Ache Around the Lake

  • Date Sat 10th October 2026
  • Time 8:00AM EDT
  • Location Tryon, North Carolina
  • Price Free - $44.10
  • Races 4 races
  • Distances 5 Mile, 1 Mile

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Event summary

Get ready for the 20th Annual Ache Around the Lake, an exhilarating running event taking place on Saturday, October 10th, 2026, in the stunning surroundings of Tryon, Polk County! This unique race invites participants to experience the breathtaking landscapes of Lake Lanier, spanning both Landrum, SC, and Tryon, NC. Runners will tackle a challenging 8K course, covering 4.97 miles of hilly terrain that promises to test both seasoned athletes and newcomers alike.

The race kicks off with an exciting descent, leading into the first major challenge, Grunt #1, a steep hill just a quarter-mile in. While the course may not be ideal for setting personal records, it guarantees a thrilling adventure filled with scenic views and demanding climbs. With strategically placed aid stations at mile 2 and mile 4, participants will receive essential support throughout the race. Don’t miss this chance to push your limits while soaking in the natural beauty of two states! Join us for an unforgettable day of running, community, and celebration at the Tryon Antique Mall & Marketplace, starting at 8 AM for the 8K, followed by the 2-mile race and kids' fun run. Let's make memories together at

Organiser's Description

JOIN THE EXCITEMENT OF THE 20TH ANNUAL ACHE AROUND THE LAKE, A YEARLY RUNNING EVENT THAT UNFOLDS ACROSS THE PICTURESQUE LANDSCAPES OF LAKE LANIER, SPANNING BOTH LANDRUM, SC, AND TRYON, NC. THIS UNIQUE RACE ALLOWS PARTICIPANTS TO TRAVERSE THE SCENIC BEAUTY OF TWO STATES IN A CHALLENGING 8K COURSE, COVERING 4.97 MILES OF HILLY TERRAIN. WHILE NOT IDEAL FOR SETTING PERSONAL RECORDS DUE TO ITS UNDULATING NATURE, THE COURSE PROMISES A THRILLING AND DEMANDING EXPERIENCE THAT WILL PUT BOTH SEASONED AND NOVICE RUNNERS TO THE TEST.

THE ACHE AROUND THE LAKE 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 AT JUST OVER 1/4 MILE INTO THE RACE, OFFERING AN EARLY TEST OF ENDURANCE. WHILE THIS MAY BE THE MOST INTENSE INCLINE, SUBSEQUENT HILLS WILL KEEP YOUR LEGS ENGAGED, CREATING A DEMANDING COURSE THAT EVEN THE MOST RESILIENT RUNNERS MAY FIND THEMSELVES WALKING. AID STATIONS ARE STRATEGICALLY PLACED AT MILE 2 AND AGAIN AROUND MILE 4, PROVIDING CRUCIAL SUPPORT TO PARTICIPANTS FACING THE UNIQUE CHALLENGES OF THIS SCENIC YET DEMANDING RACE AROUND LAKE LANIER.

ACHE AROUND THE LAKE ISN'T JUST A RUN; IT'S AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE THAT TAKES YOU THROUGH THE HEART OF TWO STATES, SHOWCASING THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE SURROUNDINGS WHILE PUSHING YOUR PHYSICAL LIMITS. WITH ITS CHALLENGING HILLS AND WELL-PLACED AID STATIONS, THIS ANNUAL EVENT IS A MUST FOR THOSE SEEKING BOTH A SCENIC ADVENTURE AND A TEST OF THEIR RUNNING PROWESS.



WHAT: ACHE AROUND THE LAKE 8K, 2 MILE, AND KIDS FUN RUN



WHEN: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10TH



TIME:

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ACHE AROUND THE LAKE - 8AM

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OUCH 2 MILE - 8:05AM

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KIDS 1 MILE FUN RUN - 8:15AM



WHERE: TRYON ANTIQUE MALL & MARKETPLACE START/FINISH AROUND LAKE LANIER



ADDRESS: 1005 S. TRADE STREET, TRYON, NC 28782



PACKET PICKUP

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RACE DAY ONLY - STARTING AT 6:30AM IN THE PARKING LOT OF THE TRYON ANTIQUE MALL (1005 S. TRADE STREET, TRYON, NC) (THE OLD SAVE-A-LOT) ACROSS THE STREET FROM EL SURENO MEXICAN RESTAURANT ON HWY 176.



POST RACE EATS - WE WILL HAVE ENJOYABLE TREATS AFTER THE RACE...WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE RIGHT NOW IS NOT CLEAR, BUT WE LIKE GOOD FOOD AFTER A RACE SO WE WILL DELIVER THE SAME FOR YOU.



AWARDS

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WE WILL BE ANNOUNCING AWARDS AT 9:30 AM THIS YEAR. OFFICIAL RESULTS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE LATER IN THE DAY. YOU CAN SIGN UP FOR RESULTS NOTIFICATIONS VIA TEXT OR EMAIL DURING REGISTRATION. ALL AWARDS ARE BY GUN TIME - MASS START PER RACE.**

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THE OUCH 2 MILE AWARDS - TOP 1 OVERALL MALE & FEMALE

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ACHE AROUND THE LAKE 8K AWARDS

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TOP 3 OVERALL MALE & FEMALE

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TOP 3 MASTERS MALE & FEMALE

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TOP 1 MALE & FEMALE IN AGE GROUPS

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14 & UNDER

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15-19

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20-29

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30-39

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40-49

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50-59

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60-69

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70+

Races

  • Ache Around the Lake 8K

    Incl. $4.10 Fee & T-Shirt (Unisex)

    Sat 10th October 2026 (8:00AM EDT)

    $44.10

  • The Ouch 2 Mile

    Incl. $3.45 Fee & T-Shirt (Unisex)

    Sat 10th October 2026 (8:05AM EDT)

    $33.45

  • Kids 1 Mile Fun Run

    Incl. T-Shirt (Unisex)

    Sat 10th October 2026 (8:15AM EDT)

    Free

    FREE Kids Fun Run for ages 10 & under only please. This event will not be timed. FREE entry for kids made possible by the Ann Jacob Toms Fund at Polk County Community Foundation.
  • VIRTUAL RACE 8k

    Incl. $3.45 Fee & T-Shirt (Unisex)

    $33.45

    Run your own 8K anywhere between October 7 - October 29, 2024. You can submit your own results through RunSignup via text or through your profile. If you prefer to sleep in and just get a shirt, then this is for you too. There is no requirement to submit any results or times.

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Location

1005 S. Trade Street, Tryon, 28782, NC, United States

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