Assault on Yonah Mountain

Assault on Yonah Mountain

Assault on Yonah Mountain in Cleveland, GA is a single-direction uphill event that covers roughly 2.5 miles from the bottom to the summit. The climb gains about 1,650 vertical feet in under 2.5 miles. Timing is recorded only from the bottom to the top; descent is at the participant's own pacing and there is no timed return.

A ruck division is offered with required minimum carried weights: women 15 pounds and men 20 pounds. All finishers receive a medal; to be guaranteed a medal registration must be completed by September 15. Top three male and female finishers receive custom handmade awards. Shirts are available for separate purchase before August 30 and must be picked up in person.

The course starts at a parking area and proceeds down to a paved road before beginning at the bottom of a gravel driveway. The first 0.3 miles gains about 175 feet to the trailhead, then moves onto single track. The climb is described in three sections: the bottom is the most gradual with some rocky bits and short flat stretches; the middle includes the steepest and most technical terrain, a rock garden and a very steep 0.1 mile section near the old helipad with roughly a 35% grade; the top section is a sustained 12 to 20 percent grade for about 0.75 miles winding to the summit field finish.

Safety notes state that grippy trail shoes are strongly recommended for wet conditions, the route includes rock gardens and slip hazards, and the event is not recommended for those who are unfit, elderly, or pose a fall risk. There is a hard time limit of 2 hours 15 minutes and a cutoff at the first overlook/old helipad at 1 hour 15 minutes. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.