The Frozen Nuts Trail Run is a challenging mid-winter race in Pulaski County, Kentucky near Lake Cumberland.
We've been searching out Kentucky's trail runs over the past year. In the fall, we enjoyed a race at Mammoth Cave, and then in January we traveled to the Frozen Nuts Trail Run, also in southern Kentucky.
It's a fun, low-key trail race run by Vindura, a trail and adventure race brand.
Where Does the Race Happen?
This trail run takes place in Pulaski County Park along the banks of Lake Cumberland. Check-in was at one of the picnic shelters.
The park has a campground, or it’s easy to find lodging options in Somerset.
Other attractions in the area include Cumberland Falls.
Looking for a place to eat? We recommend the Charred Oak Whiskey Grill.
Frozen Nuts Trail Run Basics
When we did this race in 2026, there were three distance options: a 5k, a 10k, and a half-marathon. The half-marathon course was the same as the 10k, but the half-marathoners do the route twice.
Entry fee varies for the different levels, and can increase as the date approaches, so register early.
This is an actual trail race: the trail is a single-track path for nearly the entire route.
The trails used are actually mountain biking paths, but the morning we were there we didn’t encounter any bikers.
We found the trail to be extremely well-marked and easy to follow.
How Hard Is This Trail?
It was fairly challenging. It was runnable, but with leaves, tree roots and mud as obstacles.
For the 10k and half marathon racers, there was one steep hill (Hercules hill), and the finish line was also at the top of a short steep hill.
If you’ve done other trails in the area, I’d say the terrain is similar to the Big Turtle race in Morehead, but with less elevation gain.
One of my friends had recently completed the Rugged Red Half Marathon, and said this race was hard but not quite as hard as the Rugged Red.
And of course, since this race is held in early January, the unpredictable weather can also provide a challenge. (Will it be 20° or 70°? Only time will tell.) The year we ran, it was in the 30s and overcast. Here are my suggestions for winter trail running gear.
Do I Need Trekking Poles?
Maybe.
I didn’t see anyone using trekking poles, and didn’t miss mine. On the other hand, everyone in my friend group tripped and fell at least once, so maybe we would’ve benefited from poles.
Aid Stations
There are zero aid stations. This is a bring your own water and fuel race.
The half-marathon racers did have the option to stash extra water and fuel at the starting point shelter (the mid-point of their race).
What Gear We Used
I wore Oiselle leggings and this half-zip top; he wore Under Armour leggings, shorts and a t-shirt.
I wore Altra Timps and trail gaiters; he wore Altra Experience Wilds.
Read up on Altra trail runners, or compare them with the Topo Terraventures.
We both stashed water in our running vests (I used this vest; he used this one.) We used these water bottles and LMNT electrolytes.
Frozen Nuts Trail Race Swag
We got really cute finisher medals and a race t-shirt.
Overall Thoughts on Frozen Nuts Trail Run
Vindura was extremely responsive when I messaged with questions before signing up, and everyone involved in hosting the event seemed really excited to be there.
We thought this was an enjoyable trail race that’s worth checking out!
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