Amicalola Falls Marathon

DEC
5
2026
Run through Amicalola Falls State Park on a course that features the park's famous 605-step climb. The marathon route offers over 6,000 feet of elevation change on scenic singletrack trails. Participants receive race swag, professional photos, and can compete for awards in multiple categories.
Sat 5 Dec 2026
26 miles 13 miles

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Event Overview

The Amicalola Falls Marathon and Half Marathon take place in Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville, Georgia. The course consists of two loops for the full marathon distance, totaling 26.2 miles. Runners navigate a mix of trail types, with 83% of the route being singletrack and 17% on gravel or paved surfaces.

Course Details

The route includes significant elevation changes: the full marathon course has approximately 6,400 feet of total elevation gain and loss, while the half marathon course has about 3,200 feet. A notable feature is that runners ascend the 605 steps of the Appalachian Approach Trail at Amicalola Falls, which they will do twice during the full marathon. The course is marked with signs and flagging.

Race Features

  • The event provides two fully stocked aid stations with food, drinks, and medical support.
  • Participants receive a finisher's medal and a race shirt or hat.
  • A professional media team takes photos and videos, available to runners for free after the event.
  • Timing is handled by a professional service.

Awards

Awards are given for the marathon and half marathon distances. Categories include Overall, Masters (50 and up), and Age Group (25 and under, and 26-49) for both men and women. First-place overall winners in both the full and half marathon distances win a free entry for the following year's event.

Participant Guidelines

The event has a 7-hour cutoff time for the marathon, which equates to a pace of 16:01 per mile. Crew access is permitted only at the start/finish area. Trekking poles are allowed, but pacers are not permitted. Entry transfers to another runner for the same event are allowed until five days before race day, but no refunds are issued. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

26 mi
Marathon
13 mi
Half Marathon