Blue Heron 10K
Stearns, United States • 16 May 2026
Blue Heron 10K
The Blue Heron 10K takes place on May 16, 2026 at Blue Heron on KY HWY 742 in Stearns, Kentucky, within the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. The course is a 6.1 mile trail with an elevation gain of 1,023 ft that follows the Blue Heron Loop Trail.
The route includes panoramic gorge views, Class IV whitewater rapids, sandstone bluffs, cascading waterfalls, wooden step ladders and the "Crack-in-the-Rock" passage. The course begins near the concession stand shelter and proceeds along the Horse Trail.
Entry is limited to 100 runners. The registration fee is $50.00 and registration opens on 2026-02-23. The shirt deadline is April 25. Packet pickup is scheduled for Friday, May 15 at the McCreary County Tourism Office, 14 Geary Ave., Whitley City, KY 42653. Race day check-in is at Blue Heron.
There is one fully stocked aid station at mile 3.4 (Spur Aid Station). Cutoff times are enforced at the spur aid station and at the finish. Parking is limited, so participants are asked to use designated parking areas and consider carpooling.
Awards are given to the top three overall male and female finishers and to the top three in each age category: 10 and under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 and over. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.