Georgia Death Race is a 68 miles / 109km ultra marathon in Blairsville, United States. Distance: 109km. Elevation: 5,500m D+. Difficulty: brutal (Challenge Rating 58/100). DNF rate: 25%. Time limit: 24h. Surface: trail. Established 2012.
Georgia Death Race
Blairsville, Georgia, United States
"68 miles through the Georgia mountains. Blood Mountain, Slaughter Gap, and Appalachian trails."
A brutal 68-mile mountain race in northern Georgia on the Appalachian Trail.
The Course
A brutal 68-mile race through northern Georgia, crossing Blood Mountain, Slaughter Gap, and the Appalachian Trail.
mountainous
loop
7
Runner Experience
Standard aid station support with food, drinks, and basic medical assistance at regular intervals.
Post-race gathering with awards, food, and shared stories. The ultra community spirit is strong at Georgia Death Race.
Race Day Weather
8°C
-2° – 16°
60%
35%
Appalachian spring — unpredictable. Snow, rain, ice, or warm sun all possible.
Stats & Records
2012
250
18:00:00
Entry
$195
September
days
Lore & Trivia
The Georgia Death Race was created by Sean Blanton of Barkley Marathons fame — a man who believes ultrarunning should hurt. The 110km course through the Appalachian Mountains of north Georgia packs 4,000m of elevation gain into relentless short climbs and descents, crossing Blood Mountain, Slaughter Gap, and other ominously named features. The race starts at midnight and the cutoff is 36 hours, meaning most runners experience at least one full night in the mountains. The attrition is brutal — DNF rates regularly exceed 30% — but the Appalachian community atmosphere keeps runners coming back.
- ▸ Blood Mountain and Slaughter Gap — names that match the race's character.
- ▸ Part of the Appalachian Trail is included in the course.
- ▸ One of the most popular US ultras, selling out within hours.
Sean Blanton made the race. The Appalachian Mountains made it hurt. Together they created something special.
Notable Editions
The Midnight Start That Changed Everything
The race's midnight start became its signature — sending runners into the Appalachian darkness, climbing Blood Mountain in the dead of night, sets a psychological tone that day-start races can't match.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Georgia Death Race? +
Georgia Death Race is a 68 miles / 109km (109km) ultra marathon with 5,500m of elevation gain. The course is loop on trail terrain.
How hard is Georgia Death Race? +
Georgia Death Race is rated brutal with a Challenge Rating of 58/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 25%. Runners have 24 hours to finish.
What is the weather like at Georgia Death Race? +
Average temperature is 8°C (range -2°C to 16°C) with 60% humidity and a 35% chance of rain. Appalachian spring — unpredictable. Snow, rain, ice, or warm sun all possible.
Are crew and pacers allowed at Georgia Death Race? +
Crew access is allowed. Pacers are allowed after 65km.
What is the average finish time for Georgia Death Race? +
The average finish time is 18:00:00. About 250 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 25%.
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