The Georgia Death Race

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Prepare for an unforgettable challenge at the Georgia Death Race, a legendary 74-mile ultramarathon set to test your limits on March 28, 2026, in the rugged North Georgia mountains. Starting from Vogel State Park, or nearby Byron Herbert Reece Farm in Blairsville, GA, and concluding at Amicalola Falls State Park, this point-to-point course is renowned as one of the "craziest and most fun races East of the Rockies." Runners will contend with a staggering 16,000 feet of elevation gain and an equal amount of descent across relentlessly technical terrain, including rocky paths, roots, and steep climbs.

The course is a masterpiece of mountain running, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of the North Georgia trails. You'll begin your journey before dawn, with a 5:00 AM start that often rewards runners with a spectacular sunrise over Brasstown Bald from the Duncan Ridge Trail, especially with the leaves off the trees at this time of year. Highlights include the daunting 3.8-mile, 2,300-foot ascent up Coosa Bald in the first 8 miles, navigating the infamous Dragon's Spine section of the Duncan Ridge Trail, crossing the Toccoa Swinging Bridge, and culminating in the "Stairway to Heaven"—a grueling climb of 425 to 700 stairs to the top of Amicalola Falls. Fuel your epic journey at 10 fully stocked aid stations along the way, known for their exceptional volunteers and strict, front-loaded cutoff times. Typical race day conditions in late March feature highs around 64°F and lows around 37°F, with a 19% chance of precipitation, making for variable but generally cool and invigorating weather.

What truly sets the Georgia Death Race apart is its iconic tradition: every runner must carry a 1-pound railroad spike from start to finish. Succeed, and you'll ceremoniously drop your spike into a coffin, receiving an engraved finisher's spike as a testament to your grueling accomplishment. With a notoriously low finish rate, hovering around 50-60%, completing this 74-mile odyssey is a monumental achievement that also serves as a Western States Endurance Run qualifier (under 24 hours) and a UTMB qualifier. No pacers are allowed, and a unique requirement of 6-8 hours of trail maintenance or volunteering underscores the race's deep connection to the ultrarunning community. The Georgia Death Race isn't just a race; it's an unforgettable experience designed to push physical and mental boundaries while immersing you in the stunning wilderness of Georgia. For more information and to register, visit the official Run Bum Tours website at https://www.runbumtours.com.

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