Yonah Mountain Vertical Challenge
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Yonah Mountain Vertical Challenge
The Yonah Mountain Vertical Challenge is a trail running event held at the Yonah Mountain Trailhead in Cleveland, Georgia. The event centers on repeating summits of Yonah Mountain, featuring a course that is technical and steep. The trail includes sections of rocky and rooty terrain, with some areas requiring scrambling over boulders and other parts consisting of dirt or gravel double-track.
Participants can choose from several distance and elevation options:
- 25K: Roughly 25 km with 5,000 feet of climbing over 3 summits of Yonah.
- 50K: Roughly 50 km with 10,000 feet of climbing over 6 summits of Yonah.
- 75K Double Up: A two-day challenge covering 75 km and 15,000 feet of elevation.
- 50K Tag Team: A two-person relay for the Saturday 50K event where partners alternate ascents.
The race course starts in the gravel parking lot and follows the mountain hiking trail to the summit and overlook. Each loop includes an out and back section on a gravel road to achieve the designated distance. A 10-hour cutoff is in place for the Saturday 50K, and an 8-hour cutoff is set for the Sunday 25K.
This is a cup-less event, and runners are required to carry their own hydration vessel and a waterproof shell or jacket. A full aid station is located at the trailhead, providing fuel, electrolytes, and hot food options. An additional water stop is positioned near the summit. Hiking poles are permitted on the course. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
