Yamacraw Trail Runs

Distance: 38.4
Elevation Gain: 6,254 ft
Start Time: 6:30 AM EST
Cut-off: 12 hours

The Yamacraw 40M is a point-to-point trail race that begins at the Lick Creek Trail in Daniel Boone National Forest and ends at the Blue Heron Mining Community in Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. The actual distance is approximately 38.4 miles with an elevation gain of 6,254 feet. The course traverses some of the most beautiful trails in the southeast including the Sheltowee Trace Trail, Kentucky’s longest trail. Runners will be treated to miles of magnificent single track trails and scenic landmarks that include stunning rock overhangs, natural arches, and several waterfalls including Princess Falls and Yahoo Falls, Kentucky's highest waterfall. Runners will encounter multiple water crossings throughout the course. While there are many creek crossings throughout the course, there are two major water crossings the first coming at mile 18 at Rock Creek and the second as runners enter the Blue Heron area at around mile 32. Runners will come into the finish area for the final aid station then follow the Blue Heron Loop Trail 6.6 miles until returning to the finish. The 40M course offers some challenging climbs towards the second half of the race but is fast and highly runnable which can be a challenge in itself.

View Interactive Course Map on Ultrapacer

 

AID STATIONS & CUTOFFS

There are 6 fully stocked aid stations along the course. Total cutoff time for the 40M is 12 hours. Cut-off times will be strictly enforce for the safety of runners and volunteers. There will be one drop bag permitted at the Blue Heron Aid Station mile 32 that you can also access at the finish.

1. Yahoo Arch - 6.94 Miles (8:40 AM Cut off)
2. Alum Ford - 11.04 Miles (9:55 AM Cut off)
3. Yamacraw Bridge - 16.90 Miles (11:45 AM Cut off)
4. Bald Knob - 20.90 Miles (1:00 PM Cut off)
5. Ledbetter - 26.05 Miles (2:40 PM Cut off)
6. Blue Heron - 32.28 Miles (4:35 PM Cut off) *Drop Bag
7. Finish Line - 38.40 Miles (6:30 PM Cut off)

Additional Information

Race Day Check-in and Shuttle

Due to limited parking at both the start and at the finish, runners will be shuttle both to the race start and from the race finish back to the Stearns Heritage Hall, the same location at packet pickup and race morning check-in. The shuttles will leave the Heritage Hall around 6:00 am race morning. Check-in will be at Heritage Hall from 5:00 to 6:00 am. We will begin loading the shuttles around 5:50 AM. Finish line shuttles will be provided to get runners from the race finish at Blue Heron to return runners to their vehicles at the Heritage Hall. All 40M participants are asked to park at the designated parking areas at the Heritage Hall.

Runners will not be able to leave anything on the buses, but we do allow for one drop bag which can be accessed at mile 32 and then again at the finish. Drop bags should be left at the Heritage Hall at packet pickup or race morning before getting on the shuttle bus. Drop bags will be transported to the finish by race staff. Please be sure to label your drop bag with your name and bib number. Also see our list of rules for drop bags.

Awards and Cash Prize

All 40M finishers will receive a finishers award. We will have unique handmade awards for the top finisher male and female in each age group. (18-29,30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+)

We also have a cash prize purse for the top 3 overall male and female in the 40M.

First: $500 (USD)
Second: $300 (USD)
Third: $200 (USD)

Course Markings

The 40M will be marked with PINK & YELLOW/BLACK checkerboard flagging. Markings will be spaced maximum every .25 mile with more heavily markings at any turn or crossing trail. The race organizers will do everything they can to have the course marked well for race participants the day of the event. During the on trail sections of the course, runners must stay on the trail. No switchback cutting!

*Note, while the course will be marked, these trails will still remain open to the public. Please be courteous to all park visitors.