Mystery Mountain Marathon & 12-Miler

Event overview

The Mystery Mountain Marathon & 12-Miler takes place on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at Fort Mountain State Park in Chatsworth, Georgia (181 Fort Mountain State Park Road). The event is run by a 100% non-profit organization; a portion of proceeds supports Fort Mountain State Park. Combined entry is limited to 250 participants. There is a $5 state park parking fee collected at arrival. The course passes a low rock wall near the summit that is over 1,000 years old.

Distances

• Marathon
• 12 mile

Course and logistics

Both races use trail surfaces that include single track, rugged mountain-bike trails, and smoother horse trails. The marathon accumulates about 5,500 feet of elevation gain. The route begins with a loop around the lake, then uses Big Rock and the Gahuti Trail, includes a narrow summit loop with difficult footing, and for marathoners adds the 301 loop before returning to the lake. Bears have been spotted on sections of the course.

Aid stations and cutoffs: the 12-miler has three aid stations plus one fluids-only station and a 6-hour time limit with a 3.5-hour cutoff at the park entrance (approx. mile 8). The marathon has six aid stations plus two fluids-only stations and an 8-hour time limit with cutoffs at approx. miles 11, 18.9, and 22.3 (3.5, 6.0, and 7.0 hours respectively).

Course markings use tape, flags, chalk, and arrows. The 12-miler follows orange markings. Marathon runners follow orange markings for the first portion, then blue markings after the Power Line aid station. There are no mile markers; confidence markers appear every 2-5 minutes. Littering on course results in disqualification. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.