The Yamacraw 50K 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 closer to a 53K coming in close to 33.1 miles. 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 wonderful waterfalls including Kentucky’s highest waterfall, Yahoo Falls. Runners will enjoy multiple water crossings as they run alongside the Big South Fork Cumberland River and adjoining creeks. The race ends with an iconic crossing over the river on a 100 foot high pedestrian bridge that leads runners straight to the finish. The 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. At a modest 4,296 ft feet of elevation gain, the Yamacraw 50K is challenging but still a great race for those looking to complete their first ultra or those gearing up for their new race calendar.
50K Course Map
Aid Stations & Cutoffs:
There are five fully stocked aid stations located along the 50K course. Each aid station will be supplied with water, electrolyte drink, gels, snacks, first aid, and enthusiastic volunteers!
There is a 11 hour cutoff for the 50K race.
Cut-off times will be strictly enforced and reflect the deadlines for LEAVING the aid station.
- Start – Mile 0.0 (7:30 AM)
- Yahoo Arch – 7.1 Miles (9:51 AM / 2:21 Hr Cut-Off)
- Alum Ford – 10.9 Miles (11:07 AM / 3:37 Hr Cut-Off)
- Yamacraw Bridge – 16.8 Miles (1:05 PM / 5:35 Hr Cut-Off)
- Bald Knob – 20.9 Miles (2:27 PM / 6:57 Hr Cut-Off) *Drop Bag
- Ledbetter – 26.1 Miles (4:10 PM / 8:40 Hr Cut-Off)
- Finish – 33.1 Miles (6:30 PM/11 Hr Cut-Off)
By the numbers
- Distance: 33.1 miles / 53k
- Elevation Gain: 3,809 ft
- Elevation Loss: 4,347ft
- Aid Stations: 5
- 90% trail
- 8% gravel access road
- 2% paved roadway
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 7:10 am race morning. Check-in will be at Heritage Hall from 6:00 to 7:00 am. We will begin loading the shuttles around 6:50 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 50K 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 and Cash Prize
All 50K finishers will receive a finishers award. We will have unique handmade awards for top three in each age group. (18-29,30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+)
We also have a $3500 prize purse for the top 3 overall Men and Women in the 50K.
- First: $1,000 (USD)
- Second: $500 (USD)
- Third: $250 (USD)
Course Markings
The 50K will be marked with PINK & YELLOW/BLACK checkerboard 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.
