Helenback Race Series
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Helenback Race Series : April 18, 2026
Helenback takes place in Helen, Georgia, with races that start and finish on the field adjoining the Chattahoochee River near downtown Helen. Distances offered:
- Marathon
- Half Marathon
- 4 Miler
The event is organized as a 100% non-profit. A portion of proceeds supports Unicoi State Park and White County ROTC. Registration is final - no refunds, transfers, or deferrals are allowed. There will be no race day registration if the event sells out. All races have a mandatory pre-race meeting 20 minutes before the start.
Course, logistics and cutoffs
Courses run primarily on trails through Unicoi State Park and adjacent forest. All routes begin with a climb of about 400 feet on a gravel service road into Unicoi, then use the Bottoms Loop Trail, Lake Trail, and sections around Smith Creek and Anna Ruby Falls. The marathon route includes Tray Mountain and multiple aid stations. Aid stations are provided roughly every 4-6 miles and some are limited to water only.
Marathon cutoffs include being past Anna Ruby Falls by 9:00 am (approx 6 miles), a cutoff at mile 9.6, Tray Mountain at mile 15, and Bear Trap at mile 21.9. The marathon has a 7 hour time limit; the half marathon has a 4.5 hour time limit. Half marathon cutoffs include Bear Trap and the Field aid station.
Parking for about 150 cars is available at the start/finish field; overflow parking is across the river at the outlet mall, about a 0.25 mile walk back to the field. Packet pickup is available Friday at the start/finish area and on race day at the start/finish area. Awards for marathon and half include top 3 overall and first place masters and grandmasters. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
