Ache Around the Lake

21ST ANNUAL · BENEFITING THE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

ACHE AROUND THE LAKE

A challenging, hilly 8K around Lake Lanier that crosses two states, plus the Ouch 2 Mile and a Kids 1 Mile Fun Run.

Saturday, November 7, 2026

Tryon Antique Mall & Marketplace · Tryon, NC

WELCOME TO

NORTH CAROLINA

Tryon

WELCOME TO

SOUTH CAROLINA

Landrum

ABOUT THE RACE

Join the excitement of the 21st Annual Ache Around the Lake, a yearly running event across the picturesque landscapes of Lake Lanier, spanning both Landrum, SC, and Tryon, NC. This unique race lets you traverse the scenic beauty of two states on a challenging 8K course covering 4.97 miles of hilly terrain.

It's not ideal for setting personal records thanks to its undulating nature, but the course promises a thrilling, demanding experience that will test seasoned and novice runners alike. With its challenging hills and well-placed aid stations, Ache Around the Lake is a must for anyone seeking both a scenic adventure and a test of their running prowess.

RACE DAY DETAILS

DATE

Saturday, November 7, 2026

START TIMES

Ache Around the Lake 8K: 8:00 AM Ouch 2 Mile: 8:05 AM Kids 1 Mile Fun Run: 8:15 AM

WHERE

Tryon Antique Mall & Marketplace

Start/finish around Lake Lanier 1005 S. Trade Street, Tryon, NC 28782

PACKET PICKUP

Race day only, starting at 6:30 AM in the parking lot of the Tryon Antique Mall (the old Save-A-Lot), across the street from El Sureno Mexican Restaurant on Hwy 176

THE ACHE-O-METER

The Events

Ache Around the Lake 8K

8:00 AM

4.97 hilly miles around Lake Lanier through two states.

MAXIMUM ACHE

The Ouch 2 Mile

8:05 AM

A shorter taste of the lake.

SOLID OUCH

Kids 1 Mile Fun Run

8:15 AM

For ages 1–10.

ALL FUN

Registration for all events ends November 7, 2026 at 8:00 AM.

RACE MORNING TIMELINE

6:30 AMPacket pickup opens8:00 AMAche Around the Lake 8K start8:05 AMOuch 2 Mile start8:15 AMKids 1 Mile Fun Run start9:15 AMAwards

THE COURSE

GRUNT #1

HILL FEEL, NOT TO SCALE

The race kicks off with an initial descent, setting the stage for a journey filled with challenging gradients. Brace yourself for GRUNT #1, the steepest hill, just over 1/4 mile into the race. It may be the most intense incline, but the hills that follow will keep your legs engaged, and even the most resilient runners may find themselves walking.

Aid stations are placed at mile 2 and again around mile 4.

8K Course MapStart/Finish on Google Maps

POST-RACE EATS

Protein-packed snacks, fruit, water, and gatorade.

If you're so inclined, hang around Tryon and join in the TDDA's Annual Beer Fest Celebration.

RACE AWARDS

Awards will be announced at 9:15 AM. Official results will be online later in the day, and you can sign up for results notifications by text or email during registration. All awards are by gun time, with a mass start for each race.

Ache Around the Lake 8K

Top 3 Overall Male & Female Top 3 Masters Male & Female Top 1 Male & Female in each age group

The Ouch 2 Mile

Top 1 Overall Male & Female

8K AGE GROUPS

14 & under15-1920-2930-3940-4950-5960-6970+

THE CAUSE

Benefiting The Hospital Foundation

Ache Around the Lake supports The Hospital Foundation.

The Hospital FoundationDonate

GOOD TO KNOW

Update your details or add-ons any time through your RunSignUp profile. Results and photos will be posted on this site after the race.

Manage RegistrationResultsPhotos

LET'S STAY CONNECTED

See you on November 7th!

Contact the Race Director Questions? Use the contact form or tap the chat button in the corner.