Ache Around the Lake 8k – September 22, 2012 – Lake Lanier – Tryon, NC

A beautifully scenic 8k race featuring a USATF certified course. Cruise around Lake Lanier and help support an important cause at the same time. If you’re not up for the 8k (known as the ‘Ache’) then consider the 2 mile ‘Ouch’ (described as a fun run). An overview from the race organizers:

Ache Around the Lake has become known as one of the ‘biggest little races’ on the Upstate SC and Western NC racing circuit —boasting gorgeous mountain lake views and a challenging USAT&F-certified course. Local elites, power walkers and weekend racers looking for a PR enjoy this challenging race in the foothills each fall.
More importantly, The Ache benefits local St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that raises funds for non-profit St. Luke’s Hospital. St. Luke’s Hospital is a Joint Commission accredited hospital providing primary and acute healthcare services to Polk County, North Carolina and the Upstate of South Carolina.
Since 1991, The Foundation has raised funds for patient room renovations, hospital beds, heart monitors, automated medication dispensing, central registration and emergency room waiting area and adding digital mammography to the radiology department.

THE ACHE 8K COURSE

Here is a description of the 8k course, followed by a link to an interactive map at Map My Run:

The Ache race and The Ouch both will start together on Butter Street. They will both come down the hill together and go onto Lake Shore Drive. The Ouch participants will then split from The Ache racers by staying STRAIGHT on East Lakeshore drive and heading towards the Tea House (Ache participants go to the right here). This 8K course starts on Butter Street with a sloping downhill crosses over the dam and then up a short steep hill referred to by local athletes as the “Grunt” hill. The run follows the lake in a counter-clockwise direction on West Lakeshore Drive, winding around 5 miles of continuous lake road (W. Lakeshore Drive turns into E. Lakeshore Drive). This is an 8-K USATF (4.97 miles) certified course with varied terrain. There are many inclines and switchbacks but the last half mile is relatively flat. Scenic views of this hidden mountain lake are visible throughout much of the race. A challenging course for runners and walkers.
Water/Aid Stations will be set up near the following locations: Caledonia Road (shortly before mile 1), Dug Hill Road (shortly before mile 2), and Lennox Road (before mile 4), as well as at the finish. Average weather conditions for Lake Lanier in October at 8:00 AM: 50-60 degrees F with mild humidity.

Pre-registration (through September 7, 2012) is just $20 (including a shirt) and race day registration is $25. There’s also a team category that’s just $15 per person. Online registration is available at Strictly Running. Or, you may download an Ache Around the Lake Entry Form. For more information, visit the race website.