The Yamacraw 20K 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 course shares approximately 7 miles with the Yamacraw 50k course. The 20K starts out quickly as runners race downhill towards the Big South Fork Cumberland River as it crisscrosses over Lick Creek multiple times. Along the way runners will be treated to magnificent singletrack trails and scenic landmarks that include stunning rock overhangs and waterfalls. Runners will cross Rock Creek, “A Kentucky Wild River”, some years by rope and other years by raft and cross the Grassy Fork Creek nearly a dozen times before climbing out to the second aid station. Then runners drop back into the woods on single track for 4.3 miles to Blue Heron for an iconic finish crossing over the river on a 100 foot high pedestrian bridge.
Course Map
Aid Stations:
There will be two fully stocked aid station located along the 20K course as well as aid provided at the finish. The aid station will be supplied with water, electrolyte drink, gels, snacks, first aid, and enthusiastic volunteers!
Start – 0.0 Mile (8:30 AM)
Yamacraw Bridge – 4.4 Miles (10:15 AM/1:45 Hr Cut-Off)
Wilson Ridge – 7.5 Miles (11:30 AM/3:00 Hr Cut-Off)
Finish – 12.4 (1:30 PM/5:00 Hr Cut-Off)
By the numbers
- Distance: 12.4 miles / 20K
- Elevation Gain: 1,145 ft
- Elevation Loss: -1,597 ft
- Singletrack: 99% (12.2 miles)
- Roadway: 1% (.2 miles)
- Aid Station: 2
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 8:10 AM race morning. Check-in will be at the Heritage Hall from 6:00 to 8:00 am. We will begin loading the shuttles around 7:50 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 20K 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 a finish line drop bag which can be left at the Heritage Hall and will be transported to the finish.
Awards:
All 20K finishers will receive a unique finishers award.
Also, we will have unique and fun handmade awards for top three overall men and women as well as top 3 in each age group. (19 & under, 20-29,30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+)
Course Markings:
The 20K will be marked with BLUE FLAGGING. Markings will be spaced maximum every .2 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!
Just a final note, while the course will be marked, these trails will still remain open to the public. Please be courteous to all park visitors.
