McCoy Hollow Trail: Course Analysis & What to Expect
The McCoy Hollow Trail is a 6.4-mile null route in KY, USA. The course gains 784 feet and loses 597 feet of elevation.
Terrain Profile
This course is characterized by a front-loaded profile with early climbing with 4 distinct terrain sections. Approximately 84% of the course is runnable (mild grades), while 13% involves sustained climbing or steep grades. The terrain opens with flat/rolling terrain and finishes with steep climb — budget energy carefully as the route ends with climbing.
Terrain DNA: Flat/Rolling → Flat/Rolling → Flat/Rolling → Climb
Climbing Details
The course includes 1 major climb. The longest climb covers 0.5 miles with 243 feet of elevation gain. The steepest sustained grade reaches 9.3%. Expect roughly 123 feet of climbing per mile on average across the full course.
Course Strategy
The course is primarily trail with mixed terrain. Approximately 84% of the distance is at runnable grades, meaning most runners can maintain a running gait for the majority of the course. Approximately 9% of the course involves grades steep enough to force hiking for most competitors.
What to Know Before You Go
- Net uphill: the course gains more elevation than it loses. Pacing discipline and climbing strength are critical for a strong finish.
- Uphill finish: the race ends with climbing—don't celebrate too early. Budget energy for a strong push to the line.
- Highly runnable: 84% of the course is at runnable grades. Pacing discipline matters—it's easy to go out too fast on terrain this favorable.