Lake Yahou

Lake Yahou opens its doors for the Lake Yahou race in Anniston, Alabama on October 10th, welcoming runners to explore a new trail system that only opened for recreational use in May 2022. The event takes place at 370 Lake Yahou Road and offers three distinct distances: a challenging 50K, a moderate 10 Miler, and an accessible 5.5 Miler.
On race morning, runners can expect to gather around the starting line in Anniston by 7am for packet pickup and final preparations before hitting the trails at Lake Yahou. The setting is serene with rolling hills and dense forest surrounding the lake, providing a natural backdrop that highlights both beauty and challenge as participants navigate through rocky terrain punctuated by single-track dirt paths.
This inaugural race serves not only to introduce runners to this newly accessible trail system but also to support local initiatives in Anniston. Runners are encouraged to engage with the community spirit and contribute to ongoing efforts for environmental preservation and recreational access enhancement at Lake Yahou, making every step a part of shaping the future of outdoor recreation in Alabama.
The course winds through diverse terrain featuring non-technical trails that offer both runnable stretches and challenging sections marked by rocks and roots. Runners will loop around three times for those tackling the 50K distance or complete one lap each for the shorter options, with an aid station at the start/finish line providing essential supplies throughout the day.
Race morning in Anniston typically sees temperatures ranging from a low of approximately 12.5°C to a high of about 24.0°C, with average humidity levels around 67%. The trails are firm and slightly soft underfoot, presenting an ideal surface for runners looking to test their endurance on varied terrain.