2023 Yamacraw 20K

Map of 2023 Yamacraw 20K - Big South Fork NRRA & Daniel Boone National Forest

Elevation Profile of 2023 Yamacraw 20K - Big South Fork NRRA & Daniel Boone National Forest

Overview. The Yamacraw 20K course is arguably the most scenic ‘fun run’ in Kentucky with a net descent paired with beautiful forest scenes, passing by Princess Falls, and going through a pair of mountain laurel tunnels that just happen to be in bloom on race day each year. It’s a must-do event for trail runners in the region and sells out annually.

Route Type | Point to Point
Total Distance | 11.67 miles
Elevation Gain | 1,259 feet
Trail Runner Difficulty | Easy
Hiker Difficulty | Moderate

Race Recap. I typically run the 50K, but this year I’m doing shorter distances, and that gave me the opportunity to checkout the 20K course for the first time with my buddy, Handsome Klatzke.

The race started at the Lick Creek Trailhead in the Stearns Ranger District of Daniel Boone National Forest. The trail begins as doubletrack and eventually narrows to singletrack as it follows the creek downstream, passing Princess Falls along the way.

The running is very easy throughout most of the course and the opening stretch is especially nice with a gentle downhill with only a few hiccups for some steps at a couple spots.

As we reached a flat-ish section along the creek, I snapped my ankle and the sound was pretty freaky. I’ve sprained ankles plenty of times, but the sound of this one was sketchy AF.

I walked it out for awhile, did a full stop assessment after the 20K/50K split, and figured it was good enough to continue past the aid station at Yamacraw Bridge.

For the rest of the race, it was some careful running where good footing was available, fast uphill hiking, and slow footsteps on anything technical or significant side-slanted trail.

And then it started raining. And then it started pouring. And then I finished at 3:40:19.

The finish line beers were fantastic, the shower at the campground was refreshing, and the dinner at Whistle Stop was….substantial - onion rings, chili, Caesar salad, chicken breast topped with mushrooms, onions, peppers, pepperjack cheese, and bacon. Oh, and green beans.

I didn’t have an ideal race, but it doesn’t matter. This 20K is a fun run - busted ankle or not.

If you’re new to trail running or enjoy scenic runs, sign up for this race. It’s about as easy, and as beautiful as it gets. AND, it has a generous 5 hour cutoff time, so there’s that. Learn more at https://runyamacraw.com