Heart of the South Road Race
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Event Overview
The Last Annual Heart of the South Road Race (HOTS) is a 351-mile event described as an adventure for "only the most daring." The route is not disclosed to participants in advance.
Course and Format
Participants park their vehicles at a location on Sand Mountain in North Georgia. They then board tour buses without knowing their precise destination, only that it will be between 300 and 350 miles away. Upon arrival, they receive maps for the course back to their vehicles. After an overnight hotel stay, they are bused to the start line the following morning. Runners then have 10 days to return to their vehicles, relying only on supplies they can carry or obtain along the way. The event involves twice-daily mandatory location check-ins by phone.
Logistics and Rules
A tracking system is maintained twice daily. Runners who choose to drop out are transported back to their vehicles. Upon finishing, participants are shuttled with their vehicles to nearby motels. The event has a specific policy for unaided runners, who are lodged in double-occupancy motel rooms before the start. Failure to complete the mandatory check-ins "will result in a search." Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.