Yonah Mountain Vertical Challenge

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Chambers Road, Cleveland GA

Saturday, February 21st, 2026

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 third annual Yonah Mountain Vertical Challenge weekend.

Options: FOUR options upon registration.
5,000FT: Climbing over 3 summits of Yonah, totaling roughly 25km.
10,000FT: Climbing over 6 summits of Yonah, totaling roughly 50km.
Relay: Grab a friend and tag-team Saturday’s 10,000FT 50K!

Prizes provided by ALTRA Running.

Important Notes

This event sold out in 2024 and 2025! Register now and secure your spot.

Trail Conditions: The trail is technical and steep for the majority of the climb.
After-party: Hosted at NoFo Brew Co - 2 miles from the trailhead!
New for 2026: Saturday’s 50K will offer a 2-person relay!
New for 2025: This will become a two-day race over Saturday and Sunday.

Location

Yonah Mountain Trailhead
34.63721066176569, -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.

Schedule

Friday February 20th

5:30 PM: Packet Pickup at NOFO Brew Co (Cleveland)

Saturday February 21st

6:30 AM: Packet Pickup available
8:00 AM: 10,000FT-50K Race Start
4:00 PM: Must have started final lap!
6:00 PM: Course closed followed by after-party at NoFo Brew Co

Sunday February 22nd

7:30 AM: Packet Pickup available
9:00 AM: 5,000FT-25K Race Start
3:00 PM: Must have started final lap!
5:00 PM: Course closed followed by after-party at NoFo Brew Co

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 trailhead, 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.

Strava Route

Cutoffs

50K: 10 Hours for Saturday - final summit by 4 PM!
25K: 8 Hours for Sunday - final summit by 3 PM!

Required Gear

Cup-less: All Summit events are cup-less. Carry a bottle or collapsible cup at all times.
Waterproof: Participants should have a waterproof shell or jacket with them.
Footwear: Adequate footwear is required – prepare for rocky, rooty, wet, muddy, and icy conditions.
Weather Preparedness: The weather at the summit can feel drastically different from the trailhead. Required gear must be with you at all times.

Aid Stations

A full aid station will be provided at the main trailhead, featuring Precision Fuel carb/electrolyte mix. You will pass this after every loop (roughly every five miles). There will be a water stop on course near the summit. Volunteers will be at the mountain-top as well with emergency supplies, but only for emergencies.

Crew Policy

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

Weather Policy

Our team closely monitors the weather during race weekend and leading up to it for any adverse conditions. The Yonah Mountain Vertical Challenge will be run "rain or shine" but could potentially be delayed or cancelled depending on the severity of any storms and guidance from the USFS. Your safety and the safety of our crew and volunteers will always be our priority.