Merrill's Mile

Run for the Rhodos is a unique, blossoming event presented by Hamilton Gardens of the entertainment rich Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds nestled in exceptionally scenic Hiawassee, Georgia.

This runner/walker friendly 5K experience offers racers a woodland trail course that immerses you in our ravishing Rhododendron Garden while in its full bloom splendor!

The proceeds from your participation in our 2026 Rhodo Fest garden run will support Hamilton Garden's on-going mission to FUEL NATURE!

All participants registered before April 8, 2026, will receive a Rhodo Race Tee featuring BUZZ bee!

Honorary Finisher Awards

1st finishing Male, Female, and Master's Finisher (65 years and older)

A Hiawassee, Georgia Local Love basket filled to the rim with goodies.

1st Child Finisher Male and Female (12 years of age or younger)

A Hiawassee, Georgia Local Love basket with a 1 all day Carnival Pass for the Georgia Mountain Fair!

You run and/or walk for the Rhodos and cross the finish line...you will get a prize as well.

In partnership with Elachee Nature Science Center. This event offers a 7 mile and 3 mile trail race through the trails of the Chicopee Woods Nature Preserve. You'll pass through rhododendron groves, across creeks, traverse a 140ft suspension bridge, and climb the rolling pine needle covered trails to the finish. This is truly a fast and fun classic trail race with something for everyone! In addition, bring your little ones for a kids trail race (chaperones allowed) on a short loop around the nature preserve.

3Hr Cutoff for the 7 mile race. Email us if you'd like an earlier start. info@summitrunco.com

The Elachee Nature Science Center promotes environmental understanding through education and conservation by getting children outside, by creating bridges between people and nature, and by caring for Chicopee Woods so that it is accessible to our community now and into the future.

A parking pass is required to enter Chicopee Woods. As part of your race registration, you will have the opportunity to purchase an Elachee membership at a significant discount, which includes an annual parking pass. In addition, new membership purchases will receive guaranteed priority parking near the start/finish line. Non-members will be required to use overflow parking and/or a shuttle service.

We know you'll love these trails and will want to keep coming back for more! Team Summit will host TWO group trail runs prior to the race for you to preview the race course.

Group Trail Run Dates

Coming soon!