48th Annual Hogpen Hill Climb 18K and Cool River Tubing 5K

DETAILS HERE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

For most up to date details, visit: https://www.granfondonationalseries.com/gran-fondo-georgia

TOUR OF GEORGIA GRAN FONDO

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KEY INFORMATION

Helen, GA

Sunday, April 19 , 2026

Click here to save to your google calendar

Event Open to All from Beginner to Elite

3 Loops to Choose From

Gran & Medio riders start at 8am; Piccolo riders start at 10am

4 Timed Sections in the Gran Route – Best Combined Time Wins

Complete event details available at https://www.granfondonationalseries.com/gran-fondo-georgia

Age Group Categories

No racing license required

We reserve the right to combine fields.

Super Prizes!

Custom “Race Winner” kit From SUAREZ for all Gran Route age group winners

Awards for Gran, Medio, and Piccolo age-group podiums

Great Finish-Line Party

Post Ride Meal Included

Congratulatory Finisher Beer

Huge Prize Raffle

All riders are eligible to win incredible prizes from Gran Fondo National Series sponsors!

Course Maps

https://www.granfondonationalseries.com/georgia-maps

U23 Made Possible By Shimano

Riders who will be 23 years of age or under as of December 31, 2026, are eligible to use the coupon code: U23byShimano at checkout for any of the company’s owned SENA Gran Fondo National Series events including Gran Fondo Florida, Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo, Highlands Gran Fondo, Gran Fondo Asheville, Boone Gran Fondo, Gran Fondo Maryland, as well as the 2026 USA Cycling Gran Fondo National Championships. The offer is limited to participants under the age of 23 and entrants are verified by their age. Juniors – cyclists under the age of 18 – are eligible to use the same coupon code.

Packet Pick up / Check-in / Bike Expo

(Watch for updated Information on these dates and locations the below is from 2025 but will likely be the same)

Pick up on Friday to avoid the morning rush

Friday from 3:00PM to 7:00PM at City of Helen Riverside Park - 812 Edelweiss Strasse, Helen, GA 30545!

Saturday from 6:00 AM up until 30 mins prior to your start time 807 Edelweiss Strasse Helen, GA 30545 (Race Start/Finish).

What does the price of your entry include?

• Traffic control

• Fully stocked aid stations with energy product and food

• Four timed sections (requires over $100,000 in timing equipment)

• Goody-bag with various swag items

• Finisher gift for all Gran Route Finishers

• Awards for age-group placement

• Chance to win and Prizes for placement

• Chance to win raffle prizes

• The enjoyment of riding an amazing cycling route

2026 Course Description:

Nestled in the Bavarian Alpine village of Helen, GA the ride starts in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains. After rolling out of Helen the route hits the first timed segment at mile 2.5, where any riders with intentions of an overall podium finish will need to put their cards on the table from the start. The first time section immediately enters the mountainous area made famous by the 2003-2008 Tour de Georgia. In 2008, Unicoi Gap was the second to last climb on the approach to the race-deciding ascent up Brasstown Bald where Kanstantin Suitsou got the jump on Trent Lowe and Levi Leipheimer to win the event. As riders tackle this timed section they cover over 7 miles and climb 1500ft to the top of Unicoi Gap. The climb is very gradual for several miles, before turning into a real alpine ascent. Enjoy the vistas of the Chattahoochee National Forest on the descent before turning left and climbing up and over Jack’s Gap.

A left turn on Richard Russell Scenic Hwy will put riders face to face with the 2nd timed section, Hogpen gap. Within 6.5 miles and another 1500ft, riders will reach the highest point on the course at 3469ft with ramps of 12%. The views at the top of the surrounding peaks are breathtaking. Check your speed and be careful on the descent as there are many sharp turns. Enjoy the ride through the forest knowing that the hardest riding is behind you.

After tackling the two biggest climbs of the day riders will head east from Helen through Unicoi State Park. The route then hits the 3rd timed section at mile 46, comprised of rolling terrain for a 4 mile section. Riders then get to enjoy a non-timed section of the route for the next 30 miles as the route explore the area round Lake Burton and Seed Lake. Be sure to save a bit of energy for the final time section, it only last just over 2 miles but at over 80 miles in to the day you'll need to find some go go power.

The route finishes back into the landmark town of Helen where, in 1969, local business owners collaborated to create what is now called “Bavaria in the Appalachians.” Just outside of Helen on the route is the Nacoochee Indian Mound, the center of the ancient Cherokee town of Gauxule, visited by Desoto in his search for gold. Be sure to plan to stick around for beers, food and music served up at the finish line.

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Join us for the 14th annual Helen Holiday Trail Race by Run Bum Races

2026 Registration Opens on March 16th at 10am! Helen Holiday Trail Races from Mary Lide Parker on Vimeo.

Additional Information

Cutoff time for the is 4.5 hours! NO EARLY STARTS! You are responsible for following course markings. Be alert and aware of passing cars at road crossings. We welcome back of the packers! .Follow updates on the race on RunBum Facebook page.Any questions -- please email [email protected] do not mail swag. There are no refunds, transfers or deferments.

Race schedule!

All race info on RunBumTours.com

About the Helen Holiday Half

This is meant to be a fun and scenic trail race. While this is not flat the views are worth it. A great into to Run Bum Races / Trail running. You will hike in spots but it’s fun, safe and beautiful! Normally this race is 50% + female. This race is all about the holidays and having a good time! All half marathon and 10k runners get a medal. YOU MUST REGISTER BY NOVEMBER 1ST TO BE GUARANTEED A MEDAL. This is not a road race. There are no mile markers or age group awards. the half marathon has close to 2,000 ft of climbing and is NOT flat. Overall top three male and female get unique custom awards for racesSee course map and information on runbumtours.com all distance is ish.

