The Georgia Death Race is a point-to-point ultra-marathon in the mountains of North Georgia. The race is 70ish miles with close to 28,000 feet of elevation change. The event begins at Vogel State Park, heads west and then south to the finish at Amicalola Falls State Park.
Starting the race at 5:00 A.M. allows runners of all speeds to be on top of Duncan Ridge to see the sunrise over the back of Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia. With the leaves off the trees, the sunrise will light up the surrounding mountains and valleys that make up Northern Georgia. The first 8 miles has close to 3,500 feet of elevation change, including the 3.8 mile, 2,300 ft. climb up and over the summit of Coosa Bald.
Other course highlights include incredible views from random points along the trail, the Toccoa Swinging Bridge, Amicalola Falls, the remote Benton MacKaye and Duncan Ridge Trails, and a beautiful wide open field with unobstructed views of the mountains some 37 miles in. But be warned ! This race is hard as nails!
While the point of the race is for it to be hard, the real reason for this race is to showcase the North Georgia Mountain trails as well as create an experience that you will never forget. The sheer beauty of this race masks the difficulty of the terrain.
There are 10 fully stocked aid stations along the course, a unique race t-shirt, professional photographs), and the unique engraved “Death Race Spike” (only if you finish), along with a catered hot meal at the finish.
To qualify for the Georgia Death Race you must have run an official 50K or longer race within 365 days (and no later than February 15th) of this year’s GDR. The completion of any prior GDR will qualify you. Due to the popularity of this event, GDR now has a registration lottery! GDR is a Western States Endurance Run Golden Ticket race and qualifier if you go sub 23 hours. GDR is also a UTMB qualifier.
GEORGIA DEATH RACE REQUIRES participants completed eight (8) hours minimum, of trail maintenance, and/or volunteering at a trail race within 265 days of this year’s race. It must be signed off and approved by a local trail maintainer, race director, or land manager!!!
Closest airport is Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, approximately 2 hours 15 minutes from Vogel State Park.
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