2026 Fort Yargo Thrill in The Hills

The 2026 Fort Yargo Thrill in The Hills is scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026, in Winder, Georgia, at Fort Yargo State Park, located at 210 South Broad Street. The event is expected to take place under mostly clear skies with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 50°F, offering a mild and comfortable environment for participants. This trail running event provides a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the park's wooded terrain, featuring well-groomed single and double-track paths that wind through rolling hills and exposed roots. Participants can expect a challenging yet rewarding run that immerses them in the forest, with the course designed to offer a variety of distances and formats for runners of all levels.

What distances are available for this event?

• →50K Solo
• →50K 2-Person Relay
• →50K 3-Person Relay
• →21K (half marathon distance)
• →5 Miler

What are the start times for each race distance?

• →50K (Solo and Relay teams): 7:30 AM
• →21K: 8:00 AM
• →5 Miler: 8:15 AM

What is the course structure for the 50K distances?

• →The 50K (Solo and Relay) consists of two full laps of the main trail loop plus an additional 5-mile out-and-back section. Relay exchange zones are located just below the main parking lot near the Start/Finish area. All relay team members must complete at least one leg.

What is the course structure for the 21K?

• →The 21K is one complete lap of the main trail loop, covering approximately half the 50K distance with the same trail characteristics.

What is the course structure for the 5 Miler?

• →The 5 Miler begins on pavement for 0.25 miles, then enters single track just past the Nature Center Pavilion for the remainder of the route.

Where are the aid stations located?

• →Aid stations are located at approximately 1.5 miles (Wil-A-Way Road Crossing), 5.05 miles (near cabins/campground area), 9.65 miles (Primitive Camping Area), and 13.1 miles (just outside Nature Center Pavilion). 21K runners pass each station once; 50K runners pass stations twice plus encounter additional support on the 5-mile extension loop.

What is the event schedule for packet pickup?

• →Packet pickup opens at 6:00 AM for all distances.

What is the event motto and how does it reflect the experience?

• →The event motto "Ditch the City" reflects the immersive experience of running through the dense woods of Fort Yargo State Park, offering a sense of escape from urban surroundings despite the park's proximity to suburban Atlanta.

What is the significance of the 2026 event?

• →The 2026 Fort Yargo Thrill in The Hills marks the 19th annual edition of the event, held at the scenic Fort Yargo State Park with its lake views and mature hardwood forest setting.