Mt Yonah Vertical Challenge

“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 inaugural 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!

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
630 AM - Packet Pickup available
8 AM - 10k’ Race Start
9 AM - 5k' Race Start
4 PM - Must have started final lap!
6 PM - Course closed
630 PM - After-party at NoFo Brew Co (2 miles from trailhead)

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.