2026 Helenback Race Series

The 2026 Helenback Race Series will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Helen, Georgia, United States. The event is held in the scenic surroundings of Unicoi State Park, offering runners a challenging trail running experience through forests, ridgelines, and scenic trails. The weather on the day is expected to be mild, with a typical high of 72°F and a low of 44°F, reflecting classic spring mountain conditions in North Georgia. Participants can expect a mix of elevation changes, technical trail sections, and stunning natural landscapes throughout the course.

What distances are available for this event?

• →Marathon (26.2 miles)
• →Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
• →4 Miler

What are the start times for each race?

• →Marathon: 7:00 AM
• →Half Marathon: 8:30 AM
• →4 Miler: 10:30 AM

What are the time limits for each race?

• →Marathon: 7 hours
• →Half Marathon: 4.5 hours

What are the cutoff times for each race?

Marathon Cutoffs:

• →Anna Ruby Falls by 9:00 AM (~mile 6)
• →1st Blood (mile 9.6): 9:30 AM
• →Tray Mountain (mile 15): 11:00 AM
• →Bear Trap (mile 21.9): 12:45 PM

Half Marathon Cutoffs:

• →Bear Trap: 11:45 AM
• →Field Station: 12:15 PM

What awards are given for each race?

• →Top 3 Overall for Men and Women
• →1st place Masters and Grandmasters

What are the course records for each race?

• →Marathon Men: Evan Dare (2017) – 3:27:36
• →Marathon Women: Bryn Foster (2023) – 4:23:57
• →Half Marathon Men: James Thompson (2022) – 1:49:24
• →Half Marathon Women: Mary White (2019) – 2:10:08

What is included in the race registration?

• →Access to the race course
• →Aid stations along the route
• →Mandatory pre-race meeting for all runners
• →Awards for top finishers
• →Support for Unicoi State Park and White County ROTC

Is there a discount available for race registration?

• →GUTS members receive a $5 discount

Are there any restrictions on race day registration?

• →No race day registration is available if the event is sold out before race day

What is the refund policy for the event?

• →No refunds, transfers, or deferrals are offered for any reason

What is the packet pickup schedule?

• →Friday, April 17: 3:00–5:00 PM at the start/finish area
• →Race Day: Starting 6:15 AM at the start/finish area

What is the weather forecast for the event day?

• →Typically High 72°F / Low 44°F
• →Expect classic spring mountain conditions in North Georgia

What is the course like for each race?

Marathon Course:

• →Starts and finishes on the field adjoining the Chattahoochee River
• →Includes a 400-foot vertical climb into Unicoi State Park
• →Features climbs and descents through Unicoi, Smith Creek Dam, and the Appalachian Trail
• →Includes aid stations and checkpoints at key points

Half Marathon Course:

• →Starts and finishes on the field adjoining the Chattahoochee River
• →Includes a 400-foot climb into Unicoi State Park
• →Features a loop around the lake and climbs to Bear Trap and Hickory Nut Ridge
• →Includes aid stations and checkpoints at key points

4 Miler Course:

• →Starts and finishes on the field adjoining the Chattahoochee River
• →Includes a 400-foot climb for panoramic views
• →Winds through pine, rhododendron, and hardwood forest
• →Parallels the lower Smith Creek and descends back to the finish

Are there any mandatory requirements for participants?

• →Mandatory pre-race meeting 20 minutes before each start
• →Participants must follow the course and adhere to cutoff times
• →No race day registration if the event is sold out before race day
• →No refunds, transfers, or deferrals are offered for any reason