Helenback Race Series
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Helenback : Helen, GA
Helenback is a trail running event held near downtown Helen, Georgia, with start and finish on a field adjoining the Chattahoochee River. The event includes the following distances:
- Marathon
- Half Marathon
- 4 Miler
The event includes a post-race party with food, drinks, and music. It is run as a non-profit event with a portion of proceeds supporting Unicoi State Park and White County ROTC. Awards for the marathon and half marathon include top three overall places and first place masters and grandmasters.
Course and logistics
All courses begin by climbing about 400 feet on a gravel service road into Unicoi State Park and follow the park trail system, Bottoms Loop Trail, Lake Trail, Smith Creek Trail, and sections near the Appalachian Trail and Tray Mountain. The marathon and half marathon routes share sections around Anna Ruby Falls, the lake, and Smith Creek; several named aid stations appear along the courses (first aid around mile 4, a limited water-only aid station near mile 9.5, and additional aid at Bear Trap and the field). Course cutoffs are enforced at several checkpoints. There will be port-o-johns at the start/finish area. Parking is available for about 150 cars at the start field, with overflow parking across the river about 0.25 mile away. Packet pickup is available on Friday afternoon and on race day. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
