed, you may use your vehicle for a personal aid setup, being mindful of others visiting the park or participating in the event. Reminder that you will pass through the whole length of the parking on during each repeat.

Sorry, no pacers or crew allowed on the trail with participants.

Race Hoodies

Race hoodies are available at a discount during your registration. We will also have a limited amount available for sale on race day.

Event's current local time: 12:45 PM ET