Run for the Rhodos 5K

The Goat Cliff Road Race is a thrilling one-mile challenge on a paved road that begins on Acorn Creek Road, nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Burton in Clayton, Georgia. This race features a challenging 500-foot climb in elevation up the famous Sonya Road, making it perfect for runners seeking both a physical and visual treat. Participants will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Lake Burton, renowned for its serene beauty, million dollar homes and crystal-clear waters. Not to mention the stunning North Georgia Mountains views.

Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a nature enthusiast, the Goat Cliff Road Race promises an unforgettable experience amid the splendor of the mountains.

ALL PROCEEDS ARE DONATED TO THE LOCAL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT!! THANK YOU FOR ANY SIGNUPS AND DONATIONS!

Finisher T-Shirt included

Medals will be awarded to the top finishers in SIX divisions:

*Men’s Division

*Women’s Division

*Kid’s Division UPDATE

Happy to announce that due to the high number of youth registrations, we’re thrilled to announce three separate Kid’s Divisions, each with its own medal opportunities:

•Little Kids – 8 & under (The Little Goats)

•Growing Kids – Ages 9 & 10 (The Young Billies)

•Big Kids – Ages 11–13 (The Mountain Goats)

Note: Goat Cliff is a private road and community normally not open to the public. Join us for this exclusive event as the gates open for this epic challenge

Sign up today as space is limited because parking is limited. You will be provided with parking instructions closer to race day.

Come start your morning with a 5K run at beautiful Meeks Park in Blairsville. This event is a fundraiser for BSA Troop 101. This event will be part of three race series - AAA Health Series, Clover Glove Series, and Black Bag Racing Series. Bring a friend!

Event details and schedule

Registration opens at 7:00 am at Pavillion #3 by the baseball field. Signs will be posted. Race day registration will be available.

Virtual Runners: Times must be to [email protected] before noon on 9/13/25.

Please join us for the 2nd. Annual Running of the “Your Heart Counts 5K” Once again presented by Union General Health System! Saturday Morning – October 3rd. 2026 – 8:00 AM Race Start – Meeks Park – Blairsville, GA! Come enjoy this absolutely beautiful race route that combines the paths of Meeks Park with a beautiful fall morning in the Mountains of North Georgia. All for a great cause to support Cardiac Health through Union General. So Please wear RED in support of this outstanding cause as Heart Disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It will be an amazing morning so we hope you’ll plan to join us!

Registration: $30 Pre-Race Registration Fee (Runs until 11:59 PM, Sunday evening, September 27th.) You must register by this date to guarantee your T-shirt size and lock in at the reduced rate!) $40 Race Day Registration Rate.

Race Day Logistics & Schedule of Events:

Race Day Registration / Race Location: Adjacent to Pavilion #3 in Meeks Park located at 490 Meeks Park Rd., Blairsville, GA 30512.

*6:45 AM Race Day Registration

*7:45 AM Race Day Registration Closes

*7:55 AM Pre-Race Announcements

*8:00 AM “Your Heart Counts 5K” Start Time

*9:15 AM Race Awards Presentation

Pre-Race Packet Pick-up for those pre-registered:

Pre-Race Packet Pick-up will be held Friday, October 2nd. from 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM at the Union General Wellness Center located at 376 Deep South Farm Rd., Blairsville, GA 30512.

Race Route:

Both the Start and Finish Lines are located adjacent to Pavilion #3 in Meeks Park. Meeks Park is one of the most BEAUTIFUL parks in all of the North Georgia Mountains! The race route itself is a mix of pavement and some hard-pack gravel with gentle rolling hills along a scenic creek!

Race Start-Finish & Race Day Parking:

There is plenty of parking in Meeks Park itself so don’t sweat that! You will follow the main road into the park (stay straight!) and you will see the main parking lots on both your left and right. Parking is free!

Awards:

Awards will be given to the following:

*Top 3 Overall Male and Top 3 Overall Female Winners

*Top Masters Male and Top Masters Female Winners

*Top 3 Male & Female in the following Age Categories: 10-Under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & Over

We do hope you will join for this outstanding year one race in support of Cardiac Health!

Please note, this is a rain or shine event!!

Lace up for a crisp fall morning run through one of North Georgia’s most picturesque settings. The race begins on the beautiful Young Harris, Mayor's Park beside the College campus, surrounded by colorful autumn leaves and the charming energy of a college town. The course winds into the serene trails of Cupid Falls Park, where the soothing sounds of the waterfall greet you before opening up to scenic pathways along the creek.

From there, you’ll pass the Young Harris College athletic fields, where the mountain backdrop reminds you why this is running paradise. The route loops back through campus, taking in the historic buildings and lively student support, before a triumphant final stretch. Your glorious finish awaits at Sharp United Methodist Church, where volunteers will be cheering you on coming through the finisher's shoot to celebrate your run/walk achievement.

Due to elevation and various ground changes & conditions….No strollers and No Pets in the race.