Hiker friendly race of sorts

The 10k we welcome walkers. The half marathon if you're a fast hiker you can do but we keep a strict 4.5 hour cutoff time to hike the entire 13 mile course which features 2,000 ft of climbing and some technical trails. You should be able to hike it in that time but thats if youre in shape for hiking that far and on mountain trails. The half marathon is not for walkers or folks who are going couch to half marathon or folks who do not regularly go on trails trying to walk this. We have one water drop for the half at approx 8 miles in with a cut off. It will have water and Gatorade.

Event's current local time: 5:12 AM ET

The Mount Yonah Vertical Race

“Without mountains, we might find ourselves relieved that we can avoid the pain of the ascent, but we will forever miss the thrill of the summit. And in such a terribly scandalous trade-off, it is the absence of pain that becomes the thief of life.” —Craig D. Lounsbrough

Details

Join Team Summit for the third annual Yonah Mountain Vertical Challenge weekend.

Participants will have FOUR options upon registration.

-5,000FT of climbing over 3 summits of Yonah, totaling roughly 25km.

-10,000FT of climbing over 6 summits of Yonah, totaling roughly 50km.

-Double UP - Race both events! Saturday and Sunday

-10,000FT 50k Relay - Grab a friend and tag-team Saturdays 10,000FT 50K! Runners may alternate ascents at their leisure.

Prizes provided by ALTRA Running.

This event sold out in 2024 and 2025! Register now and secure your spot.

The trail is technical and steep for the majority of the climb, with a few sections of scrambling required. As you get closer to the summit, the path becomes a dirt/gravel double-track leading to the top. There are #runnable sections of the trail depending on your skill level.

After-party hosted at NoFo Brew Co - 2 miles from the trailhead!

NEW FOR 2026

Saturday’s 50K will offer a 2-person relay! Bring a friend and tackle the distance together, alternating ascents at your leisure.

NEW FOR 2025!

This will become a two day race over Saturday and Sunday. The 50K will be held on Saturday and the 25K on Sunday.

Location

Yonah Mountain Trailhead

34.63721066176569, -83.72498145886013

Start/Finish will be in the main parking lot for Mt Yonah. This is a gravel lot with limited space, volunteers will direct participants on where to park. Please consider carpooling.

Schedule

Friday February 26th

530PM - Bib Pickup at NOFO Brew Co (Cleveland)

Saturday February 27th

630 AM - Bib Pickup available

8 AM - 10,000FT-50K Race Start

4 PM - Must have started final lap!

6 PM - Course closed

6 PM - After-party at NoFo Brew Co (2 miles away) and bib pickup for 25K

Sunday February 28th

730 AM - Bib Pickup available

9 AM - 5,000FT-25K Race Start

3 PM - Must have started final lap!

5 PM - Course closed

5 PM - After-party at NoFo Brew Co (2 miles away)

The Course

The race course follows the Yonah Mountain hiking trail up to the summit of the mountain. From there you will pass the overlook before returning down the mountain. The trail is runnable in some sections, rocky and rooty in others, and a few spots require scrambling over boulders. The race will start with a quick out and back on the gravel road leading to the trail-head, this is so runners will thin out before hitting the trail. Each time you return from your summit, you will repeat the same out and back, this is necessary to achieve the distance and vert advertised. You may encounter hikers on the course, so use caution and be courteous.

Strava Route

CUTOFFS

10 Hours for the 50K Saturday- You must be on your final summit attempt by 4PM!

8 Hours for the 25K Sunday - You must be on your final summit attempt by 3PM!

HIKING POLES

Allowed!

REQUIRED GEAR

-All Summit events are cup-less. All participants should carry a bottle, bladder, or collapsible cup at all times. Revolution Running Co is donating 150 reusable silicon cups to the event, ask for one during check-in!

-All participants should have a waterproof shell or jacket with them at all times.

-Adequate footwear - the trail is rocky, rooty, wet, muddy, icy, and everything in between. Be prepared.

*This is a mountain race that takes participants up and over 3000' above sea-level. The weather at the summit can feel drastically different from the trailhead. Do not leave the trail-head without the required gear on you at all times. There is no rescue or bail-out point near the summit, except by helicopter.

AID

A full aid station will be provided at the main trailhead, featuring Precision Fuel carb/electrolyte mix(60g of carb/1,000mg of sodium), along with everything else you’d expect including hot food, as well as GF and plant-based options. You will pass this after every loop (roughly every five miles).

There will be a water stop on course near the summit, you will pass it shortly before the summit and again on your way down. Volunteers will be at the mountain-top as well with emergency supplies as-needed, but only for emergencies.

CREWING

Due to limited space at the trailhead, personal pop-up tents/tables are not allowed. If needed, you may use your vehicle for a personal aid setup, being mindful of others visiting the park or participating in the event. Reminder that you will pass through the whole length of the parking area during each repeat.

Sorry, no pacers or crew allowed on the trail with participants.

WEATHER

Our team closely monitors the weather during race weekend and leading up to it for any adverse conditions. The Yonah Mountain Vertical Challenge will be run "rain or shine", but could potentially be delayed or cancelled depending on the severity of any storms and with guidance from the USFS. Your safety and the safety of our crew and volunteers will always be our priority. If storms are expected, keep an eye on your email and our socials for any updates.