Hiawassee Half Marathon
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Event
The Hiawassee Half Marathon & 5K is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Hiawassee, Georgia. The race starts and finishes in Hiawassee Town Square. The event is presented as the inaugural running of these distances and is a 100% non-profit event; net proceeds will benefit Hikeawassee, a free Appalachian Trail hiker shuttle.
Distances
- Half marathon
- 5K
Course and logistics
Both courses run on paved roads around the mountain-lake community and include views of Lake Chatuge. The half marathon makes a full 360-degree tour of the lake shoreline. The organizers describe the terrain as primarily flat with well-maintained road surfaces. Elevations listed for the 5K are minimum 1,930 ft and maximum 1,985 ft. Elevations listed for the half marathon are minimum 1,930 ft and maximum 2,075 ft. Packet pickup is available the day before at a local outdoor retailer and on race morning at the start/finish area. All participants receive a t-shirt in their packet; all finishers receive a locally made finisher medal.
Entry, awards and policies
Published entry fees are $35 for the 5K ($45 after January 31, 2026) and $85 for the half marathon ($95 after January 31, 2026). The half marathon has a four-hour time limit (equivalent to an 18 minutes 20 seconds per mile pace). Awards are given to top three men and women and top men and women in Master and Grand Master categories, with no duplication of awards. The event policy states no refunds, no transfers, and no deferrals. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
