The Georgia Death Race
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
The Georgia Death Race
The Georgia Death Race is a trail running event covering approximately 74 miles from the Byron Herbert Reece Heritage Center in Blairsville to Amicalola Falls State Park. This point-to-point course features significant elevation changes, totaling 16,000 feet of climbing and 16,000 feet of descent.
Participants must adhere to specific traditions and requirements. Throughout the duration of the event, runners are required to carry a one-pound railroad spike. Those who complete the journey throw their spike into a coffin at the finish line and receive an engraved spike in return. The race has a total time limit of 25 hours, with additional hard cutoffs established at various aid stations. Pacers are not permitted for this event.
For the 2027 edition, all participants must complete a mandatory volunteer requirement. This involves at least six hours of trail maintenance or volunteering at any trail race. Alternatively, runners may opt out by paying a fee that is donated to trail associations. A mandatory pre-race meeting for both runners and crew is held on the Friday evening before the event at Amicalola Lodge.
Registration includes a hat and a pint glass. This race serves as a Western States qualifier; participants who finish the 74-mile course in under 24 hours earn a ticket for the Western States Endurance Run lottery. A pre-race shuttle service from Amicalola is available for purchase for those who are not being dropped off by a crew. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
