RACE DAY INFO
This is an incredibly fun, safe and scenic trail race. While this is not a flat race, your efforts are rewarded with views! You will run around a picturesque lake, by the jaw dropping Anna Ruby Falls and traverse miles of single track. Seasoned veterans and trail newbies alike, get ready for one of the most memorable half marathons you'll ever run!
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This race is a hiker friendly event!
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There is an ample 6 hour cutoff for the half marathon and a 4 hour cutoff for the 10k
Registration Includes: MUST BE REGISTERED BY OCT 31 FOR SWAG
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hat or beanie
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medal for the half marathon
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pint glass
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race day photos - free to download!
Race Start Time & Location
Saturday December 14, 2024 - 7:30 AM
Unicoi Bottoms Rd - marked with signs on race day
(Coming from Helen, this is the first RIGHT after you pass the Unicoi Lodge.)
Helen, GA 30545
34°43'11.7"N 83°43'25.0"W
34.719909, -83.723604
1788 Highway 356, Helen, GA 30545
Parking is $5 per vehicle cash only - FREE with GA State Parks Pass
Weekend Schedule
Packet Pickup:
Friday, December 13, 2024
5:00PM to 8:00 PM (non-mandatory)
Adventure Camp (Start/Finish location)
1788 Highway 356, Helen, GA 30545
Race Morning:
Saturday, December 14, 2024
Packet pickup 6:150 AM to 7:15 AM
Pre-race meeting 7:15 AM
Race starts at 7:30 AM
Directions
To get to the start finish from Helen, GA.
GA-17 N/GA-75 N/N Main St to GA 356, stay on GA 356 for two miles, turn right on Bottoms Rd
The start/finish is located at the big field on Bottoms Rd Within Unicoi State Park.
Race Information
This is walker friendly course, but you still must meet cutoffs. The biggest cutoff is the first one to the Anna Ruby Falls parking lot 4.5 miles into the race. You have 75 minutes to do this! NO EARY STARTS! You are responsible for following course markings. There are road crossings, so please be alert for passing cars. We welcome back of the packers but to make the cutoff you might need to be run / walking the flats and downhills. Post race party / hang out at Bigg Daddys from 11:30 AM till we are finished!
Course Description
The half contains roughly 2400ft of elevation gain and the same descent. The first half of the race runs one long extended climb to the top of a gap, the second half is one long extended descent back down. You will experience rolling hills on the climb up and descent down.
The 10k route features rolling hills. If you are new to trail running, we advise you to hike the uphills. The 10k race has 400ft of elevation gain and 400ft of elevation loss.
Expect 1.5 miles of pavement, .5 paved path, .5 of gravel road, and the rest is trail.
Road shoes are not recommended nor safe for this race.
Where to stay
The beautiful Unicoi State Park & Lodge is the perfect place to stay, just a short walk from the start/finish area!!
