Yonah Mountain Vertical Challenge
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Event overview
The Yonah Mountain Vertical Challenge takes place February 21-22, 2026 at the Yonah Mountain Trailhead (34.63721066, -83.72498146). This is the third annual event. The race is organized as a two-day weekend: the 10,000 ft challenge is held on Saturday and the 5,000 ft challenge on Sunday. The event sold out in 2024 and 2025. Packet pickup is available at NoFo Brew Co and on race days at the trailhead. After-race gatherings are scheduled at NoFo Brew Co, about 2 miles from the trailhead.
Course, options and logistics
The course follows the Yonah Mountain hiking trail to the summit, includes an overlook, and returns by the same route. The trail is technical and steep in many sections, with rocky and rooty stretches and a few spots that require scrambling. Near the summit the path becomes a dirt/gravel double-track. Runners will repeat the out-and-back summit laps to reach advertised distance and vertical gain. Hikers may be encountered on course.
Distances and formats:
- ~25 km - 5,000 ft of climbing over 3 summits
- ~50 km - 10,000 ft of climbing over 6 summits
- Double Up - compete both days
- 2-person 50K relay - alternate ascents
Support and rules: a full aid station is at the main trailhead (passed roughly every five miles) and a partial summit aid may be provided. Events are cup-less; participants must carry a bottle, bladder, or collapsible cup and a waterproof shell. Hiking poles are allowed. Parking is in a gravel lot with limited space; volunteers will direct parking. No pacers or crew are allowed on the trail. Cutoff limits are 10 hours for the 10,000 ft event and 8 hours for the 5,000 ft event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
