Marathon 1st half is Hell, 2nd half is Heaven
The race begins at the staging area and heads north with 400 feet of vertical climb up a gravel service road into Unicoi State Park. Follow the rolling hills down into Unicoi and turn right onto the Bottoms Loop Trail. From here, you will climb up to GA HWY 356 at mile 3 and will turn left to cross over the Smith Creek Dam.
Get a nice view of the water as you run along the Lake Trail making your way to your first aid station at mile 4. Refuel here b/c the next water station is at the 9.5 mile mark (First Blood aid station)
From the beach, you will split with the 1/2 marathon course and run up Anna Ruby Falls Road toward the the falls and the Anna Ruby Falls Visitor Center. The Visitor Center and this road section will be closed to cars due to park hours. Get a good view of the falls and drop back onto the trail system by taking the Smith Creek Trail to the next trail intersection and our very limited aid station (water only) at mile mark 9.5.
Push up the climb on FS 690 toward Tray Mountain Road and the Appalachian Trail. When you reach the top, you’re at mile 15 and you’re done climbing!
Make you way back to First Blood aid station and continue downhill to Bear Trap aid station. Continue into Unicoi State Park. Get your last water stop at the Field Aid Station and continue about 3 miles to the finish! Enjoy a victory beer and soak your feet in the Chattahoochee River. You’ve earned it!