Yonah Mountain Vertical Challenge
Cleveland, United States • 21-22 Feb 2026
Yonah Mountain Vertical Challenge
The Yonah Mountain Vertical Challenge is a two day mountain trail event held at the Yonah Mountain Trailhead (34.63721066176569, -83.72498145886013). The weekend offers multiple entry options with large net elevation gains and repeated summit loops.
Options include:
- 50 km with about 10,000 ft of climbing over six summits.
- 25 km with about 5,000 ft of climbing over three summits.
- A two day option to race both distances.
- A two person relay for the 50 km distance.
The course follows the Yonah Mountain hiking trail up to the summit and back. The trail is mostly steep and technical, with rocky and rooty sections and a few short spots requiring scrambling. Near the summit the path becomes a dirt or gravel double track. Some sections are runnable depending on skill.
A full aid station is located at the main trailhead and will be passed roughly every five miles. A water stop is located near the summit and volunteers will staff the mountain-top for emergencies only. The event is cup-less; participants must carry a bottle, bladder, or collapsible cup. A waterproof shell and adequate footwear are required. Hiking poles are allowed.
Parking is a gravel lot with limited space; volunteers will direct parking and personal pop-up tents or tables are not permitted. No pacers or crew are allowed on the trail. The organizers monitor weather and may delay or cancel the event for severe storms in consultation with the USFS. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.