Yamacraw Trail Runs Whitley City, KY   May 18–19, 2024

Join Yamacraw Trail Runs for a weekend of trail running fun and enjoy some of the most scenic trails in the southeast. Yamacraw features several distinct course distances to choose from, 40K, 20K, 10K, and even a Kid’s Race.  Each race traverse the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area and/or Daniel Boone National Forest in McCreary County, Kentucky.

Take in the beauty of the Big South Fork NRRA and Daniel Boone National Forest as you race through scenic landmarks including gorgeous waterfalls, gorge overlooks, stunning rock overhangs, natural arches, wildflowers and more. Runners doing the 50K or 20K distances end with an iconic finish into Blue Heron Mining Community across a 100 foot high pedestrian bridge for one of the best finish lines in all trail running. The Yamacraw courses were designed to attract a diverse demographic of active outdoor enthusiasts from the seasoned ultra-runner to the beginner trail runner, Yamacraw offers something for everyone. We even have a Kid’s trail run for the little tikes.

40M Details
Distance: 38.4
Elevation Gain: 6,254 ft
Start Time: 6:30 AM EST
Cut-off: 12 hours
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.

40M Cash Prize Top 3 Finishers:
First: $500 (USD)
Second: $300 (USD)
Third: $200 (USD)

20K Details
Distance: 12.1 Miles
Elevation Gain: 2,974 ft
Start Time: 8:00 AM EST
Cut-off: 5 hours
This year’s Yamacraw 20K course will start and finish at the Blue Heron Mining Community in Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. Runners will complete two loops of the Blue Heron Loop Trail. The course features gorge overlooks, river views with Class IV whitewater rapids, rock overhangs, waterfalls and sandstone bluffs. Several wooden step ladders appear throughout the course that runners will have to traverse including the a cave-like passage called “Crack-in-the-Rock”. The Yamacraw 20K starts with a challenging uphill climb of close to 775 feet within the first 1.5 miles offering runners of all ages and experience both a challenging and enjoyably scenic race.

10K Details
Distance: 6.1 Miles
Elevation Gain: 1,023 ft
Start Time: 9:30 AM EST
Cut-off: 3 hours
The Yamacraw 10K trail race follows the Blue Heron Loop Trail at the Blue Heron Mining Community in Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. The course features gorge overlooks, river views with Class IV whitewater rapids, rock overhangs, waterfalls and sandstone bluffs. Several wooden step ladders appear throughout the course that runners will have to traverse including the a cave-like passage called “Crack-in-the-Rock”. The Yamacraw 10K starts with a challenging uphill climb of close to 775 feet within the first 1.5 miles offering runners of all ages and experience both a challenging and enjoyably scenic race.