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Ache Around the Lake

November 7, 2026
Tryon, NC 28782 US

Events

Ache Around the Lake 8K

Price: $45
Time: 8:00AM EST 10:00AM EST
Registration ends November 7, 2026 at 8:00am EST

The Ouch 2 Mile

Price: $35
Time: 8:05AM EST 10:00AM EST
Registration ends November 7, 2026 at 8:00am EST

Kids 1 Mile Fun Run

Price: $0
Time: 8:15AM EST 10:00AM EST
Registration ends November 7, 2026 at 8:00am EST
Open to ages 1 - 10.

Information

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 opens
8:00 AMAche Around the Lake 8K start
8:05 AMOuch 2 Mile start
8:15 AMKids 1 Mile Fun Run start
9:15 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.
 

2025 Ache Around the Lake

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2025 Ache Around the Lake

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Any questions? Contact us today!

The Hospital Foundation in support of AdventHealth was organized to ensure our community has access exceptional healthcare services at our local hospital.  In 2024, AdventHealth Polk opened at the former St. Luke's Hospital facility in Columbus.  AdventHealth has continued to provide the exceptional healthcare that St. Luke's was known for, while expanding the medical services available at our local hospital.  

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