Troublesome Hollow 50K

In the heart of Southwest Virginia, where country music found its voice, there’s a trail that swings over crooked rivers, climbs to a fire tower, and runs flat and fast along the river before doing it all again.

The 50K goes Saturday. The 25K and a 3-mile walk go Sunday. Same legendary location, same mountain hospitality, same Yeti crew.

This race is also the first leg of the From Start to Heart series — three Appalachian ultras, one registration, fifty Yetis. Troublesome Hollow leads into the Dam Yeti 50 Miler and finishes at the Yeti 100.

50K Waitlist Now Open

If you register for the waitlist. You will be chosen -as runners plans change and drop from the race we will send you an invite via ultrasignup to register.
Start Training & See you soon !

Part of the ‘From Start to Heart’ Series

Troublesome Hollow 50K kicks off our inaugural ‘From Start to Heart’ series – your first step in a three-race journey through Appalachia’s most iconic ultras. Limited to 50 dedicated Yetis, one series registration ($450) unlocks this spring adventure plus the summer Dam Yeti 50 Miler and fall’s legendary Yeti 100.

Check out the full Start to Heart series here!

From Start to Heart series standings!

Troublesome Hollow 50K/25K

Where Appalachian Legends Begin

In the heart of Southwest Virginia, where country music found its voice and the Yeti first learned to roam, lies a trail that echoes with stories. Troublesome Hollow isn’t just a race – it’s a journey through the birthplace of both country music and Yeti Trail Running, where swinging bridges sway over crooked rivers and fire towers touch the mountain sky.

Two Days of Mountain Magic

Saturday, April 25th, 2026 – 50K Adventure

• Start Time: 8:00 AM (Early start option: 7:00 AM)
• Location: 7720 Rich Valley, Bristol, VA
• Cut-off: 9:59:59 (Super generous!)

Sunday, April 26th, 2026 – 25K & 3-Mile Walk

• Start Time: 8:00 AM
• Same legendary location

Course Highlights

• Flat and fast riverside trails
• Iconic swinging bridges and trestles (hard bridges available for the less adventurous)
• One “small” hill to the famous fire tower where life gets discussed and the moon gets howled at
• 25K runners enjoy the scenic Benhams to Mendota section with double crossings of the famous swinging bridge

Race Weekend Info

50K Packet Pick-Up:

• Date: April 24, 2025
• Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
• Location: Birthplace of Country Music Museum
• 101 Country Music Way, Bristol, VA 24201
• Bonus: Stay for the country music history movie!

25K/Walk Packet Pick-Up:

• Race morning at 7:00 AM at start/finish location

Why Troublesome Hollow?

Every heart in Appalachia holds dear memories of a Troublesome Hollow or Creek. We chose this name so that everyone who ventures here, local or visitor, carries home a piece of Southwest Virginia’s soul in their story.

Lodging

• Race Start/Finish Proximity: Econo Lodge, 940 Commonwealth Ave, Bristol, VA
• Downtown Options: DiscoverBristol.org/stay

Course Details

• Aid stations stocked with mountain hospitality
• Early starters: Be prepared to beat aid station setup if you’re swift!

Through the eyes of the Yeti….

Thank you for believing in small town events and supporting Appalachia. An authentic mountain experience by born & raised Appalachians, where every bridge crossing tells a story. #notacultyet