The Georgia Death Race
Blairsville, United States • 28 Mar 2026
Event overview
The Georgia Death Race is a roughly 74-mile trail running race held March 28, 2026 in Blairsville, GA. The route runs from Byron Herbert Reece Farm to Amicalola Falls State Park and includes about 16,000 ft of climbing and 16,000 ft of descent. Runners must carry a 1 lb railroad spike for the duration of the race; finishers throw the nail into a coffin and receive an engraved spike. Historically about 60% of starters finish the race. Course records are 13:31:29 for the female course record and 11:26:54 for the male course record. Completing the race in under 24 hours earns one entry to the Western States Endurance Run lottery for 2027.
Entry, logistics, and rules
The 2026 race is sold out and a waitlist is open until June 1, 2025. All 2026 entrants must either complete a minimum of six volunteer hours at any trail race or trail maintenance, or pay a $20 opt-out fee that will be donated to the Benton Mackaye Trail Association or Georgia SORBA. Volunteer hours or the fee must be submitted by race day, using a signed verification form. Registration includes a hat and pint glass; additional merchandise may be purchased. Packet pickup is at Amicalola Lodge the Friday night before the race. The event has a 25-hour total cutoff with hard cutoffs at aid stations, and pacers are not allowed. Maps, aid station breakdowns, and cutoff details are provided for each distance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.