MOUNTAIN RUN

Running enthusiasts lace up for events at Georgia State Parks

On your mark, get set, go!

Whether you’re a trail runner or a triathlete, Georgia State Parks has the terrain, the technicality and some pretty amazing views year-round.

Check out this list of upcoming and future races and get more details at GaStateParks.org

For Trail Runners

Red Top Roaster 9.9-mile or 3.1-mile Trail Race

July 29 at Red Top Mountain State Park, Acworth

Named for the hot temperatures in July, the Red Top Roaster is one of the most popular races at Red Top Mountain State Park. The terrain utilizes most of the park’s trails including the Sweet Gum Trail, Homestead Trail, Iron Hill Trail, Campground Trail and Visitor Center Loop Trail. The course is made up of rolling hills and double track with minimal rocks and roots, perfect for a first trail race.

Fort Yargo State Park 8.75 or 3.1 mile Trail Race

Oct. 14 at Fort Yargo State Park, Winder

The trail race starts in the powerline alley before dipping into the woods. Fort Yargo’s trails are known to mountain bikers, which means trail runners will find a mixture of smooth, easy-to-navigate singletrack along with some technical rocky and rooted sections.

Chattanooga 50-mile, 100-mile and 100-mile 8-person Relay

Dec. 1-2 at Cloudland Canyon State Park, Rising Fawn

Trail runners journey all the trails within Cloudland Canyon State Park in the first-annual Chattanooga 100-mile race. The course features two 50-mile loops where runners will pass by waterfalls, run along ridgeline and rim trails and see expansive views of the canyon and surrounding areas.

Helen Holiday Half Marathon/10k

Dec. 16 at Unicoi State Park, Helen

One of the most festive trail races, runners start and end in Unicoi State Park, looping through the park’s trails and running through downtown Helen’s Main Street. Runners are encouraged to dress in costumes, and a party at the finish line greets participants with a DJ and Santa Claus.

For Triathletes

Tri the Parks - Richard B. Russell State Park

July 29 at Richard B. Russell State Park, Elberton

Athletes swim 1,500 meters in Lake Russell, then leave the park to ride a 22-mile lollipop loop around Elberton, followed by a 6.2-mile run through the park’s rolling hills. The race has a duathlon and aquabike option.

Tugaloo Triathlon

Sept. 9 at Tugaloo State Park, Lavonia

This Olympic distance triathlon consists of a 1.5k swim, a 42k bike and a 10k run throughout Tugaloo State Park. Racers will swim in Lake Hartwell, bike through the rolling hills of Hart County and run a relatively flat road that loops throughout the park.

If