Lake Yahou
About the race
Lake Yahou was opened up in May 2022 for recreational use, and Dirty Soles Trail Races was the first and only trail race starting at the lake.
The trails are mostly non-technical, single-track dirt. The trail is very runnable for new and seasoned trail runners, with just a few spots that have rocks and boulders.
This race is capped at 100 runners to keep it small, so that every runner feels they matter.
Aid stations
- Full aid station at the Strat/Finish
- Either a self-serve aid station (water and snacks) or a full aid station about 3.8 miles in at the McClellan Trailhead, depending on volunteer availability
This is a cupless event. Bring something to hold liquids.
Finisher rock, awards and finish
Finisher rock
Each finisher receives a one-of-a-kind, hand-painted finisher rock. Runners who drop to a shorter distance during the race do not receive a finisher rock, but will still get a high five.
Awards
- Top three female and top three male finishers for each distance
- Runners who drop to a lower distance mid-race are not considered for a top award
Finish line
The finish line has music, food and beverages.
Shirts
- Long-sleeve shirts go to each registered runner who wants one, if you register before September 9
- If you register after September 8, there is a good chance you will not get a shirt
Packet pickup
Packet pickup is on race day at the start line, from 7:00 AM to 7:50 AM.
Waitlist and race location
Race location: 370 Lake Yahou Rd, Annsiton, AL 36205
If the race sells out, a waitlist will open. The only way to get off the waitlist is if a runner cancels their registration.
Beat the best
If you finish first overall (female or male) and beat the best time from previous years in the distance you signed up for, you get a free entry to come back the next year.
Cancellation policy
Athletes can cancel their registration, but no refund is given.
No refunds. No deferrals. Transfers: contact the race director to transfer your registration to another runner.
The course
50K
10 Miles
5.5 Miles
The trails are mostly non-technical, single-track dirt. As in any natural setting, there are rocks and roots. The trail is very runnable for new and seasoned trail runners, with just a few spots that have rocks and boulders.
Course details
- 50K: three loops, elevation around 3000 feet, cutoff 10 hours
- 10 miles: one loop, 10 miles with some extra credit for a total of 10.5 miles, elevation around 1000 feet, cutoff 4 hours
- 5.5 miles: one loop, 5.5 miles +/- depending on your watch, elevation around 551 feet, cutoff 3 hours
Location
City insight: Anniston
Anniston is the county seat of Calhoun County in Alabama, USA, and one of two principal cities of the Anniston–Oxford Metropolitan Statistical Area. Known as the Model City for its careful planning in the late nineteenth century, it sits on the slope of Blue Mountain. Summers are hot and humid, so spring and autumn are the best seasons to race.
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